Ready to learn

[rydawdesign]

Hi, everyone ...
I'm ready to stop thinking about training for my first triathlon and actually get out and do it. I've run a handful of 5k's and finished my first half-marathon in November, but beyond that, I'm new to any form of training, especially in terms of swimming and biking.
I'm reading up on training and fitness, but I'd greatly appreciate any advice.
Thanks,
Ryan

[Aussie Rob]

If you've completed a half, you're starting from a better place than many. Stick around and get involved, you'll learn a ton. I did.

[rydawdesign]

Thanks, Rob. I feel so naive. I pretty much trained for the half-marathon in about a month's time and relied on the fact that I've always been athletic and competitive ... and I know that won't work for a triathlon. So although I'm nervous, I'm also jazzed to get started.

[Jack Carney]

Welcome Ryan. Like Rob said stick around and visit this forum often and post questions and read threads posted by others. There is a wealth of information and wisdom here and the members range from accomplished multi Ironman finishers to newbies like you just getting started.

30 days for a half marathon is not enough. I would assume you found that out because athletic and competetive usually does not prepare you for 13.1 miles of running. You are starting at a perfect time to prepare for this season and guarantee you will enjoy your triathlons much more with the right preparation.

[jodi]

First you have to find a place to swim. Look at this site for some options: www.ohiomasters.com/
Some locations will be better than others. I would shy away from CSU and Shaker if don't swim well because these are fast and very packed teams. There are a bunch of people here who have used great swim coaches, so they can comment on that if you're interested (highly recommended if you are new to swimming)

As for the bike, get a bike and a trainer if you haven't already. Trainers allow you to train indoors. Key for surviving Ohio winters. I also use mine in the summer if I cant get out or have to train early or late. The lowdown on trainers:

Computrainer: The best trainer- hooks up to your computer and you can ride real courses. It varies the resistance. Costs a LOT of cash (>$1000) so you have to be very committed or very rich.

Fluid trainer: Very nice option. I train with a Kurt Kinetic Road machine. You can order for $217 here:
www.bikesportmichigan.com/shop/product.php?productid=16371&cat=0&page=1&featured
Resistance is based on fluid so they are quiet and offer more resistance as you shift into harder and harder gears.

Magnetic: You can get a magnetic unit for really cheap at Performancebike (online or at their store in golden gate). They work just fine, but tend to be a little bit louder. Many will have different resistance settings because as you pedal faster the resistance will decrease.

Find some people to ride with when the ground thaws. Practicing bike handling skills is a must. I'm sure we will have some newbie training sessions this year for bike handling, flat tire changing, open water swimming, etc. This club offers really amazing support for newbies. Try your best to make it out to our group training. The more people you know in the sport the better! And buy some CTC gear. There is nothing better than having a huge group of people cheer you on at your first tri because you're wearing team gear!

And most of all, have fun! This sport is amazing. The people are fantastic. But watch out... it's addictive!



Jodi

[robreddy]

find people and start training with them - ask lots of questions get into a routine

lots of west side folks will help you out

r

[rydawdesign]

Jodi, Jack and Rob ... thanks so much. I'm in the process of getting my schedule organized so that it's open for training. The drawback that I have to overcome (among others) is that I work nights at The Plain Dealer. But I'm committed, so I know it will work out.

Again, thanks for your advice and help. I appreciate it big time.

[Aussie Rob]

I just noticed you live in Lakewood too. There are lots of us near west siders that train together, and you're more than welcome to join in on any and all workouts that we do. During the winter we run hills tuesday nights (usually), and run long on saturday (almost always) in the metroparks. But once the weather breaks there will be lots of opportunities to get involved in some group training sessions. Thats what i did last year....i just started showing up to stuff, got my arse kicked, showed up again next week and got my arse kicked a little less, ask lots of questions while we trained, rinse/repeat.

[rydawdesign]

Thanks for the message ... where can I find more info on group training on the West Side (Lakewood)?

[Mickey Rzymek]

Please note that we will offer a Newbie Training Clinic in conjunction with the Greater Cleveland Triathlon Training Session # 1 on Saturday , May 24, at Mentor Headlands. The clinic will start at 9:15 AM.

Bring all your gear.

If you plan to attend the clinic please RSVP to [e-mail]

[watchman]

Ryan

You are in the right place.
I am new also.
I did my first last September but with little training.

The people on this site are amazing and have a wealth of info. Ask any question and you will get great insight from all sides of an issue. They do not seemed to get bothered by even the simplist of questions.

The best advice I heard was from Matt C. (I think) and it came down to. Listen then experiment and find what works best for you.
Some things apply overall but some have to be according to where you are at, time available and personal goals.

The best advice has been keep having fun with it all.

From me I would say
1. get a good bike
2. swim is more about technique not just grinding it out. ( Ohio Masters)
3. (I just heard this) 10% undertraining is better than 1% overtraining

mike

[rydawdesign]

Thanks, Mike ... and again, to everyone who has offered advice. I apologize now if I have too many questions. My next one: I need direction on getting a bike ... part of Mike's advice was "Get a good bike." I'm not sure what that means, or what I can afford at this point. Thoughts?

[MarkD]

A good bike is not necessary for a first race. I did my first race on a woman's hybrid and did just fine. Just try and find a "performance" road bike. If you don't already have one, you can pick one up used for a couple hundred bucks. He ll, for that matter, you can borrow one for free... Again, don't spend too much on this sport up front unless you want to get serious about it. You've got years to build your equipment arsenal should you get hooked.

[MarkD]

ps: WEST SIDERS RULE !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rydawdesign]

Thanks, Mark.

[Charlie]

rydawdesign said:

I apologize now if I have too many questions. My

I doubt there are too many questions.
I am sure there are more answers then you will know what to do with.

[Jennifer Petkovsek]

I'm going to jump on this one as well. Not a member yet, like Ryan have done the running thing (first marathon last October and loved it) but told myself after that I wanted to do a triathlon. I'm also a westsider!! So I'd like to know more about the training events as well. I don't have a bike yet and need to learn how to swim more efficiently. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. This seems like a great group of people I'd like to get involved with!

[MarkD]

Jennifer - take a look at some of the early posts on this forum - they are packed with useful advice. I learned this sport almost exclusively using this and reading a few select books. For a Newbie - I recommend "The Complete Triathlon Book" by Matt Fitzgerald.

[sarajean]

On the bike issue: I agree with those who say you don't need to spend a lot on the bike. I did my first race on my husband's ancient mountain bike. The following season (which was 5 years later, long story...), I went to Century Cycle in Rocky River, spent $500 on a Giant (brand) "fitness" level road bike, and I've been very happy with it. Of course, I race sprint distance because family commitments don't allow time to train for longer distances.

There's a whole bunch of good information (including a training plan) for newbies at www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/beginner/training.html , but be forewarned: If you go onto the Slowtwitch forums, be prepared to ignore quite a few negative posts.