Triathlon for Beginners

[msalviej]

Hello,

My name is Max. I recently joined the Cleve Tri Club.
I am looking forward to events/training sessions the club will have. I am very new to the triathlon but have always been active in physical activities . i.e Running, Martial Arts.

I am looking for some assistance/suggestions on a few subjects.

1) Swimming - I can swim (not well), but I can float and move from point A-B ;-). I would like to know if there is anybody from the West Side (Lakewood) who would train with me in my swimming. I'm a member of the YMCA.

2) Bikes - There are so much information on Bikes. I get so overwhelmed. Do you recommend to go to a Bike Shop to purchase a Road Bike? Or would buying a road bike from Dick's Sporting Goods suffice?

3) Swimming - As I type this, I think to myself, I really should get some help with my swimming.

4) Events, do you think a newbie should/could compete in the Indoor Triathlons? Do you suggest it?

[JenCollister]

Go to a road bike shop to get a bike. Bike Authority is our sponsor and I would definitely recommend them. You'll be disappointed quickly with any bike you can get at Dick's.

Yes, yes, yes, please do the indoor triathlons. It is a great way to get introduced to the sport and people in a low key way. All levels are welcome from beginner to expert!

[traciezamiska]

i completely agree with jen! check out what bike authority has i think they still have some bikes on sale. we also get a discount there as a member!!

as far as the swimming, you have a few options. first i would suggest finding a masters class on your side of town and stop in. usually there is someone that can give you some tips and advice. also you might want to invest in a few lessons with an instructor. there are few people listed on the CTC website that you can contact.

the indoor tris are a fun relaxed way to get the feel of a tri and a great way to meet some of your fellow triathletes! we have two more coming up.

welcome!

[kenb321]

Hi Max,
I swim at the Lakewood YMCA. I will be there around 5:45 tomorrow if you would like to meet up. I am not a very good swimmer but I can give you pointers to get you started. Yes, 5:45 is early but you get used to it. As far as the bike goes, get some advice from a bike shop. Also, thanks for joining the club, tell your friends!!!

[Aussie Rob]

Hey Max, I'm in lakewood too, and swim at the YMCA. You'll find me there around 10:30am - 12:00pm mon, wed, fri. I'm not a swim expert, but i know some people that are and can share with you what they've shared with me.

As far as bikes - you're in Lakewood, so it makes sense to check out Spin - www.spinbikeshop.com/ - for a road bike (they're on the corner of Madison and Marlowe). Something from Dicks will more or less suck, and you won't get any support from them (which is what makes real bikes shops worth it). Spin's a good shop that will treat you right.

[kenb321]

Rob, are you doing the aquajog with the seniors at 10:30 or is that when you roll out of bed? ;D

[Aussie Rob]

Hah! I'd swim earlier, but they have the old people stuff from 7:45 till 9:45. I used to swim at 6am, but Mason loves going to the "Y.E.A" (still working on Y.M.C.A) so much that i take the kids mid morning to play and get my swim in then.

[unlimited]

Hi Max.....I would definitely check out the year end sales at Bike Authority. They also have a certified tri coach there who is GREAT.

I would highly recommend a few swimming lessons. It will help tremendously!!!!! Worth every penny!!

[sarajean]

Another ditto to the "Avoid Dicks for bikes" advice. When I was starting out, Dick's didn't even have road bikes -- it was just mountain bikes and other bikes with thick tires. I got my road bike at Century Cycle in Rocky River, and I've been pleased with the service I've gotten there.