Triathlon training?

[RCWells]

Anyone here ever do a triathlon? My brother did a "small" one (not sure of the correct terminology but it wasn't a major one) and he rides a road bike a lot. He's done some charity rides of 150-miles, and swam competitively for about 10 yrs. I have recently started riding and have decided that in 2008 I want to do a triathlon with him. We're thinking about doing the Liberty to Liberty Memorial from New York to Philadelphia. It's comprised of a 1-mile swim, 91-mile bike ride and 10K-run. Yeah, it's pretty huge and quite honestly I am intimidated by it while at the same time excited about the challenge.

I will be doing research on how to train, but thought I'd ask here and see if anyone had any advice on training and tips for how to succeed at one of these things.

[SchnellerVert]

I have never done a full Tri but have done numerous mini. The past year I have languished but last month I got back out on the bike and started swiming again. As for running I don't enjoy training one bit for that anymore.

[RCWells]

Advice on training then? Do you have a specific training regimen, diet, etc?

[KrisHolloway]

I got some advice bobby, no more beer. Hahhha. Good luck, godspeed.

[f u z z]

My neightboor is about to do a tri. I will talk to him and get some idears.

[RCWells]

I got some advice bobby, no more beer. Hahhha. Good luck, godspeed.

I very rarely drink chromey homey.

[SchnellerVert]

How far away is this event? What sorta shape are you in now?

[kylebes1]

i have about 200 miles under my belt on the bike, I cannot yet fathom a single 150 mile ride!!

I may do the Tour de Cure tomorrow, in Peachtree City

[RCWells]

How far away is this event? What sorta shape are you in now?

I'm in South MS, this particular Tri is from New York, NY to Philadelphia, PA. BUT, I won't be doing this for another 2yrs. I have plenty of time to build up to it.

I am in uh, so-so "shape". I've been riding my bike now for about a month and a half, usually do about 10 miles or so daily. Right now I don't have the spare time to ride much farther. I did 15 miles a few days ago but it took me an hour and 15mins to do it. I have a "comfort" mountain bike not a road bike so that distance takes some time. My tires are not really even road tires. Eventually, I will get a road bike of course, but for now, this was just to get me started.

I am just not sure how to work up to a 1-mile swim, 91-mile bike ride, and 10K-run all in one event. Obviously I have to spend some time in each but not sure how to divvy it all up.

[Ryan Stewart]

Its not always about the distance. Im a distance runner/rider now and you dont have to run 26 miles in pratice. The key is to mixing it up. Vary your regimen day to day, varying distances from 9 to 20 miles. Dont push yourself day after day, you have to give your body time to rebuild.

As for swimming, get some saltwater time and have someone teach you how to swim without taking in water. I cant stress that enough. I couldnt tell you how many times I have heard that people had to throw up all the nasty water they swallowed right after swimming and being too sick to finish.

Tips on running, if you hit hills take smaller steps but take more of them faster to hold your pace.

Know your route and plan accordingly. And at that distance shoes are very important. Find a running shop that will allow you to "demo" shoes.

[SchnellerVert]

Well for what you are approaching it is very doable to be in shape for it by end of this summer. The swim at 1 mile is the hardest part for most. Many do not swim properly, so for this you will need to go take a few lessons at swimming for strength at like the Y. Can you swim in a lake nearby? This way you can be used to swimming in an area that you just can't reach out for the side and hang on.

The run is an easy one as is the bike. You will need to devote about two hours a day toward the swim and run training but as far as the bike you will need to devote 1 hour a day and expand to 4 a day towards the end of your training. This is to build up a mileage base. A Century is 100 miles and can be done un prepared on a good bike BUT you will have a number of aliments #1 being saddle sore. Do you have a good bike? clipless shoes and gloves and shorts dorky as they maybe they help. Do you plan on using you Mt. Bike? If so slicks are the way and I suggest swapping cogs to a suit a road bike more.

[RCWells]

No, definitely not going to do it on my current bike. I will buy a brand new road bike next year. I graduate school in December and will begin working in the E.R. so I will have plenty of income and plenty of time off to dedicate to the pursuit of the goal. My brother will be moving from Fort Sam Houston to Fort Polk in Sept. (I think), and hopefully he and I will be able to get together on occasion and do some distance riding. Again, we want to do the Liberty to Liberty ( http://www.envirosports.com/events/d...p?eventid=1537 ) in 2008 so I should have more than enough time to prepare, but just want to begin to training now.

That's def. the kind of info I'm looking for though: Thanks RS and SV. Any more tips will be greatly appreciated.

What distances have you run Ryan?

[Ryan Stewart]

From 4 to 21 in training. Obviously you dont need to do anything that serious but its not crucial to do 10k all the time.

Pace yourself and get a training aid. After a while you will be able to hold a set pace but in the beginning I find it hard even for frequent runners have trouble staying consistent.

Also keep an eye out for clubs. There are plenty of people who do these frequently and they will have plenty of advice.

[TwoJ's]

Stp

Hey, if you want to fly out here, I am looking for someone to ride with me on the Seattle to Portland ride. It's like 203 miles in one or two days.

[SchnellerVert]

I was gonna do this years Tour De Trees with my sister but due to finance's that are involved in doing this I opted out. These big style rides now require to much cash to due. The most mileage I have done in a day is a 235 mile ride from Cape Cod to Long Lake Maine. I did this will in H.S. in one day one a racing bike with a back pack on my back. Not a brillant move. It what happens when you have vertical smile on the brain.