Triathlon · Public discussion

Am I crazy to consider a duathlon?

Preston Crawfor · 2003-09-09T20:14:27+00:00

I'm new to all this. My wife, who just completed her first sprint tri has me interested in pushing myself a little more physically (I'm used to biking 15-20 miles a day and 25-30 miles on the weekends). There's a duathlon coming up soon (middle of October) in my area. 5ks on either end of the bike. Having never really ran much I'm wondering how hard a duathlon like this would be. I'm doing a 5k this weekend, so hopefully I'll get an idea of how hard it is, but having no experience with distances like this off a bike I can't really picture if someone of my fitness level could do something like this. Preston

Started by Preston Crawfor · 9 September 2003 · Last activity 17 November 2003 · 18 posts · 2,489 views

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01 / Original postAm I crazy to consider a duathlon?Preston Crawfor · 9 Sep 2003 02 / This pagePosts 1–18Page 1 of 1 · chronological order 03 / Latest replyPost #18Miguel A. Quino · 17 Nov 2003

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Original section: Triathlon
Published: 9 September 2003
Last activity: 17 November 2003
Original author: Preston Crawfor
Posts: 18
Discussion status: Public discussion
Total views: 2,489
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Topics: Heart rate training

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Original post
Preston Crawfor
Archived post

9 September 2003, 20:14 UTC #1

I'm new to all this. My wife, who just completed her first sprint tri has me interested in pushing
myself a little more physically (I'm used to biking 15-20 miles a day and 25-30 miles on the
weekends). There's a duathlon coming up soon (middle of October) in my area. 5ks on either end of
the bike. Having never really ran much I'm wondering how hard a duathlon like this would be. I'm
doing a 5k this weekend, so hopefully I'll get an idea of how hard it is, but having no experience
with distances like this off a bike I can't really picture if someone of my fitness level could do
something like this.
Preston

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Jj Waguespack
Archived post

9 September 2003, 22:57 UTC #2

Preston Crawford said:
I'm new to all this. My wife, who just completed her first sprint tri has me interested in pushing
myself a little more physically (I'm used to biking 15-20 miles a day and 25-30 miles on the
weekends). There's a duathlon coming up soon (middle of October) in my area. 5ks on either end of
the bike. Having never really ran much I'm wondering how hard a duathlon like this would be. I'm
doing a 5k this weekend, so hopefully I'll get an idea of how hard it is, but having no experience
with distances like this off a bike I can't really picture if someone of my fitness level could do
something like this.
Preston
What have you got to lose other than the entry fee? The worst that will happen
is you will DNF. My guess is the sun will still come up the next day. Take it easy
on the first 5K, keep the bike down to training level speed, and tough out the last
5K even if you have to walk most of it. Most likely the next day you'll be saying,
"damn that was hard, but I bet I could do a lot better if I trained a little more."
JJ

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Preston Crawfor
Archived post

10 September 2003, 00:32 UTC #3

"JJ Waguespack" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
What have you got to lose other than the entry fee? The worst that will

happen
Quoted message said:

is you will DNF. My guess is the sun will still come up the next day. Take

it easy
Quoted message said:

on the first 5K, keep the bike down to training level speed, and tough out

the last
Quoted message said:

5K even if you have to walk most of it. Most likely the next day you'll be

saying,
Quoted message said:

"damn that was hard, but I bet I could do a lot better if I trained a

little more."
My problem is that I have anxiety so for me everything is a mental more than it is a physical
challenge. So the challenge isn't if I can physically do
it. I think I could. I'm 250lbs. but very muscular and down from 400lbs because of cycling and going
mostly vegetarian. My cholesterol is 130. I'm in okay shape. So I think I could suffer through
the 10k (the bike should be a breeze). It's just convincing myself I'd live through it. :-)
Do you think 250lbs. is too big for a duathalon with little running or distance walking
experience? What kind of training would be required to get up to speed, so to speak? Just lots of
walking or running?
For reference, this is what I look like...
prestoncrawford.comskateboard.jpg
prestoncrawford.commesmall.jpg
prestoncrawford.comskateboard.jpg
I think I could do it. I just worry that I'm still too big.
Preston

Report
Geoff Jennings
Archived post

10 September 2003, 01:14 UTC #4

Preston,
If you want to, you could do it. I'm a big guy too (about 240ish, down from a high of 280ish). I
finished the Catalina Island Marathon a few years ago, with virtually no training. Learned my
lessons, and trained and completed 8 more tough marathons.
Even at a slow pace, 5k isn't a super long way to run. Try it this weekend, have fun with it. Middle
of October is a ways away, you can get some training in before then too.
My advice as an oversized runner is find a GOOD running shop, and don't skimp on shoes. They will
wear out quickly, and they don't really look "worn out" so keep a log and replace your shoes
frequently.
Geoff
Preston Crawford <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
"JJ Waguespack" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
What have you got to lose other than the entry fee? The worst that will

happen
Quoted message said:

is you will DNF. My guess is the sun will still come up the next day.

Take
Quoted message said:
it easy
Quoted message said:

on the first 5K, keep the bike down to training level speed, and tough

out
Quoted message said:
the last
Quoted message said:

5K even if you have to walk most of it. Most likely the next day you'll

be
Quoted message said:
saying,
Quoted message said:

"damn that was hard, but I bet I could do a lot better if I trained a

little more."
My problem is that I have anxiety so for me everything is a mental more

than
Quoted message said:
it is a physical challenge. So the challenge isn't if I can physically do
it. I think I could. I'm 250lbs. but very muscular and down from 400lbs because of cycling and
going mostly vegetarian. My cholesterol is 130. I'm in okay shape. So I think I could suffer
through the 10k (the bike should

be
Quoted message said:
a breeze). It's just convincing myself I'd live through it. :-)
Do you think 250lbs. is too big for a duathalon with little running or distance walking
experience? What kind of training would be required to

get
Quoted message said:
up to speed, so to speak? Just lots of walking or running?
For reference, this is what I look like...
prestoncrawford.comskateboard.jpg
prestoncrawford.commesmall.jpg
prestoncrawford.comskateboard.jpg
I think I could do it. I just worry that I'm still too big.
Preston

Report
Layne Wallace
Archived post

10 September 2003, 05:14 UTC #5

Geoff Jennings said:
If you want to, you could do it. I'm a big guy too (about 240ish, down from a high of 280ish). I
finished the Catalina Island Marathon a few years ago, with virtually no training. Learned my
lessons, and trained and completed 8 more tough marathons.
Even at a slow pace, 5k isn't a super long way to run. Try it this weekend, have fun with it.
Middle of October is a ways away, you can get some training in before then too.

OK, I'll second this. At 215 down from 240, I've really enjoyed the du's I've done. Fair biker -
glacier slow runner and it don't matter. Enjoy it! The first run will set up the bike ride and the
bike ride will set up the second run. Take it easy on the first run, ease into the bike ride a
bit, and then start the second run really slow but gradually speed up. While I have no evidence to
support this statement, You *can* do it. I'm slower than you ever imagined and I've enjoyed every
event I've done. Trust me, you'll finish AND you'll beat my time. I really hate that Nike has
taken this but
just do it.
Layne
-------------------------------------------------------
The rec.running report archives may be found at kinder.cis.unf.edurec.running

Report
Old Timer
Archived post

10 September 2003, 14:15 UTC #6

Preston,
I think your mangina is showing. Its just a day with a little exercise in it. Get out there and do
it. The people on this forum can not help you out there, you're on your own. As was said - the sun
will still rise. Its a couple hours out of your entire life, and I'm guessing you're tough enough to
stand pretty much anything for a couple of hours.
Do you want to die without any scars? I don't want to die with no scars. Do it and you'll have
done a duathlon. IMO, they're harder than triathlons - all legs. Impossible? People do them all
of the time.

Report
Andy Howell
Archived post

10 September 2003, 14:57 UTC #7

Preston,
Quoted message said:
My problem is that I have anxiety so for me everything is a mental more than it is a physical
challenge. So the challenge isn't if I can physically do
it. I think I could. I'm 250lbs. but very muscular and down from 400lbs because of cycling and
going mostly vegetarian. My cholesterol is 130. I'm in okay shape. So I think I could suffer
through the 10k (the bike should be a breeze). It's just convincing myself I'd live through
it. :-)
I don't think you should let your weight worry you. I've been in lots of events with very large
contestants. They are had some of the biggest grins at the finish line.
To convince yourself, go out to a local race. You'll will see lots of large people. At the finish
line, ask them how they faced their fear of taking on the event.
On race day, you'll have spectators rooting for you. This is my favorite part of racing. People you
don't know are out there cheering you on. Look at them. Listen to them. Get energy from them. Thank
them. The finish line is just ahead.
Quoted message said:
Do you think 250lbs. is too big for a duathalon with little running or distance walking
experience? What kind of training would be required to get up to speed, so to speak? Just lots of
walking or running?
I've only done a few duathlons, but loads of tris. The hardest part for me is the bike to second run
transition. You'll will swear you had someone else's legs. I would practice that a few times. Go out
and do a good ride on the bike and then go right into a run. No resting. It does not have to be far,
a 1/2 mile or a mile will do it. You want to get your legs used to that transition. It gets easier
the more you do it. That said, I wouldn't do it more than once a week. Two or three times before
your race should be plenty.
Don't worry about speed. If anything, you want to take it slow on the first run and on the bike.
Quoted message said:

For reference, this is what I look like...
prestoncrawford.comskateboard.jpg
prestoncrawford.commesmall.jpg
prestoncrawford.comskateboard.jpg
I think I could do it. I just worry that I'm still too big.
You don't look to big to me. Go out and enjoy it. One word of warning though, you may become
addicted to this. Soon you'll be joining you wife in triathlons and having a great time.
Andy

Report
Rivermist
Archived post

10 September 2003, 16:14 UTC #8

Nothing wrong with trying it. I would suggest you do a few bike-run workouts or you are in for a
BIG shock.
"Preston Crawford" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
I'm new to all this. My wife, who just completed her first sprint tri has

me
Quoted message said:
interested in pushing myself a little more physically (I'm used to biking 15-20 miles a day and
25-30 miles on the weekends). There's a duathlon coming up soon (middle of October) in my area.
5ks on either end of the bike. Having never really ran much I'm wondering how hard a duathlon like
this would be. I'm doing a 5k this weekend, so hopefully I'll get an idea

of
Quoted message said:
how hard it is, but having no experience with distances like this off a

bike
Quoted message said:
I can't really picture if someone of my fitness level could do something like this.
Preston

Report
MJuric
Archived post

10 September 2003, 19:17 UTC #9

On Tue, 9 Sep 2003 11:56:18 -0700, "Preston Crawford" <[email hidden]> wrote:
No doubt you can do it. However only you should decide wether you should do it or not.
Obviuosly you've been training for the bike and not much for the running. Although I'm for
the most part with everyone as far as going ahead and doing it, I'd do it with a bit of
caution. Do it easy, do it for the experiance and fun. Pushing to hard especially with so
little training could be a potential injury. IMO even in such a short distance.
~Matt
Quoted message said:
I'm new to all this. My wife, who just completed her first sprint tri has me interested in pushing
myself a little more physically (I'm used to biking 15-20 miles a day and 25-30 miles on the
weekends). There's a duathlon coming up soon (middle of October) in my area. 5ks on either end of
the bike. Having never really ran much I'm wondering how hard a duathlon like this would be. I'm
doing a 5k this weekend, so hopefully I'll get an idea of how hard it is, but having no experience
with distances like this off a bike I can't really picture if someone of my fitness level could do
something like this.
Preston

Report
Preston Crawfor
Archived post

10 September 2003, 20:15 UTC #10

"Geoff Jennings" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
My advice as an oversized runner is find a GOOD running shop, and don't skimp on shoes. They will
wear out quickly, and they don't really look "worn out" so keep a log and replace your shoes
frequently.
I will have to tell my wife that. She's under the impression that I shouldn't get shoes until I've
done a couple races, but I have bad arches, so I want to take it easy on my poor feet. Do it right.
Preston

Report
Preston Crawfor
Archived post

10 September 2003, 20:15 UTC #11

"Andy Howell" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
To convince yourself, go out to a local race. You'll will see lots of large people. At the finish
line, ask them how they faced their fear of taking on the event.
I've been at them. That's what's inspired me to give this a go. My wife is also big and she just
finished her first tri. I was so jealous.
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
Do you think 250lbs. is too big for a duathalon with little running or distance walking
experience? What kind of training would be required to

get
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
up to speed, so to speak? Just lots of walking or running?
I've only done a few duathlons, but loads of tris. The hardest part for me is the bike to second
run transition. You'll will swear you had someone else's legs. I would practice that a few times.
Go out and do a good ride on the bike and then go right into a run. No resting. It does not have
to be far, a 1/2 mile or a mile will do it. You want to get your legs used to that transition. It
gets easier the more you do it. That said, I wouldn't do it more than once a week. Two or three
times before your race should be plenty.
Thanks. I'll do that.
Quoted message said:
Don't worry about speed. If anything, you want to take it slow on the first run and on the bike.
Of course. I plan on power-walking the runs, essentially, since I can't run much without my heart
rate going to high and risking a panic attack, etc.
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
For reference, this is what I look like...
prestoncrawford.comskateboard.jpg
prestoncrawford.commesmall.jpg
prestoncrawford.comskateboard.jpg
I think I could do it. I just worry that I'm still too big.
You don't look to big to me. Go out and enjoy it. One word of warning though, you may become
addicted to this. Soon you'll be joining you wife in triathlons and having a great time.
That's what I want to have happen. :-)
Preston

Report
Preston Crawfor
Archived post

10 September 2003, 20:15 UTC #12

"Old Timer" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Preston,
I think your mangina is showing. Its just a day with a little exercise in it. Get out there and do
it. The people on this forum can not help you out there, you're on your own. As was said - the sun
will still rise. Its a couple hours out of your entire life, and I'm guessing you're tough enough
to stand pretty much anything for a couple of hours.
I don't know what a mangina is? Maybe you can explain since you know so much about them. :-)
Seriously, though, I think it's a little silly to say that to someone when they have clinical
anxiety. I have clinical anxiety that I'm in treatment for. I wish I could make my fears go away,
but I can't. It's not magic. It takes hard work and pushing yourself in ways that people without
anxiety can't imagine. So the question wasn't posed because I'm afraid of the working hard. The
question was posed because I wasn't sure how physically taxing a duathalon would be on a body like
mine. If the answer is that I *should* be able to do it, then that just gives me a little more
confidence to push away the negative thoughts, the anxiety, which is what I was looking for. Calling
someone a "wuss" essentially, doesn't help.
Quoted message said:
Do you want to die without any scars? I don't want to die with no scars. Do it and you'll have
done a duathlon. IMO, they're harder than triathlons - all legs. Impossible? People do them all of
the time.
I have plenty of scars. I skateboard often and bike 15 miles a day or more. I'm not afraid of
falling or getting hurt, I just have anxiety, especially as someone who used to weigh 400lbs, I
worry about my heart.
Preston

Report
Preston Crawfor
Archived post

10 September 2003, 20:32 UTC #13

"Rivermist" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Nothing wrong with trying it. I would suggest you do a few bike-run workouts or you are in for a
BIG shock.
The transition is THAT hard? I will definitely have to try it.
Preston

Report
Onemarathon
Archived post

10 September 2003, 20:57 UTC #14

In article said:
Nothing wrong with trying it. I would suggest you do a few bike-run workouts or you are in for a
BIG shock.
definitely. and further to that, you should know how it feels to come off the bike into a run. the
first few times can be pretty weird and even difficult. it took me 4-5 bike-to-run transitions
before i felt totally comfortable with the sensation and how to deal with it. just go easy at the
beginning of run #2, and as the legs get back to normal, you can pick it up a bit.
stretch the legs, hips and low back out ON the bike just before run #2. this'll make things
much easier.
since i haven't done a du (just a couple of tris), i don't know about the run to bike, but generally
when i get on a bike after a run, it feels great.... a nice easy cool-down, with some built-in
stretching to relieve the legs.
best of luck,
Cam
--
Not every race can be a perfect experience, but every race can be a learning experience.

Report
Jj Waguespack
Archived post

10 September 2003, 21:57 UTC #15

Preston Crawford said:
"Geoff Jennings" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
My advice as an oversized runner is find a GOOD running shop, and don't skimp on shoes. They will
wear out quickly, and they don't really look "worn out" so keep a log and replace your shoes
frequently.
I will have to tell my wife that. She's under the impression that I shouldn't get shoes until
I've done a couple races, but I have bad arches, so I want to take it easy on my poor feet. Do
it right.
Preston
The FIRST thing you should do is get good shoes built for a big guy. Nothing beats you up worse than
running in worn out shoes.
JJ

Report
Curt
Archived post

10 September 2003, 21:57 UTC #16

New shoes that fit are very important. I suggest going to a good store and getting a pair. Saucony,
NB, Nike Addidas or a top brand. They should be light and have plenty of cushion for you. Also, they
should feel great the first time you run on them. Good shoes don't need to break in.
Curt
"JJ Waguespack" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
Preston Crawford said:
"Geoff Jennings" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
My advice as an oversized runner is find a GOOD running shop, and don't skimp on shoes. They
will wear out quickly, and they don't really look "worn out" so keep a log and replace your
shoes frequently.
I will have to tell my wife that. She's under the impression that I shouldn't get shoes until
I've done a couple races, but I have bad

arches,
Quoted message said:
Quoted message said:
so I want to take it easy on my poor feet. Do it right.
Preston
The FIRST thing you should do is get good shoes built for a big guy. Nothing beats you up worse
than running in worn out shoes.
JJ

Report
Curt
Archived post

10 September 2003, 23:59 UTC #17

Quoted message said:
My problem is that I have anxiety so for me everything is a mental more

than
Quoted message said:
it is a physical challenge.
Well, this is the case for many people. First of all, just relax. You are not performing open heart
surgery on someone, you are running a race. On top of that you don't need to finish, although I
think you will. You should just enter it and go out and have a good time. There is no pressure. You
lost a lot of weight and you are in much better shape now than you were before.
Go race and don't worry about anything. Enjoy the weather while you are out there and the people. I
think you will find it fun and motivation for the future.
Curt

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Miguel A. Quino
Archived post

17 November 2003, 01:40 UTC #18

Sign in for the Clydesdale category. I' believe it is for people over 225 (not sure, but if you are
250 I'm sure it is OK)
On this category your time splits will look better/
Your goal should be just finish the race. You will see yourself walking during the run,,, but you
are not going to be the only one :-)
"Preston Crawford" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
"JJ Waguespack" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...
Quoted message said:
What have you got to lose other than the entry fee? The worst that will

happen
Quoted message said:

is you will DNF. My guess is the sun will still come up the next day.

Take
Quoted message said:
it easy
Quoted message said:

on the first 5K, keep the bike down to training level speed, and tough

out
Quoted message said:
the last
Quoted message said:

5K even if you have to walk most of it. Most likely the next day you'll

be
Quoted message said:
saying,
Quoted message said:

"damn that was hard, but I bet I could do a lot better if I trained a

little more."
My problem is that I have anxiety so for me everything is a mental more

than
Quoted message said:
it is a physical challenge. So the challenge isn't if I can physically do
it. I think I could. I'm 250lbs. but very muscular and down from 400lbs because of cycling and
going mostly vegetarian. My cholesterol is 130. I'm in okay shape. So I think I could suffer
through the 10k (the bike should

be
Quoted message said:
a breeze). It's just convincing myself I'd live through it. :-)
Do you think 250lbs. is too big for a duathalon with little running or distance walking
experience? What kind of training would be required to

get
Quoted message said:
up to speed, so to speak? Just lots of walking or running?
For reference, this is what I look like...
prestoncrawford.comskateboard.jpg
prestoncrawford.commesmall.jpg
prestoncrawford.comskateboard.jpg
I think I could do it. I just worry that I'm still too big.
Preston

Report

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