General Discussion Triathlon Talk » I've entered, but can I finish? Rss Feed  
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2008-08-06 8:10 AM

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Subject: I've entered, but can I finish?
Some time back in April, it seemed like a good idea to enter my first Olympic tri event. It's just about 2 years since my last tri, which was a sprint, and since then I have literally moved to the other side of the world, which of course has messed up all my training while I got used to the new environment etc. Anyway, I thought I would be able to train enough to make a reasonable attempt at the longer distances, but for various reasons I have not been able to train at all for over 5 weeks this summer.
The swim is not really a problem as it's my strongest event, although I haven't tried OW in a wetsuit yet. I have only been on my road bike on the trainer a few times this year, but have been doing quite a lot of off road riding and managed a 40km mountain bike ride last week. Running is my weakest sport, and I have been concentrating on improving pace and endurance over the last few weeks so I think I can at least cover the distance (before my break 10k was no problem)
With just over 2 weeks to go should I pull out now, or is it worth the risk of starting the race and relying on mindless determination to get through?


2008-08-06 8:21 AM
in reply to: #1584623

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Veteran
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Norcross, Georgia
Subject: RE: I've entered, but can I finish?

It sounds like you are in better shape than you give yourself credit for.  You will have a great race...I say go for it  no worries!

Unless you are trying to win it, go out and have fun.

2008-08-06 8:33 AM
in reply to: #1584623

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Champion
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Subject: RE: I've entered, but can I finish?

I haven't checked your logs, but I'd say you can finish as long as you're smart about your race strategy. 

2008-08-06 8:34 AM
in reply to: #1584623

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: I've entered, but can I finish?
I have the same thought some times-I think its just self doubt. Running is my weakest area too, but I figure even if I have to walk across the finish line at least I made it across some how.
2008-08-06 8:45 AM
in reply to: #1584623

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Lakeland, FL
Subject: RE: I've entered, but can I finish?
You can totally do it.  Swimming not a problem for you, if u can do a 40k mountain bike a 40k road ride should be a peice of cake, and the run, what's the worst thing that could happen, you have walk a portion of it. 
2008-08-06 8:49 AM
in reply to: #1584623

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Champion
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MA
Subject: RE: I've entered, but can I finish?

Do it.

Just pace yourself and be accepting if you need to take walk breaks. Honestly if you can do the swim distance the bike and run you can always slow down if needed.

Enjoy it! 



2008-08-06 8:55 AM
in reply to: #1584623

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the Alabama part of Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: I've entered, but can I finish?
As long as you can finish the swim, you can finish the tri.  Worst case scenario on the run is you end up walking.  Worst case on the bike, same thing (and more likely you just get passed a lot).  Worst case with the swim is drowning, which is why most people who feel unprepared would pull out.  But you sound confident of the swim, so go for it!
2008-08-06 9:13 AM
in reply to: #1584623


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Subject: RE: I've entered, but can I finish?
I am in exactly the same situation, and I am sure I will be fine.  It is a 3-hour workout, basically.  Could you go out and do a 3-hour trail ride, or a hard 3-hour hike?  Sure you could.
2008-08-06 9:16 AM
in reply to: #1584623

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Subject: RE: I've entered, but can I finish?
You can do it!
2008-08-06 9:27 AM
in reply to: #1584623

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Champion
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Calgary
Subject: RE: I've entered, but can I finish?
Go for it, you will have a blast!
2008-08-06 10:07 AM
in reply to: #1584623

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Expert
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North Central WV
Subject: RE: I've entered, but can I finish?

Absolutely do it!  I find the races that I enter just for fun are my best races (not fastest!).  I really enjoy races that I do purely for fun.  I do the race at a little under race pace and smile the whole way.  I chat to all of the volunteers and other competitors and thoroughly enjoy the day.  The big bonus is that I finish the race feeling great! Good luck.

 

ps - I have done the move to the opposite side of the world thing.  It is hard work! 



2008-08-06 10:53 AM
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Expert
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Mukwonago, WI
Subject: RE: I've entered, but can I finish?

You should totally be able to do it with the following stipulations:

1. Wipe out any time goals.  It's hard to know how your body is going to responds so just simply tell yourself that your only goal is to have fun and learn.

2. Shoot for making sure that you get off the bike feeling good.  Blowing up your legs on the bike will make for a bad experience so err on the side of going very easy on the bike.  If there's anything left in the tank start pushing more 2-3 miles into the run.

Have fun!

2008-08-06 11:01 AM
in reply to: #1584623

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Master
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Lake Oswego, OR
Subject: RE: I've entered, but can I finish?
There is no doubt you can finish. Having face the same thing myself in the past, I'd recommend focusing on going easy on the first half of the run. You'll enjoy the second half a lot more if you do.
2008-08-06 11:05 AM
in reply to: #1584623

Expert
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Subject: RE: I've entered, but can I finish?
Make sure you get some OWS practice in your wetsuit if you intend to use it in the race.

2008-08-07 2:39 AM
in reply to: #1584623

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Regular
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Subject: RE: I've entered, but can I finish?
Awww! You guys are so nice!
Thanks for the confidence boost, I'll let you know what happens.
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