Newbie: Goals Question

chappy said:

1st Goal is to enter a triathlon. I'm planning to try the Stonebridge
Sprint Triathlon in Texas on Oct. 2nd. I'm not sure that every spint
is the same distance so this one is 750m swim in a small man made lake,
14 mile bike, and 5K run.

I'm about 222 lbs. (hope to be <210 by the time the tri rolls around),
6', and about 27% body fat.
I run a 5K in about 23:45, haven't really done to much swimming
especially timed, but I did a mile in the pool in about 35-40 minutes.
I don't even have a road bike, but I can do about 7.5 mile mountain
bike trail in about an hour. I do a 7.5 mile loop on the street on a
mountain bike in about 25-30 minutes. I just did about 7-8 miles on
the mountain bike and a 5K run in right at a hour not really pushing to
hard. I'm planning on renting a road bike for the race.

So the question is what do you all think is a good goal time for me for
this triathlon? Also what kind of time is good for a clydesdalle in a
fairly small event like this? I don't really have enough knowledge to
ask any good questions, but any advice would be appreciated.

Well I found the answer to one of my questions already. It looks like
the 3rd place clydesdale was about 1:23. Do you guys think that a 1:35
goal for me may be pushing it given my stats above. That would put me
at about 9 out of 25 in the clydesdale division. I also had the race
distances wrong. It is a 750M swim, 12 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run.
I'm planning on swimming 750 meters in the pool tomorrow to get a
baseline time.

chappy said:

1st Goal is to enter a triathlon. I'm planning to try the Stonebridge
Sprint Triathlon in Texas on Oct. 2nd. I'm not sure that every spint
is the same distance so this one is 750m swim in a small man made lake,
14 mile bike, and 5K run.

I'm about 222 lbs. (hope to be <210 by the time the tri rolls around),
6', and about 27% body fat.
I run a 5K in about 23:45, haven't really done to much swimming
especially timed, but I did a mile in the pool in about 35-40 minutes.
I don't even have a road bike, but I can do about 7.5 mile mountain
bike trail in about an hour. I do a 7.5 mile loop on the street on a
mountain bike in about 25-30 minutes. I just did about 7-8 miles on
the mountain bike and a 5K run in right at a hour not really pushing to
hard. I'm planning on renting a road bike for the race.

So the question is what do you all think is a good goal time for me for
this triathlon? Also what kind of time is good for a clydesdalle in a
fairly small event like this? I don't really have enough knowledge to
ask any good questions, but any advice would be appreciated.

IMHO, if it's your first event, you'll have enough interesting experiences
to stop you worrying about your time. It's just not important. It you want
to get serious, then do 5 or so, and move up to olympic distances.

My $0.02,

Steve

I wouldn't worry as much about time, unless you are concerned about any
cut-odds the race might have. For this type of Sprint distance you can
pretty much expect to be full throttle the whole way depending on your
age and base training. I would try to to get a cheap HRM and set a
comfortable pace rather than attempt to blow-up and risk injury in an
all out effort because only a good base and experience can prevent
problems later, no use blowing a knee out, getting shin splints or
sucking wind only a a few yards out into the swim.

Probably best to find a triathlon near you of a similar distance and go
watch it to get an idea of how to complete transitions and see what
type of paces similar people may be doing.

Being a Clyde myself, the category is pretty misleading. You could have
a 6'7" , 201 Lb. tall slim racer that could smoke a course and even
better top age groupers but happens to race clydes. There are some fast
guys out there that just happen to be big, I know one IM racer that
wins at that distance and is about that size.

chappy said:

1st Goal is to enter a triathlon. I'm planning to try the Stonebridge
Sprint Triathlon in Texas on Oct. 2nd. I'm not sure that every spint
is the same distance so this one is 750m swim in a small man made lake,
14 mile bike, and 5K run.

I'm about 222 lbs. (hope to be <210 by the time the tri rolls around),
6', and about 27% body fat.
I run a 5K in about 23:45, haven't really done to much swimming
especially timed, but I did a mile in the pool in about 35-40 minutes.
I don't even have a road bike, but I can do about 7.5 mile mountain
bike trail in about an hour. I do a 7.5 mile loop on the street on a
mountain bike in about 25-30 minutes. I just did about 7-8 miles on
the mountain bike and a 5K run in right at a hour not really pushing to
hard. I'm planning on renting a road bike for the race.

So the question is what do you all think is a good goal time for me for
this triathlon? Also what kind of time is good for a clydesdalle in a
fairly small event like this? I don't really have enough knowledge to
ask any good questions, but any advice would be appreciated.

Quoted message said:

I wouldn't worry as much about time, unless you are concerned about any
cut-odds the race might have. For this type of Sprint distance you can
pretty much expect to be full throttle the whole way depending on your
age and base training. I would try to to get a cheap HRM and set a
comfortable pace rather than attempt to blow-up and risk injury in an
all out effort because only a good base and experience can prevent
problems later, no use blowing a knee out, getting shin splints or
sucking wind only a a few yards out into the swim.

Probably best to find a triathlon near you of a similar distance and go
watch it to get an idea of how to complete transitions and see what
type of paces similar people may be doing.

Being a Clyde myself, the category is pretty misleading. You could have
a 6'7" , 201 Lb. tall slim racer that could smoke a course and even
better top age groupers but happens to race clydes. There are some fast
guys out there that just happen to be big, I know one IM racer that
wins at that distance and is about that size.

chappy said:

1st Goal is to enter a triathlon. I'm planning to try the Stonebridge
Sprint Triathlon in Texas on Oct. 2nd. I'm not sure that every spint
is the same distance so this one is 750m swim in a small man made lake,
14 mile bike, and 5K run.

I'm about 222 lbs. (hope to be <210 by the time the tri rolls around),
6', and about 27% body fat.
I run a 5K in about 23:45, haven't really done to much swimming
especially timed, but I did a mile in the pool in about 35-40 minutes.
I don't even have a road bike, but I can do about 7.5 mile mountain
bike trail in about an hour. I do a 7.5 mile loop on the street on a
mountain bike in about 25-30 minutes. I just did about 7-8 miles on
the mountain bike and a 5K run in right at a hour not really pushing to
hard. I'm planning on renting a road bike for the race.

So the question is what do you all think is a good goal time for me for
this triathlon? Also what kind of time is good for a clydesdalle in a
fairly small event like this? I don't really have enough knowledge to
ask any good questions, but any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks for the advice guys. I really wish I could not worry about
time, but I really just can't. I mean I won't be crushed if I don't
make it, but I just really need to be trying to beat a time and I'd
like to set a realistic one. My base is pretty weak. I Mountain bike
once or twice a week on a 7.5 mile loop on a fairly technical wooded
course. I run about 3-4 times a week about 3.5-5.0 miles. I did a
marathon in Dec '99 and had a PR of 20:11 in the 5K in early 2000.
Then I had a couple of kids and I've been off and on for the last 6
years. I've got back into exercising now and have lost about 18 lbs
and the above times are my current PRs. I got in the pool today and
did 750 meters in about 18:30 and then did another 340 meters at about
the same pace.

Anyone got advice on transitions. I plan on just wearing some running
shorts and shirt for the whole thing. I'm not planning on a wetsuit or
anything. What are some common rookie mistakes that screw them up of
more importantly screw other people up and cast a cloud over the plight
of newbies everywhere.

Quoted message said:

Thanks for the advice guys. I really wish I could not worry about
time, but I really just can't. I mean I won't be crushed if I don't
make it, but I just really need to be trying to beat a time and I'd
like to set a realistic one. My base is pretty weak. I Mountain bike
once or twice a week on a 7.5 mile loop on a fairly technical wooded
course. I run about 3-4 times a week about 3.5-5.0 miles. I did a
marathon in Dec '99 and had a PR of 20:11 in the 5K in early 2000.
Then I had a couple of kids and I've been off and on for the last 6
years. I've got back into exercising now and have lost about 18 lbs
and the above times are my current PRs. I got in the pool today and
did 750 meters in about 18:30 and then did another 340 meters at about
the same pace.

The only person who can really decide where that target should be is
you. If you want to set something pretty arbitrary then you can try
adding together your recent best times for each leg and then add on
another 15-20 minutes to allow for doing them one after another plus
transitions. By all means give yourself something to aim for, but also
be aware that balancing the requirements of the 3 legs to get your best
result takes a lot of practice and even the pros often get it wrong.
Make sure you enjoy your first race and learn from it - don't beat
yourself up if you miss a target that was at best a guesstimate.

Quoted message said:

Anyone got advice on transitions. I plan on just wearing some running
shorts and shirt for the whole thing. I'm not planning on a wetsuit or
anything. What are some common rookie mistakes that screw them up of
more importantly screw other people up and cast a cloud over the plight
of newbies everywhere.

Tons of advice on this NG if you search for transitions. Most
important thing is preparation - make a list of all the things you'll
need for transition so you don't forget anything on the day, and make
sure you practice a couple of transitions in a field somewhere before
the race.

chappy said:

1st Goal is to enter a triathlon. I'm planning to try the Stonebridge
Sprint Triathlon in Texas on Oct. 2nd. I'm not sure that every spint
is the same distance so this one is 750m swim in a small man made lake,
14 mile bike, and 5K run.

I'm about 222 lbs. (hope to be <210 by the time the tri rolls around),
6', and about 27% body fat.
I run a 5K in about 23:45, haven't really done to much swimming
especially timed, but I did a mile in the pool in about 35-40 minutes.
I don't even have a road bike, but I can do about 7.5 mile mountain
bike trail in about an hour. I do a 7.5 mile loop on the street on a
mountain bike in about 25-30 minutes. I just did about 7-8 miles on
the mountain bike and a 5K run in right at a hour not really pushing to
hard. I'm planning on renting a road bike for the race.

So the question is what do you all think is a good goal time for me for
this triathlon? Also what kind of time is good for a clydesdalle in a
fairly small event like this? I don't really have enough knowledge to
ask any good questions, but any advice would be appreciated.

Hi. I am also a newbie. About two years ago I started getting into
shape again. It is tough when you start at 40. I am 6'1", 175#
(mostly). Right now I am training at a 30 minute 5k pace. I used to be
a mountain biker but stopped after I broke my leg 8 years ago and wound
up with a IM rod in my leg. My plan is to buy a new road bike for the
event. My question to the group is what kind of training should I be
doing to get ready for a triathlon next year. I have not done any swim
training yet. I am focusing on getting my run times down.

How do I train for the swim portion of the event?
Am I on the right track focusing on my run times?
I feel that the cycling portion I can handle but is there is some
special training that I should consider?

My immediate goal is to just compete. Once I have some baselines then I
think I can set actual goals.

thanks guys and gals. -G

Where is a good place to buy a tri-bike? Anything online? I was
looking at bikes and couldn't find anything for less than <$1100. Is
there a such thing as a starter tri-bike for <$500?

Gman <[email hidden]> wrote in news:5JqJg.39227$NF3.7161@trnddc05:

Quoted message said:

How do I train for the swim portion of the event?

If you've got a local master's group you can join, you'll get more than
enough training for a tri. Plus, you'll hopefully get some good coaching
on technique, which can make a world of difference.

Quoted message said:

Am I on the right track focusing on my run times?

Yes, but remember that on race day, you'll be running right after biking,
which feels really strange the first few times you try it. You don't have
to do a brick (Bike-run) every time you train, but I'd reccomend trying
it a few times. It will help you learn that you'll be fine on the run,
even though your legs feel like [censored] the first mile or so. Also, remember
that your run times won't help you if you bonk on the swim or bike.

Quoted message said:

I feel that the cycling portion I can handle but is there is some
special training that I should consider?

I already mentioned the brick. Biking after swimming isn't nearly as
weird feeling as the bike-run, but you still should pracice the
transiston. There are other here who'll have better biking advise than I
can offer. I'm just a mediocre cyclist. :-(

Quoted message said:

Tom Henderson said:

Gman <[email hidden]> wrote in news:5JqJg.39227$NF3.7161@trnddc05:

Quoted message said:

How do I train for the swim portion of the event?

If you've got a local master's group you can join, you'll get more than
enough training for a tri. Plus, you'll hopefully get some good coaching
on technique, which can make a world of difference.

Quoted message said:

Am I on the right track focusing on my run times?

Yes, but remember that on race day, you'll be running right after biking,
which feels really strange the first few times you try it. You don't have
to do a brick (Bike-run) every time you train, but I'd reccomend trying
it a few times. It will help you learn that you'll be fine on the run,
even though your legs feel like [censored] the first mile or so. Also, remember
that your run times won't help you if you bonk on the swim or bike.

Quoted message said:

I feel that the cycling portion I can handle but is there is some
special training that I should consider?

I already mentioned the brick. Biking after swimming isn't nearly as
weird feeling as the bike-run, but you still should pracice the
transiston. There are other here who'll have better biking advise than I
can offer. I'm just a mediocre cyclist. :-(

Thanks Tom. I will see if I can find a local master's group in the
North Texas area. Also thanks for the advice on practicing the brick.

When I cycle is generally use an SPD shoe system. Obviously they are no
good for running. What are some of the thoughts on cages versus
changing shoes between cycle-run? I will get optimal performance from
my racing SPDS during the cycle as well as getting my best performance
from dedicated running shoes.

As for the question of an $1100 bike. Quality cost. If I could find a
quality carbon bike for just $1100 I might [censored] it up in a hurry. Any
bike for <$500 would usually find itself in the "Huffy Toss" event.
That is a bike toss for distance and carnage. If libations were
involved then style points are given as well.

Generally speaking, a $500 bike might be chromoly (sp?) if you are
lucking. Working your way to the just under $1000 you will find
aluminum bikes. Working your way up the he price chain to find carbon
fibre and titanium. Some bike stores will allow you to mix and match
bike and components. Lower price comps. are heavier and may not spin as
freely.

-G

Gman said:

When I cycle is generally use an SPD shoe system. Obviously they are no
good for running. What are some of the thoughts on cages versus
changing shoes between cycle-run? I will get optimal performance from
my racing SPDS during the cycle as well as getting my best performance
from dedicated running shoes.

Gman, my advice to you if you are just starting out is to keep your
mountain bike, and spd shoes instead of getting cages and a cheap road
or tri bike. I road my mountain bike for 2 years before getting a road
bike. I even kept my spd's for my new tri bike until I got my new shoe
system.

This way, you are not wasting money on a cheap road or tri bike, and you
can save your money for a really fancy tri bike after you get addicted
to the sport and know more about what you will want from a bike and how
you want the bike to feel.

However, going from a cheaper tri bike into a much better tri bike
helped me to know what I wanted because it was hard to know what I
needed coming from a mountain bike. Although, coming from a cheap tri
bike doesn't really help either if the fit was wrong, which it was for me.

A fit may help to determine what you need the most. Our local tri store
does a FIST fitting and then they determine which sort of bike you
should get depending on the numbers from the fitting.
Good luck,
T.

Quoted message said:

As for the question of an $1100 bike. Quality cost. If I could find a
quality carbon bike for just $1100 I might [censored] it up in a hurry. Any
bike for <$500 would usually find itself in the "Huffy Toss" event. That
is a bike toss for distance and carnage. If libations were involved
then style points are given as well.

Generally speaking, a $500 bike might be chromoly (sp?) if you are
lucking. Working your way to the just under $1000 you will find
aluminum bikes. Working your way up the he price chain to find carbon
fibre and titanium. Some bike stores will allow you to mix and match
bike and components. Lower price comps. are heavier and may not spin as
freely.

-G

Gman <[email hidden]> wrote in news:ouJJg.12124$Xl5.8157@trnddc06:

Quoted message said:

When I cycle is generally use an SPD shoe system. Obviously they are no
good for running. What are some of the thoughts on cages versus
changing shoes between cycle-run?

I like the advice Triathlete gave. Keep the MTB, maybe throw some slicks on
it. Change shoes in T2. Get some stretch laces for your running shoes so
you can throw them on faster.