Why can't I triathlon?

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2015-12-06 7:37 PM

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Subject: Why can't I triathlon?
Did a sprint yesterday which I was well prepared for as all of my training is at about double race distance. I still had to start taking walk breaks after about 300 metres of the run. I do this in all races. I don't really do it on bricks the few times I actually do them.

I'm thinking it must be something to do with the swim. Did a race 2 months ago and was feeling it in my legs by the end of the swim so yesterday I didn't kick. Same problem.

Thanks in advance.

Pipsyboy.


2015-12-06 7:44 PM
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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?

Outbiking your fitness.



Edited by Left Brain 2015-12-06 7:46 PM
2015-12-06 7:47 PM
in reply to: #5155303

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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?
I took it fairly easy on the swim and bike. I never felt that pushed. I'm a completer not a competer.

My last bike ride was 48k and yesterday was 20.
2015-12-06 7:52 PM
in reply to: pipsyboy

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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?

Can you run a stand alone 5K without waking?

2015-12-06 8:34 PM
in reply to: #5155306

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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?
2015-12-06 8:35 PM
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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?
Ran 10k as my last long run with walk breaks in last 1.5k.


2015-12-06 10:41 PM
in reply to: pipsyboy

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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?

You're biking too hard.

2015-12-07 6:34 AM
in reply to: pipsyboy

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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?

Why do you have to walk?  Cramps, tired legs, breathing?

2015-12-07 7:35 AM
in reply to: pipsyboy

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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?

I agree with LB, pushing too hard on the bike. Sounds like you are not watching your heart rate during the race. Set a target heart rate for the bike and try to keep it there during the race.
2015-12-07 8:37 AM
in reply to: pipsyboy

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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?

My guess is you are pushing the swim and bike harder then you think.  What type of efforts are you putting out in training considering you are training longer then the distances you are racing?   

2015-12-07 8:51 AM
in reply to: pipsyboy


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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?
You say you don't do bricks much. It sounds like you need to work on your bike-run transitions. The bike and the run use different muscle groups and it can be difficult to transition directly from one to another, especially at race pace. The more you practice this, the more you get used to it. My legs always feel awkward at first but then I settle in. Doing the bricks prepares me for that heavy legs feeling and with MORE practice transitions feel better. Are you starting your run slowly and then building speed or are you trying to go all out right off the bike? Also, how hot was it? Did you hydrate at all on the bike? Did you eat a good breakfast that agrees with your GI system before the race?

2015-12-07 9:44 AM
in reply to: turnip13

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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?

A couple of mistakes I make that you might want to look out for:

1.  Nutrition.  I personally cannot just do a sprint without some kind of fueling along the way. I prefer sports drink on the bike, but at least a gel at the end of the bike before I run.    Think about the length of time between when you line up for the swim through the duration of the race. It can be a long time.

2.  Starting out the run too fast.  The momentum from the bike, plus the race adrenaline, may mean you run the first bit too fast.  You will have to force yourself to cool it  a bit.  If you're a "completer not competer" I would bet you're not ready to start your run at a sprint.  Sprinting to a run, for me, means blowing up pretty fast.

Just some possibilities!    It may also be totally mental. If it's what you "always do", then it becomes what you always do.  I would ask the same question as the other person who wondered why you needed to walk. Cramp, etc?  Unless you're physically hurt, or feeling like you're going to pass out, you can try to just slow down a tiny bit until you get your composure.   If it's a deep fatigue, then I would go back to looking at how hard you biked (plus the nutrition question).

2015-12-07 11:39 AM
in reply to: Left Brain

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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?

Originally posted by Left Brain

Can you run a stand alone 5K without waking?

Based on my results a lot of people think I sleep through my 5K's  

Mark

2015-12-07 2:07 PM
in reply to: RedCorvette

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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?
How long before the race do you taper and how? I've noticed if I don't do anything for more than 3 days before the sprint my performance degrades.
2015-12-07 7:35 PM
in reply to: johnthecat


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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?
I'm kind of curious what would happen if you cut everything down. Say, 300 yard swim, 5 mile bike, 1 mile run.
2015-12-07 7:56 PM
in reply to: axteraa

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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?
Originally posted by axteraa

Why do you have to walk?  Cramps, tired legs, breathing?




It is "the wall" type of feeling. Just feel like I have to walk.


2015-12-07 7:59 PM
in reply to: GODAWGS

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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?
Originally posted by GODAWGS


I agree with LB, pushing too hard on the bike. Sounds like you are not watching your heart rate during the race. Set a target heart rate for the bike and try to keep it there during the race.


I don't watch heart rate. Perceived effort.
2015-12-07 8:06 PM
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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?
Originally posted by Goggles Pizzano

My guess is you are pushing the swim and bike harder then you think.  What type of efforts are you putting out in training considering you are training longer then the distances you are racing?   




Training has taken a change recently. Was biking with a guy 20 years younger than me (50-30) who is into beating ALL his Strava pr's EVERY time and able to keep up with him too but got burnt out. Have decided to go more for leisurely distance as we prep for an oly in march.

Swim training is hard /easy 100's type of thing.

Run is one long, one 5k (park run pushing 4 year-old) and a shorter run.

was doing 3x now knocked it back to 2x with a couple of shorter runs and swims thrown in for good measure.


Edited by pipsyboy 2015-12-07 8:15 PM
2015-12-07 8:12 PM
in reply to: turnip13

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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?
Originally posted by turnip13

You say you don't do bricks much. It sounds like you need to work on your bike-run transitions. The bike and the run use different muscle groups and it can be difficult to transition directly from one to another, especially at race pace. The more you practice this, the more you get used to it. My legs always feel awkward at first but then I settle in. Doing the bricks prepares me for that heavy legs feeling and with MORE practice transitions feel better. Are you starting your run slowly and then building speed or are you trying to go all out right off the bike? Also, how hot was it? Did you hydrate at all on the bike? Did you eat a good breakfast that agrees with your GI system before the race?


Hydration might be an issue. Should really be taking in more water in the preceding 24hrs i think.

Had 500ml of Gatorade on bike. didn't feel thirsty or like i needed to drink at the water stations.

Had breakfast of toast and honey and a gel before and after the bike. Didn't feel as if my stomach was the problem.

Was about 25 degrees but in Queensland we are used to that. Didn't feel as if heat was a factor.

Took it easy straight off the bike.
2015-12-07 8:12 PM
in reply to: BikerGrrrl

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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?
Originally posted by BikerGrrrl

A couple of mistakes I make that you might want to look out for:

1.  Nutrition.  I personally cannot just do a sprint without some kind of fueling along the way. I prefer sports drink on the bike, but at least a gel at the end of the bike before I run.    Think about the length of time between when you line up for the swim through the duration of the race. It can be a long time.

2.  Starting out the run too fast.  The momentum from the bike, plus the race adrenaline, may mean you run the first bit too fast.  You will have to force yourself to cool it  a bit.  If you're a "completer not competer" I would bet you're not ready to start your run at a sprint.  Sprinting to a run, for me, means blowing up pretty fast.

Just some possibilities!    It may also be totally mental. If it's what you "always do", then it becomes what you always do.  I would ask the same question as the other person who wondered why you needed to walk. Cramp, etc?  Unless you're physically hurt, or feeling like you're going to pass out, you can try to just slow down a tiny bit until you get your composure.   If it's a deep fatigue, then I would go back to looking at how hard you biked (plus the nutrition question).




See above, lol.
2015-12-07 8:14 PM
in reply to: johnthecat

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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?
Originally posted by johnthecat

How long before the race do you taper and how? I've noticed if I don't do anything for more than 3 days before the sprint my performance degrades.


Taper this time was a complete week off as i was feeling burnt out.

I felt like a coiled spring before the off.


2015-12-07 9:17 PM
in reply to: runtim23

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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?
Originally posted by runtim23

I'm kind of curious what would happen if you cut everything down. Say, 300 yard swim, 5 mile bike, 1 mile run.


I might try it. Have done 40bike/30run brick no problem but took the run REALLY easy. Will let me see if it is the swim killing me.
2015-12-09 6:53 PM
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Subject: RE: Why can't I triathlon?
Ok. Quick update.

Race distance 750/20k/5k

This morning I did 33k bike ride at pretty much the same speed as the race - 25/25.8 kph - and did a half mile brick run (time poor this morning) and the run felt pretty easy. Only stopped because I ran out of time not energy.

So I'm blaming the swim.

Only other difference is training is done on only a coffee at 4am and races after a breakfast as they usually start at 8ish.

At some point I will try a mini tri in training on just a coffee to see how I go.

Edited by pipsyboy 2015-12-09 6:56 PM
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