I'm new to triathlon
BY: tmiddlebrooks on 2016-07-27 3:58 PM

Hello everyone, I'm Todd from Georgia and I'm new to triathlon.

I have been running off and on for most of my life and completed my first half marathon this past June. At the end of June I purchased my first road bike (with the intention of training for a triathlon) and have been riding 2-3 times per week averaging about 25 miles each ride.

I have registered for a super sprint triathlon on August 20th and I'm nervous - mostly about the swim. I'm very excited about getting into this sport and know I will be fine once I get a little more training under my belt.

I look forward to learning from others here as well.

Todd

-----
Todd Middlebrooks
Carrollton, GA
http://www.toddmiddlebrooks.com

RE: I'm new to triathlon
BY: Atlantia on 2016-07-29 8:54 AM

Hi Todd, and welcome! It sounds like you are more than prepared to ride and run, and you'll find that lots of triathletes struggle with the swim at first. There have actually been quite a few swimming posts in the Tri Talk section of the forum just in the last few days, so make sure to check those out. Do you know how to swim? Lessons are a great way to build confidence and make sure you're learning the right technique.
-----
Laura
Blog: http://www.tryandtriagain.com/blog

RE: I'm new to triathlon
BY: tmiddlebrooks on 2016-07-31 11:05 PM

Thanks Laura. I'll check out those posts. While I do know how to swim, I've never done any type of competitive swimming so I haven't focused on form.

I've registered for the shortest swim I could find to get started with (300yds), but I'm still nervous about it.

RE: I'm new to triathlon
BY: Qua17 on 2016-08-05 9:13 AM

Welcome to the party!

One suggestion I have on how to get over the swimming nerves is to try to swim in the water where the race will take place. I've been doing tri for 7 years and I still get nervous about the murky water of the lake where the first tri of the season take place. So, I go for a few practice swims in the days and sweeks leading up to the race to calm my nerves.

One of the nice things about tris is that you can "warm up" before the race. Spending some time in the water on race morning will go a long way towards making the swim as fun as possible!

If you like Beer - come join our mentor group. We'd love to have you. Here is the link: http://beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid...

There are plenty of expert swimmers who can really help you (as they help me).
-----
Dave
Climb To The Clouds 2020
My Son, "Dad, if an 80 year old man can do it, can't you?"
Don't just do the workout... Do the workout right!
"I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat." Winston Churchill

RE: I'm new to triathlon
BY: tmiddlebrooks on 2016-08-08 1:22 PM

Thanks Dave. That's an excellent suggestion. I will try to get some time in the water pre-race. I appreciate the tip!

-----
Todd Middlebrooks
Carrollton, GA
http://www.toddmiddlebrooks.com