General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Getting nervous about my first Tri... Rss Feed  
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2008-09-26 8:54 AM

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Subject: Getting nervous about my first Tri...

I've been riding this wave of confidence about my first tri, coming up on Sunday. Now all of a sudden I'm having some anxiety...

It's raining here in the MD/DE area, and it might continue into race day.

It's getting quite a bit cooler, and I tend to feel like carp racing in cold weather.

I had to take my semi-annual Army physical fitness test and while I cruised through the run just fine, the pushups and situps have left me aching for the last couple days (pushups and situps--not exactly the core of my Tri training).

So now I'm sore, nervous about my first ocean swim, worried about getting too cold, etc. etc. Come race day I'm just going to HTFU and race the race, because all I really care about is finishing this first one and identifying limiters, but still--I just didn't need all this for my first event.

Words of encouragement, please.



2008-09-26 9:04 AM
in reply to: #1698194

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Subject: RE: Getting nervous about my first Tri...

I'm no expert here- but I wanted to tell you that your training is done- (I can't verify that though by your log- or lack of )

As for the rain, have you done any bike rides in the rain? I had the same anxiety a couple of weekends ago for a tri. I went out and did an easy 40 min in the rain so that I could get a feel for how my bike handles on the pavement. I'm so glad I did because come race day, we had wet roads and guess what, I was prepared.

You already know that your muscle soreness will be gone by Sunday- so just try to relax (easier said than done!); but most important: HAVE FUN!!

2008-09-26 9:10 AM
in reply to: #1698194

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Subject: RE: Getting nervous about my first Tri...
Good suggestion, try a ride in the rain for the experience. Nerves before a race are normal. Everybody has a case of those. Breath and remember how hard you trained and nothing is going to stop you!
2008-09-26 9:11 AM
in reply to: #1698222

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Subject: RE: Getting nervous about my first Tri...
nuttysami123 - 2008-09-26 10:04 AM

I'm no expert here- but I wanted to tell you that your training is done- (I can't verify that though by your log- or lack of )

As for the rain, have you done any bike rides in the rain? I had the same anxiety a couple of weekends ago for a tri. I went out and did an easy 40 min in the rain so that I could get a feel for how my bike handles on the pavement. I'm so glad I did because come race day, we had wet roads and guess what, I was prepared.

You already know that your muscle soreness will be gone by Sunday- so just try to relax (easier said than done!); but most important: HAVE FUN!!

Yeah, I use a competitor's website for my training/logging (TrainingPeaks).... It's just what I got used to during my roadie days.

I've ridden and raced in the rain before (rainy crits--fun stuff), so it's not really an issue of comfort on the bike--just the usual hand-wringing prior to an event, I guess.

On the up side, finishing in crappy weather will give a nice boost of confidence when the conditions are actually good...



Edited by DrPete 2008-09-26 9:11 AM
2008-09-26 9:43 AM
in reply to: #1698194

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Subject: RE: Getting nervous about my first Tri...

Chances of rain are diminished, it should be mostly gone by Sunday.

It is going to be warmer and close to 80 on Sunday.

The wind will probably be strong because of all the crap going on in the Atlantic.

They will probably make us all do the Du with the surf and rip tides from all the storms in the Atlantic.  I really hope they don't do that, but after last weekend where they cancelled the swim because of similar conditions I am not at all banking on having a swim.

If they DO ...... bring a pair of shoes to set up at the swim exit.  From my understanding of the course, it is about a 1/4 mile run from the swim to the transition!!  I'm not doing that barefoot!

Just follow my lead and have fun!!  I'd like to say Hi and wish you luck in person on Sunday.  You're going to kick azz!!

(Hopefully so will I ...... I want at least an AG podium!!)

2008-09-26 10:07 AM
in reply to: #1698194

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Subject: RE: Getting nervous about my first Tri...

I am having some nerves too over the weather. I HATE being cold and would take 90 degrees in a second.  Looks like my LBS adn Sport's Authority are going to make some money today, as I get some cool weather clothing.  I'm not worried about cool weather for the swim or run...just the bike.

 



2008-09-26 10:08 AM
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Subject: RE: Getting nervous about my first Tri...

A thought for you.... If you were not nervous, knew exactly what to expect and that you would finish you would get nothing from the event.

 The reason you chose this Tri path is that you want a challenge, you want to experience self doubt and the ulimate conquering of that self doubt.  You want to get ready to get in that water and ask yourself, who am I to think I should be out here competing with these other people?  Beat your chest and understand that you will be adding another accomplishment and experience to your life that many would be too nervous or scared to undertake.

Enjoy the nervousness/ self doubt and have faith that you will TEAR IT DOWN as soon as race day arives. 

2008-09-26 10:53 AM
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Subject: RE: Getting nervous about my first Tri...
All i can add is that my first two tri's that i did, when the gun goes off, you will think nothing of the water or air temp, you will be so pumped and psyched to go race, you will not even notice the temp. At least that was me, next thing you know you are on the bike, and are flying and enjoying the cheers you get from spectator and competitors alike, then you are running. When it is all said and done, you wish you would have had it last longer or to go do it again.  HMMMM maybe i need to go faster. ;0)
2008-09-26 10:59 AM
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Subject: RE: Getting nervous about my first Tri...
You will be great - and HAVE FUN! Give high-fives to the kids handing out water. Smile. Relax. You earned it.
2008-09-26 11:19 AM
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Subject: RE: Getting nervous about my first Tri...
Dr. Pete- no worries about Sunday. (I'll be there as well with about 20 other of my Tri-Delaware friends. ) As long as the wind is not coming from the east the water should be OK. The rough stuff should be gone by tomorrow.

Like Daremo stated, if the swim is on, leave shoes at the end of dune. I just did a map my run and from the dune to the parade ground (where transition is) it is a half mile. Transition used to be in the parking lot behind the bathhouse but it was switched 2 years ago by the park director.

Anyway- for the swim start just stay to outside at the start and stay wide of the 1st buoy. after that- piece of cake!!
2008-09-26 11:26 AM
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Subject: RE: Getting nervous about my first Tri...
Good luck DrPete! To ease your anxiety, my first tri was earlier this year, after a year of recreational cycling and no race experience like yours.

Green Bay Sprint Triathlon

It was pouring the entire bike and run! Not sure what it was like during the swim :-]

But... I placed the best I've placed in the 5 races I've done this season, and had a PB for my run! I did however panic during the swim, and each race after that got progressively better, panic wise.

You'll be fine

BTW, welcome to BT, you bring a lot to the forums on bikeforums! I'm a lurker, sometimes poster there!


2008-09-26 1:43 PM
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Subject: RE: Getting nervous about my first Tri...

Best typo of the day: "... I tend to feel like carp ...".

I guess that could be a good thing for the swim, no?  

2008-09-26 1:48 PM
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Subject: RE: Getting nervous about my first Tri...
You'll do great, have fun!~
2008-09-26 2:19 PM
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Subject: RE: Getting nervous about my first Tri...
If you weren't nervous I'd be worried. Before the NJ State race I might've slept/rested about 1 to 2 hours max. My other races have been better for sleeping but as the week goes on leading up to them they're all I think about it. Have my last this Sunday here in NJ and am hoping to avoid the rain as well.
2008-09-26 2:21 PM
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Subject: RE: Getting nervous about my first Tri...

colesdad - 2008-09-26 3:19 PM If you weren't nervous I'd be worried. Before the NJ State race I might've slept/rested about 1 to 2 hours max. My other races have been better for sleeping but as the week goes on leading up to them they're all I think about it. Have my last this Sunday here in NJ and am hoping to avoid the rain as well.

Are you doing the Jerseyman?  Sprint or HIM?  I bought some toe warmers and arm warmers for Sunday.   If you haven't been on the bike course yet, it is beautiful.

2008-09-26 4:00 PM
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Subject: RE: Getting nervous about my first Tri...
Poster Nutbag - 2008-09-26 1:43 PM

Best typo of the day: "... I tend to feel like carp ...".

I guess that could be a good thing for the swim, no?  



That's the funniest thing I've read today! LOL

To the OP...nerves are normal before your first tri. Once you get started and get into a groove, you'll be fine. Good luck!


2008-09-26 5:45 PM
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Subject: RE: Getting nervous about my first Tri...

Thanks, everyone... Feeling a little better, but now I'm trying to get rid of a headache. Ugh.

I just need to get there and let the endorphins start kicking in. 



Edited by DrPete 2008-09-26 5:46 PM
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