Is it good to start slow?

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2008-05-24 2:59 PM

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Subject: Is it good to start slow?
I decided after yrs of marathons that it was time to tri a tri. =) I have been training for the July 25th Sprint since the beginning of Feb. After some hard work in the pool and on the bike, I feel that I am more than ready for the Sprint distance.

My question is: is it ok to move up to an Oly distance later this summer after my Sprint or should I stick primarily to one distance my first season? I can swim 1600m straight without stopping and have done a 30mi bike 2x. Thoughts from the more experienced (or less experienced also) would be helpful with my decision.

Thanks,

Firemanmc

"It's only hard if you haven't trained for it!"

2008-05-24 3:32 PM
in reply to: #1423095

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Is it good to start slow?
An Oly later in the season sounds like an excellent idea. Your marathon experience will be invaluable.
2008-05-24 4:55 PM
in reply to: #1423095

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Subject: RE: Is it good to start slow?
If you've had some athletic training in the past, you'll be fine. Maybe for a couch potato, sprints for the first year would be more than enought, but I had a friend do an Ironman his first year doing triathlons. If your mind is open to it, your body will figure it out. Good luck!
2008-05-24 5:00 PM
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2008-05-24 7:31 PM
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Expert
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Subject: RE: Is it good to start slow?

Definitely

If you feel more than ready to do a sprint now then you can be more than ready to do an Oly later on in the season.  Consistency of training is key - take a look at some of the plans on this site to give you some comfort on what you need to do and go for it.  Probably best to work on endurance rather than speed though - and don't forget bricks.  Running 6miles is probably easy for you but it feels a lot different doing it coming off the bike!

Good luck and have fun 

2008-05-25 3:38 PM
in reply to: #1423095

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Subject: RE: Is it good to start slow?

Same story here -- and I'm going to try it.  My situation is a little more complicated, as I'm coming off of knee surgery, and I suck at swimming, but I'm gonna swim, swim, swim, and then try a sprint, followed by Oly later this fall, and I'm seriously hoping to be able to try a 1/2 next spring.

2008-05-25 3:56 PM
in reply to: #1423095

Member
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Subject: RE: Is it good to start slow?
Same situation for me but I've only run a few marathons and this is my first year of tri's. My goal is 3-4 sprints and an oly this year and then a HIM next year.

Best of luck to you!
2008-05-25 4:49 PM
in reply to: #1423095

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Subject: RE: Is it good to start slow?

IMO, if you have marathon background, an Oly won't seem to big a deal - unless you are very inexperience in swimming.  Your body is already in good aerobic shape. 

For me, running a 2.5 hr half marathons felt much worse than 3.5 hr oly's.   

2008-05-25 5:38 PM
in reply to: #1423095

Iron Donkey
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Subject: RE: Is it good to start slow?
Whatever YOU feel ready for, but I agree with Marmadaddy on this.
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