Intro and Needing Some Advice

[bh323]

Hey everyone,

I just started training for triathlons about 1.5 month ago. It's been very enjoyable so far and I've made some really huge improvements. My swimming's coming slowly, but I read Total Immersion and I'm at least not drowning anymore. Here's where I need the advice:

I'm a med student at Case and unfortunately don't have any sort of income (read: in huge amounts of financial debt), but I'd like to buy a bike. Well, I need to buy a bike. Anyone have any recommendations for a good solid bikes that might run between $300-500 (used or new)? Or if you have one for sale, that'd be great too!

Also with my swimming: although I've improved on technique and I can feel myself get smoother and just become a better swimmer, I cannot for the life of me improve my endurance. I'm running better than I have ever before, spinning twice a week and swimming twice a week, but whenever I hit the water, it seems like all the stamina that I've worked towards just goes out the window. Any advice? Anyone know of any cheap clinics or master classes available on the east side aka Case area?

I've also never ran in cold weather before. Any advice on good warm weather running clothes that are essential to surviving running outside in the Cleveland winters? Any other advice would be appreciated, thanks!

[jodi]

Hey!

What year are you? I'm a 4th year there (MSTP). To answer a couple of your questions...

Veale doesn't have a masters program anymore, so I go down to Cleveland State, but there are a ton of masters programs around the east side. Check this web site:

www.ohiomasters.com/

For cold weather, I live and die by my Under Armour Cold Gear (tights and turtlenecks). I also have this amazing winter running top with a built-in hood and hand warmers. It changed my enjoyment of running last year. You don't have to dress up like an eskimo to stay warm! Check out Second Sole running store on Mayfield. I know they sell them.

About the bike, your best bet is used, but you need to know your size. How tall are you? You can find a lot of good stuff here and on the Slowtwitch classifieds:

forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?forum=2;

Have fun! This sport is great but very addictive!

:-)

Jodi

[Aussie Rob]

I'm not sure i can help you with the swimming aside from telling you that it will get easier (because it will), although Rob Reddy (CTC member) runs an annual tri-swimming program that people swear by. Info can be found on this board if you're interested.

As far as running outside in winter, it can be done way cheap with stuff you probably already own. I run in a regular pair of sweatpants, form fitting base layer (target has stuff like this cheap), then a long sleeved t-shirt of some kind, and a regular hoodie over the top. For gloves i have a cheap pair of cotton knit ones for $2.99. Warm enough, but not too warm once im warmed up. Fancy gear is nice, but not essential. If you want a visual guide, rent Rocky I and mimic what you see him running in.

Bikes can be tricky, but you should be able to find a decent entry level roadie used off craigslist or slowtwitch classifieds. Measure yourself and find an online calculator to get you in the ballpark. It's not ideal, but if you get in the ballpark, you can tweak the fit as you go along. If you're not sure about what to look for, post it up here and i'd be happy to help you decide if its worth buying (bikes are a bit of a hobby of mine).

The sport can be very expensive, but it doesn't have to be. I operate on an extremely limited budget too, and as long as you're smart (a given for you since you're a med student at case!) you can get great bang for your buck....especially if you're lucky like me and meet people that are willing to help you out from time to time.

Best of luck!

[MarkD]

Outside of the bike - you can do triathlon on a very small budget. Aussie is a great example of this. Hell, I did my first triathlon and bought NOTHING except a $15 pair of swim goggles and $35 in race entry fee. Total expense: $50. I borrowed a bike for that one. If you want to read about swimming, buy "Total Immersion".

[Brandon]

Bike: Try Cragislist for a good used bike. Be sure you know your size before buying, as fit is VERY important. I don't like the idea of buying a used bike that isn't local so I can't ride it first. If I know a specific model and size that fits me I'd consider buying it via mail, but otherwise I wanna ride the thing.

Swim: Keep swimming, it will get better!! It takes quite a bit of time and lots of persistence. At least 2-3 times per week in the water working on technique and doing intervals and you'll be ready by next spring. Ditto the comments on Rob's tri-swimming classes!!!!!!

Clothes: I like to be outside in the winter, so I've tried many different brands/types of clothes. After too much $ spent on gore-tex my thoughts are that a good wicking base layer up top is the most important piece of winter equipment for running IMO. Sucky, thin, cotton gloves work fine for running (not cycling though!!). Don't forget your hat or to let the beard fill in

[Jack Carney]

Welcome!
Agree with the others on most points. On the swimming I remember thinking it would be easy due to being in pretty good shape and man was I surprised. It did get easier after practice but definitely do a masters program or at least a couple sessions if you can with a coach or a good swimmer to advise you because if you practice a lot with a bad stroke you will reinforce it.
On the running the biggest problem I used to have was being overdressed and getting too hot. Unless it is really sub zero a liner and light jacket is all I ever need. Also a headband or cap and gloves. Invest in a few dryfit liners and a jacket if you can so you let the moisture out and don't ever run in cotton.

[MarkD]

If you're folically challenged like me - go for the cap over the headband.

A good pair of winter cycling gloves are GREAT for cold weather running.