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Post by keaveny on Jun 27, 2007 14:34:13 GMT -5
When you break down the components of a Triathlon it is comprised of things we all learned by the time we were five years old. But...
1) I bought my first bike since childhood (when a bike seat used to be called a "seat" not a "saddle")one month ago; 2) I haven't swum (or is it "swam") since I was a kid; 3) and I labor to finish a 5k at an 8:30 pace.
So, I want to be a triathlete, or some variation of triathlete.
1) Bike: Wow, it is addictive. I am buying shoes next week. But I have noticed some minor lower back pain and discomfort between my shoulders when riding. Is this just a result of the bike "breaking me in" as a new rider, or can it be caused by my positioning (or a combination of both).
I did 12 miles yesterday in 40:45 so I wasn't too dissapointed with that considering it had some moderate hills and I was dealing with the aforementioned pain. I have ridden up to 20 miles at a time, but wanted to see what I could do at a Sprint Tri distance.
2)Swim: I figured I would get a membership to my rec center and just get in the pool for the first time in years to recall how to stroke. Or would anyone have better advice for a complete novice?
3) Run: I am no runner, so if I can finish a 5k in under 27m I am pretty happy for now.
4) Ethics: Here is a dilemma. I have looked at the race calendars to pick out the perfect Sprint/Tri to start my new career (well "career" may be a stretch).
I have noticed they are virtually all on Sundays, which presents a problem for me. While I can see that Triathlons are addictive, I already have a religion which requires my participation on Sundays.
I have read it is a part of the ethics of the sport to stay until the end, congratulate folks, thank volunteers, etc.
Assuming a race starts at 8am, I should be able to finish, clean up and be out of there in time to satisfy my God and my addiction. ;D
Maybe I am concerned about leaving "early" too much, but I have always tried to respect the "code" and ethics of sports (which to me seems as important as achievement).
Anyhow, what say you? I really want to participate in this sport "for me" but, like I said, I can't squeeze another religion in my life.
BTW, great forum with terrific information. It is so exciting to see newbies write about their progress and the geniune enjoyment "old-bies" seem to have in helping them gain knowledge.
K
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Post by robreddy on Jun 27, 2007 14:46:56 GMT -5
ok here goes
1. the pain you describe seems common - at some point no matter how long you have been on a bike - it hurts 'some place' - but fit canhelp to reduce some of ths discomfort. getting properly fitted to a bike is very ipmortant. some of the discomfort will go away after miles of practice.
2. wwll you gotta get swimming - so get to the rec center and start swimming. but some lessons and or coaching is invaluable - swimming is hugely technical - a coach can help you improve much faster than going it alone.
3. i never thought i could be a runner either - still not sure i would consider my self a runner - but again some coaching advice can go a long way in helping you improve.
4. not sure i see the eithical issue simply being staying till the end of the race - we all have other priorities and responsibilities - if you need to leave for family reasons, work, other obligations or church - well then leave. i think the ethical thing is to be the best competitor when you are out there - you can do this in lots of ways - not simply staying till the end of the race - volunteer at a race, befriend someone, share information - what ever - i think you get my point
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Post by keaveny on Jun 27, 2007 15:16:34 GMT -5
I like your answer better than the one I saw on a triathlon site. It mentioned you should "always" stay through the awards, etc.
Anyhow, thanks for the input.
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Post by JenCollister on Jun 27, 2007 15:49:14 GMT -5
The only time I stay through awards is if I think I'm going to get something. Nobody cares if you leave early. I'd pick a sprint race that has an early start time, so you are ensured to get out of there on-time.
Welcome to triathlon!
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Post by Deirdre on Jun 27, 2007 16:17:40 GMT -5
Welcome! You couldn't pick a better sport (ok, I'm biased). Don't worry about the awards -- a lot of the races now actually hand them out as you cross the finish. Even at races that don't there are plenty of folks leaving for a number of reasons. Bike -- get a fit at a bike shop specializing in tri fits. It makes a world of difference. It costs a little bit, but is well worth the investment. Run- you're already fine there -- keep up the training and the vary the intensity of the workouts. Swim -- get a couple lessons -- again this can save you a lot of agony. Those that make it look easy, have probably been doing it for years. Sprint -- Greater Cleveland Tri in August will have a ton of CTC support and newbies and you'll fit right in. Have fun! Best of luck starting out - Deirdre
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Post by keaveny on Jun 27, 2007 16:38:32 GMT -5
Again, thanks for all the input.
I am the typical American; baseball, football, basketball have been my competitive sports of choice in the past and this is all new to me.
And a bit intimidating, especially considering it can be expensive and the emphasis on the right equipment can be daunting.
At one point before I bought my bike (after several visits and interrogations from the bike shop) I justed wanted to say, "dude, I just want a bike. And I want to ride the bike. Fast. That's all!"
I just want to go out in my swim trunks, swim a quarter mile, hop on my bike, do what I do, and then run a few miles in my New Balance that feel great to me, in spite of what some guy might tell me at the shoe store.
As far as I know, there is no agent ready to offer me a contract, so, yeah, it is all about me just doing this.
I think this sport is cool for those obsessed with the opportunity to better themselves every time out and have an objective indicator like minutes and seconds.
Another question. Golf courses have a numerical system to indicate course difficulty. It is uniform. You can say, "yeah, I shot an 82 but the course was rated X, which wasn't as difficult as the last course I played at which was rated Y."
Are there any such course ratings for triathlons? Or do you have to have some knowledge of the difficulty of the course from input and not a scientific, numerical value?
I ask this because I don't want to get over my head on a course that has hills from Hades, etc.
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Post by Charlie on Jun 27, 2007 18:34:43 GMT -5
For local races or many larger races across the country, you can ask for feedback here regarding difficulty. Specialty run shops and bike fitting can save you from injury. It is worth the time and money spent. We don't heal like 10 year olds. Some races offer Church services befor the race. I think HFP races do this.
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Post by sidmcmahon on Jun 27, 2007 19:41:40 GMT -5
K Welcome to the sport. I have some of the same dilema's about racing on Sunday. You can find a few races on Saturday however. This year over Memorial Day weekend there was an olympic distance in Portsmouth and a sprint around the Columbus area. In August there is a 1/2 Im in Michigan. So you can race on Saturday although your choices are limited.
Sid
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Post by MattCollister on Jun 27, 2007 19:56:26 GMT -5
There's probably a joke in here about atheism and triathlon.
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Post by keaveny on Jun 27, 2007 20:00:32 GMT -5
K Welcome to the sport. I have some of the same dilema's about racing on Sunday. You can find a few races on Saturday however. This year over Memorial Day weekend there was an olympic distance in Portsmouth and a sprint around the Columbus area. In August there is a 1/2 Im in Michigan. So you can race on Saturday although your choices are limited. Sid Ah, an Irishman like me (judging from the last name McMahon). I am afraid I am no to your caliber yet. I had selected the Findley race of 8 September (a Saturday) as my first one. But it caused me heartache to pass over the earlier, Sunday races. Based on the feedback I can make an 8am race and make it to the 11am Mass (presuming I am not to slow). Once again, I appreciate the feedback and look forward to meeting all of you. Be merciful to me in the beginning, and afterwards I encourage you to pour it on! ;D
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Post by keaveny on Jun 27, 2007 20:05:39 GMT -5
There's probably a joke in here about atheism and triathlon. I am sure there is, but like I said I can't handle two religions (or lackthereof, I guess). After all, I have a wife, and that is more than I can handle at the moment. I am a simpleton, with a simpleton mind.
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Post by Aussie Rob on Jun 27, 2007 20:29:09 GMT -5
I can't help you with the schedualing issue, but as someone new myself that basically came from the couch in January after years of nothing.....my answer to most of your questions is miles. Miles on the bike, on the run, and in the pool. If you need help with the swimming by all means get a few lessons (they will help a lot!)....but just get out there and start logging as many miles as your body will comfortably tolerate (dont want to injure yourself early) and you will see and feel results.
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Post by MarkD on Jun 27, 2007 21:05:03 GMT -5
K - Go to www.trifind.com. You'll find a host of Saturday races there. Click on the state you want. Regarding leaving early. That's a joke. Leave when you want. No code. We all have lives. Sometimes I'm the first one to leave. Sometimes I stick around for hours B.S.ing and/or taking a swim or another bike ride to loosen up. Good luck Rookie. M (I feel like I'm in a Men In Black movie...)
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Post by keaveny on Jun 27, 2007 21:05:18 GMT -5
I can't help you with the schedualing issue, but as someone new myself that basically came from the couch in January after years of nothing.....my answer to most of your questions is miles. Miles on the bike, on the run, and in the pool. If you need help with the swimming by all means get a few lessons (they will help a lot!)....but just get out there and start logging as many miles as your body will comfortably tolerate (dont want to injure yourself early) and you will see and feel results. Yep. That is kind of the approach I have taken...tough love...just go! Swimming will be the last obstacle. I love the bike, and enjoy the run. The swim is something that is a bit daunting, just because I haven't done it for so many years. So I need to follow my own advice and just go!
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Post by keaveny on Jun 27, 2007 21:14:02 GMT -5
K - Go to www.trifind.com. You'll find a host of Saturday races there. Click on the state you want. Regarding leaving early. That's a joke. Leave when you want. No code. We all have lives. Sometimes I'm the first one to leave. Sometimes I stick around for hours B.S.ing and/or taking a swim or another bike ride to loosen up. Good luck Rookie. M (I feel like I'm in a Men In Black movie...) Mark, Thanks. I feel better about that issue with all the great feedback. Now I can actually think about registering for a race. As I said before, maybe I obsess too much about protocol (maybe it is my military father?) but I don't like to crash someone's sport and not play by the rules. Now I can focus on pursuing the sport, getting better, and having fun. Now here come the real questions, like, "what is a transition area like, and what should I pack?"
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Post by Jack Carney on Jun 27, 2007 23:01:51 GMT -5
Check out training Q & A for two threads started by Andrew Joyce that will tell you everything you want to know about the transition areas.
As a fellow Irishman who causes his poor mother a lot of angst at his lack of churchgoing I respect your commitment to both your religion and your sporting life. You have found the right place to learn about triathlon and meet some quality people.
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Post by sarajean on Jun 28, 2007 10:28:46 GMT -5
I'm another person who sees no problem leaving early if you need to get to church. (As an aside, one time I walked "Race for the Cure," hurried from the finish line to the car, changed into my church dress in the car, and when I walked into Sunday School, the teacher looked at my feet and asked, "How was the race?" I'd forgotten to change my shoes. ) I myself try to get to evening church (or evening Bible study) on days when I have a race. If I were Catholic or Lutheran, I'd probably go to church Saturday afternoon before the race, but my denomination doesn't have that option.
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Post by Brian Luther on Jun 28, 2007 14:33:40 GMT -5
Keaveny, Its your faith! Its your time! Its your money! You need to focus on you, period! If your catholic, you can always go to church saturday evening! If not, just try doing the shorter events and bring your attire for church and hit your local denomination in that area! Good luck with your training and have fun along the way! ;D Brian
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Post by Brandon on Jun 29, 2007 11:36:43 GMT -5
Keaveny,
From one newbie to another I think that the best advice is to simply put in some time. I had never swam one lap in my life until last October and have come a long way since. Once you start putting in the miles you'll be amazed at how quickly your body adapts. For me, running can be dangerous if I'm not careful to add mileage slowly, I risk getting injured. The 10% rule might be hard to follow sometimes, but is a goood idea. I would think the pain on the bike is a combo of fit and adapting to being in the saddle. A good fit of your bike is all too important!!
I too was a into basketball and football a few years back. Dang, actually it was more than a few. Nonethless, enjoy the learning experience. I did my first sprint last weekend and immediately registered for another. The irrational/competitive side of me is considering registering for the GCT 1/2 iron in August. I'm hooked.
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Post by keaveny on Jun 29, 2007 15:10:12 GMT -5
Keaveny, From one newbie to another I think that the best advice is to simply put in some time. I had never swam one lap in my life until last October and have come a long way since. Once you start putting in the miles you'll be amazed at how quickly your body adapts. For me, running can be dangerous if I'm not careful to add mileage slowly, I risk getting injured. The 10% rule might be hard to follow sometimes, but is a goood idea. I would think the pain on the bike is a combo of fit and adapting to being in the saddle. A good fit of your bike is all too important!! I too was a into basketball and football a few years back. Dang, actually it was more than a few. Nonethless, enjoy the learning experience. I did my first sprint last weekend and immediately registered for another. The irrational/competitive side of me is considering registering for the GCT 1/2 iron in August. I'm hooked. Pray tell, what is the 10% rule? Also while we are on terminology, is a "Brick" biking and running in sequence? If so, I have done several "bricks" of 13.2 m and 5k. I chose this solely because I intend to (at some point) do the Sylvania Sprint Tri (my wife's family is there and I figured I could parlay it into a weekend trip) and those are the distances. As for the swim, I would like to think 800m is no sweat, but... I need to get in the water. The biggest problem I have with training right now is foolish pride. I gauge my times versus those who've been training for some time. My mind still thinks I am the good athlete I was years' ago and I get frustrated wondering "how long will it take for me to be at the top?" The only way to solve that is to train to get to the top, be content with "bettering myself", or get inked-up, and gnarl like Brent and scare everybody out of my way.
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Post by Aussie Rob on Jun 30, 2007 19:43:17 GMT -5
Prepare for the ego to take a hit. You will be slow, and it will take a long time to get fast. Mine takes a beating every Tuesday....but its a slightly smaller hit each week
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Post by keaveny on Jul 1, 2007 20:44:39 GMT -5
Prepare for the ego to take a hit. You will be slow, and it will take a long time to get fast. Mine takes a beating every Tuesday....but its a slightly smaller hit each week Yep, I see it. I did 15 miles today. Not a big distance for me but I felt like I could go forever at the end. I would've gone longer except I was meeting my family for a cookout at a park (they drove, I rode). Which brings be to another question: runners' (cyclists') high. At about 10 miles I felt comfortable, and not bothered by hills. I was actually climbing hills (not just withstanding them)and kind of surprised myself. When does everyone else hit the "high" in terms of mileage or time? Can anyone shed some light on the "science" of the high so I might know when it is coming or is it just a feel? I took it easy at the beginning today knowing my toughest part of the ride was coming. By the end of the ride I thought I should've pushed harder at the beginning because I had plenty left in the tank at the end.
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Post by Charlie on Jul 1, 2007 20:55:10 GMT -5
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Post by keaveny on Jul 1, 2007 21:05:05 GMT -5
Are you recommending "warming up" with marijuana? Man! And here I got into the sport to get healthy and leave my habits in the past. You apparently can have your cake and eat it too.
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Post by sarajean on Jul 2, 2007 8:51:21 GMT -5
Pray tell, what is the 10% rule? Also while we are on terminology, is a "Brick" biking and running in sequence? The 10% rule says that one should not increase one's distance by more than 10% a week. I learned the hard way that breaking it is not a good idea. You're right, a "brick" is running after cycling. I've heard several explanations for this term. One is that one's legs feel like bricks after cycling. The other is that it's an acronym for " Bike, Run -- ICK!"
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