|
|
Post by corybarrett on May 7, 2007 19:45:24 GMT -5
Hello my name's Cory Barrett (moved to Cleveland last year) and this will be my first tri season, and I have a ton of questions... but I’ll only try to drop a few. I joined ctc only a couple of days ago hoping that I wouldn't have to do this all in the dark.
I have a strong background in swimming, though it has been a while. And am currently doing workouts of 2 to 3 thousand yards two or three times a week... But that's where my assurance ends.
I made it to a respectable running store where they helped me find the right shoes for my feet, and have been running for the better part of two months (up to about 20 miles a week, nothing over 10k yet). The running has been picking up, and I getting easier and I get lighter (the 210lb frame hurt a bit in the start). I hope to attend some of the weakly runs that the club puts on too.
Now for the hard part... the bike. I've only just begun to ride a rode bike about 2 1/2 weeks ago, I went and purchased one... a good one was fitted and purchased all the required apparel (except a jersey, next on the list). I've always thought that I’ve had fairly good leg strength, but this bike has told me other wise...I have to get my butt in shape (literally).
I was hoping anyone out there could give a beginner (newbie?) a couple of pointers. It would be most appreciated.
Thanks,
Cory
|
|
|
|
Post by jetlink on May 7, 2007 20:20:53 GMT -5
Actually Cory.....
It sounds as if you are really heading in the right direction.....
So, pointers:
1) Run soft surfaces and avoid too much really fast running. Check out the towpath - nice and flat with mostly crushed limestone surface and very nice scenery.
2) The bike thing - well, you butt will probably take some punishment but make sure it is only minor - if you have really bad pain then you probably have a fit issue and not a "newbie bike-rider" issue. Really, you can't expect to ride well unless you are comfortable so make sure the fit is right. Attend some of the CTC rides or bricks - this will be a great opportunity to learn about cycling stuff.
3) Swim - be consistent but it already sounds like you have this one nailed....
4) Have fun and be safe - you are about to become addicted to one of the greatest sports around!!
|
|
|
|
Post by corybarrett on May 7, 2007 21:06:05 GMT -5
ok question... do i need a wet suit?
|
|
|
|
Post by jetlink on May 8, 2007 7:41:00 GMT -5
Eventually - probably.....but for right now I wouldn't worry about it. It's always a big debate on if the wetsuit is important for a sprint distance triathlon......for the olympic distance and anything farther than you will want the wetsuit.
I guess I'm assuming that you will be starting with some sprints........so, for that I would go at it without the wetsuit and possibly acquire one later in the year if triathlon is something that you know for sure you'll be doing and you intend on doing the longer distances.
|
|
|
|
Post by Brent on May 8, 2007 10:52:30 GMT -5
If you want to be fast on the bike. Do the Wednesday night new vision cycling workouts in the valley. Pete will make you fast.
As far as the wetsuit goes, the better swimmer you are the less the wetsuit helps. Since you have a strong swimming background you probably already swim with your butt out of the water so the buoyancy increase is not going to serve the corrective function it does for the rest of us. It will help. Just not as much. In the sprint distance races the amount of increase a good swimmer would get from the suit would probably almost be negated by how long it takes to get it off. However, it is nice to have for the early season races. BRRR!
That said, welcome to the club. I hope to see you on the streets.
|
|
|
|
Post by MarkD on May 8, 2007 11:44:52 GMT -5
The amount of time you'd save with a wet-suit in a sprint race you will lose in transition. Good swimmers don't need 'em for sprint races.
Enjoy the ride. This is an addicting sport...
md
|
|
|
|
Post by suziharman on May 11, 2007 7:30:39 GMT -5
This might go without saying, but I am not sure when you say you are a strong swimmer if that means you are used to open water. Pool swimming is very different than the lake - make sure you practice - I freaked out the first few times in the dark, cold open water...and still freak out the first open water swim of the season!
Practice transitions - get used to "swim to bike" and "bike to run" equipment. Know what you will do when you get to your transition spot - step-by-step. Also, do a few bricks in practice (bike training immediately followed by a run) to know how your legs will feel in a race.
The bike - Dave is right, it will take a little time to "get your butt used to things" (and not just the "butt" I might add), but after a little while you should not be uncomfortable - might need a new seat or adjustment in fit. When you peddle, think of peddling the whole way through the "stroke" - don't just push, pull up too (assuming you have clips or cages) - use the whole stroke.
Nutrition and hydration - my Dad started biking and would go out for 2 hours and not drink anything because "he didn't feel thirsty or hot". He would then feel like crap that night and the next day. Uh...you need to hydrate and feed your body, especially for any workout lasting an hour or more. Watered down Gatorade, Gu/gels are common, but hydration and nutrition are a very personal thing - you'll have to try various things.
|
|
