First Timer Triathlon(er)

Hi there!

 So I made a commitment to myself to try and complete a triathlon in the next 3 years. (5 if necessary). I realize that is a long time period, but I do not swim, bike, or run much now. So, instead of sabotaging my goal by not giving myslef time to get up to speed, I set myself a loose deadline.

I am starting out with walking at lunchtime, alternating with running during the walk. Currently I do not have a bike and only have access to a pool to train in the heat of the summer. This is another reason for the 3/5 years.

 I also have very little time currently to fit the training into my schedule, as I get my two cheildren (3.5yrs and 1.5yrs) ready in the morning, bring one or two of them to daycare, race (in my car) to work, bring them home, make and feed them dinner, then put them to bed. So, my training availability is during my lunch hour at work and after they go to sleep.

I was thinking I would like to get my weight down (currently 5'2", 207#, large frame woman) prior to trying the triathlon, but I have read on the Danskin website that people of all levels can complete them (sprint triathlons). So while reducing my weight is one of my sub-goals, I am eliminating it as a requirement.

I want to get a bike this winter (I live in the chilly Northeast) and a bike trainer, so I can use them on the porch when the kids go to sleep. I'm also thinking about joining the YMCA for pool access once my schedule opens up (kids a bit older).

 Does anyone have recommendations for: a not too expensive bike and trainer, training schedule, and how I should be eating? Has anyone used a trainer outside on a porch in the (frozen) winter? Is it bad for the bike? Should I find an indoor area?

Thanks!

 

hi! i just did my first sprint triathlon in october and im planning on trying to do an olympic length one this summer. however, i am and was overweight when i did my tri ,and i still finished with a decent time. the thing that shocked me the most though, was that even though i trained all the time i didnt lose much weight. since tri training is so intense, a lot of times you work out in an anaerobic state, which is why you gain endurance but fail to lose weight. however i still felt a lot healthier after training, even though my weight didnt change much. also, its important to eat enough carbs when youre training, which also hinders weight loss. i would also recommend drinking something like propel or smart water while training, since you lose a lot of important ions when you sweat.  i dont really have much advice on training, except to keep up with it even when you dont want to, because even taking a week off hurts. anyway, good luck with your training!!

oh, and also if you live anywhere near where they have the subaru womens tri, i would recommend doing that one. thats the one i did, and it was women only, and it was a very supportive environment for first-timers.

I was thinking about the Danskin All Women's. It sounded like a very supportive Tri.

 

Thanks for the intel on the weight loss. At least now I am forwarned that this won't necessarily lead to weight loss too. :-)

Congrats on your goal to be a triathlete! IMO everyone should do a triathlon at some point in their lives, it is a really great experience.  Next summer will be my 6th triathlon season! WOO! Here are some tips for getting started:

Swim: take lessons or find someone that is willing to help you out. Learning proper swim technique will make the swim leg much more enjoyable. Once the kiddies are older, maybe you can swim laps while they take lessons???

Bike: Get a decent road bike or hyrid.  Doesn't need to be top of the line, but it also shouldn't be from Walmart. Go to a bike shop, TRY a few bikes, and then pick one that you love.  As far as trainers, there are tons of very fancy ones out there, you don't need anything too crazy to start out.

Run: Good running shoes!!! Most running shoes are designed for those lightweight, twiggy runner folks, so if you aren't a twig, be ready to replace them more often.  The run/walk plan is a great way to build up your running endurance and keep your HR from going too high.

As far as training plans, there are TONS of plans available online. Look for a beginner sprint or couch to sprint plan that fits your schedule and STICK TO IT. I could go on all day about triathlon, so if you have any more questions, shoot me a message. Go get em, Tiger!

Thanks for the recommendations!

check out beginnertriathlete.com It has tons of great tips an dtraining programs and even eating programs for you while you train. Just ease into it and you will get there sooner than you think.

This past summer was my first tri season and it was awesome. I did 2 sprint tris and an olympic tri. When I did my olympic in september, I still weighed about 205 pounds. I started the season at aroudn220. Once the season ended, the weight came off much easeir. YOu are obviously going to build a lot of muscle so your fitness level will increase, but the number on the scale won't go down as fast as you want.

Have fun with it! Find some running groups in yoru area and go for it!

For running shoes, are Cross Trainers ok? I do a lot of walking, so I was thinking corss trainers might be the route to go at least in the beginning. The running shoes I saw at New Balance (I have super wide shoes and so use them exclusively as they have 2E's in women's) seemed really thin soled when compared to the cross trainers.

Can you use the same shoe for biking?

I'd say no to the cross-trainers.  Cross-trainers are made for lateral (side-to-side) movements like you would do in an aerobics class, running has very little lateral movement. You'd be suprised how much padding is actually packed into those thin little running shoes, and they are shaped to make you more effecient and reduce injuries. Expect to pay $100+ for a decent pair of running shoes, and make sure to have someone that knows what they are doing fit them. Don't be embarassed about going into a running store, just tell them what your goals are and they will be happy to help you out!

Yes and no to using the same shoes for biking. In the beginning, you can get by with using just running shoes. But be careful. Biking in running shoes will put a lot of stress on the little bones of your feet because your whole foot will not be supported. This could mean aching arches and possible stress fractures (if you are putting in a lot of miles). It also could add some stress to your knees. If you aren't having problems, stick with the running shoes...but if it starts to hurt, think about getting a pair of stiff-soled touring shoes (don't worry about clipless shoes and pedals unless you decide this is something you want to keep doing after your first race).

I realize that this whole thing is probably starting to sound very expensive, it is.  But don't worry, just take it one purchase at a time and only buy what you really need, right now.

Another erason I am glad I made it a 3-5 year commitment! :)

Make that reason...