Are you really a newbie?

[bprack]

So I keep asking this question to myself...What defines a newbie and why don't I feel like a newbie. I am new to CTC this year and have only done 2 tri's ( 1 INT'L & 1 IM)

[Charlie]

I think only you can answer that.

[bprack]

OK, I'll try. I was looking for some insight as to why. I have been involved with running and cycling for the past 2 years. maybe this is why???

[Charlie]

I think as long as you think you have something to learn in this sport, than you are a newbie.
If you feel like you have not met many others in the sport, you can benefit by being new once again.
I stepped away from the sport for a couple of years. When I returned, it took some time to reacclimatie myself. Not a bad time to be a newbie.
You might just help somebody with all of that experience. Welcome.

[bprack]

Thanks Charlie!!!

[falenosoy007]

i am newbie i been doing sports for quite awhile but never on the competition before or swam in open water from more than 50 yards , i know how to swimm. i avery newbie

you have a great day!!!!!!

[sixpantsmaloney]

I suppose anyone can buy brushes, canvas, and paint and produce something resembling art.

Likewise, most people can bike, swim, and run. Combining them into a "try and finish" is newbie. Trying to, "finish and systemically improve" might ratchet one a few steps above newbie.

I'm solid MOP after only 3 races (2 sprints, 1 oly)*. But reading The Triathlete's Bible makes me realize I'm a total newbie without a clue how to orchestrate the three... yet.

Cheers,
Brian

* I did run for 10 years prior though.

[MarkD]

I've always thought of it like high school or college. Your first year you are a newbie, rookie, freshman. Your second year... sophmore. Your third... junior. Forth... senior. After 4 years, you go to graduate school and really become an expert (maybe in your own mind, but definately experienced enough to render advice on what, or what not, to do).

You may not feel like a newbie, but you are definately a rookie... er... frosh !!

ya dig ?

[Aussie Rob]

Nothing wrong with being a newbie. I dont feel like one in training, but race day sure was a reality check

[watchman]

What would you say a good time for a first time sprint Triathlon? I am 45 . I am going to do my first next month. I am trying to gauge were I am. I am not sure of what point of reference to use. 440 m. swim , 14.3 mile bike, 3.1 mile run. What should each split be?

Mike

[MarkD]

Depends on your goals.

If you want to win: 6 min. swim, 34 min. bike, 18 min run.

If you want to be Age Group competitive: 8 min swim, 37 min bike, 20 min run.

If you want to finish: 20 min swim, 70 minute bike, 40 min run.

I'm sure you fall somewhere in that range !!

Seriously, Mike - there are so many factors to judge expectations vs. success, I wouldn't know where to start...

md

[watchman]

I am at a 12 min. swim, 40 min. bike and 22 min. run
I was training for a Marathon when I broke my ankle in a tackle football game thanksgiving. I am just getting back to running. I have always swam but only in the winter months. I would do 1 1/4 miles twice per week. My last swim was in March. The bike is totally new.
I was just wanting some kind of goal. I would like to do well for my age range.
The swimming I know I can get to what you said. I also think the cycling will be close. The biggest weakness is this ankle in the running.

Thanks for the info

mike

[michaelfenoff]

charlie said:

I think as long as you think you have something to learn in this sport, than you are a newbie.

If this is the case, than I will be a newbie forever. I don't think there is ever going to be a point where I think there is nothing new to learn. Yes, I know a lot about the sport and been around it for a long time, but know everything? absolutely impossible

[Charlie]

Everything is relative.
Give the best and most experienced athletes I know 10 minutes with Mark Allen or Paula Newbie Frasier, and it would seem they have everything to learn.
When this sport ceases to be new to me, I will most likely move on.

[falenosoy007]

WELL GUYS I AM DOING MY FIRST TRIATHLON THIS SUNDAY AT THE GCT I HAVE SWAM LIKE 3 TIMES AT THE POOL AND I FELT PRETTY GOOD IN THE WATER, I DID LIKE 15 LAPS REST LIKE 5 MINUTES DID ANOTHER 5 REST 2 MINUTES AND THEN DID 2 MORE, 1 LAP CONSIDER BACK AND FORTH AT THE POOL , I THINK I DID PRETTY GOOD, AND I USING MY WIFES BIKE, I JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN AND DEDICATE THIS RACE TO THE TROOPS OVERSEAS, CHILDREN WITH CANCER, THE MINERS IN UTAH AND MY NEIGHBOR WITCH SHE IS A CANCER SURVIVOR, . I THINK I AM ALWAYS BE A NEWBIE, I WANT TO TRY THE IRONMAN IN HAWAII WHEN READY. SEE YOU GUYS LATER AND I LET YOU KNOW ON MONDAY!!! OO BY THE WAY I HAVE A SOCCER TOURNAMENT SAT AND SUNDAY!!!! IS GOING TO BE A LONG WEEKEND!!!!!

[Aussie Rob]

Mate, im stoked that you're stoked - but there is a button to the far left of your keyboard, 3rd from the bottom. Toggle it off...all the shouting hurts my brain

[falenosoy007]

I did the GCT felt great and had a lot of fun, i need a lighter bike but i guess in the future. and i finished! sprint bye