General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Sprint Triathlon Timing question Rss Feed  
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2009-01-07 12:11 PM

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Subject: Sprint Triathlon Timing question
I've never competed in a triathlon but I'm doing one in 3 months.  What time do I need to post to win?  I can easily bike at 20mph for 10 miles.  Right now I'm running 4 miles in 28:30.  I would like to get that to about 6 minute miles.  I think I'm doing .25 swim in around 14-15 minutes.  I need a goal to push myself in training so I want to shoot for the top time (highly unlikely I achieve it.)  Thanks for your help.


2009-01-07 12:22 PM
in reply to: #1892403

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question
100% depends on who shows up that day. Winning may be 'nice' but it carries little meaning or relevance if your competition is not fairly matched.

You probably don't want to hear this, but triathlon is largely a competition with oneself and most of us are driven by personal records as opposed to winning.

Let's see... to win the sprint races I did this past summer, none which were particularly large:

Swim: 1:05-1:15/100yd
Bike: 22-24 mph avg
Run: 6:00-7:00 /mile

Train to challenge yourself, race for your best. Otherwise I dare say you'll be disappointed by relying on others or wins for motivation.
2009-01-07 12:24 PM
in reply to: #1892403

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question

Depends on who shows up.

I would suggest looking at past year's results to see what you might need.  And that's no guarantee either.

Some local races, the top finisher was doing a .75k/20k/5k in 1:07 to 1:10.

That's about 1:35/100 for the swim, 21mph on the bike, and 6:45/mile on the run, plus blazing transitions.

2009-01-07 12:33 PM
in reply to: #1892454

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question
Aikidoman - 2009-01-07 1:24 PM

Depends on who shows up.

I would suggest looking at past year's results to see what you might need.  And that's no guarantee either.

Some local races, the top finisher was doing a .75k/20k/5k in 1:07 to 1:10.

That's about 1:35/100 for the swim, 21mph on the bike, and 6:45/mile on the run, plus blazing transitions.

x2 on looking at last years results.

I think it's great that you are aiming to win, it is a race after all. Few of us, especially me, race to win. I still use last years results to figure my goal. Either how much improvement I want on my time or, like now, I am figuring what it would take to get into the top half. I set a goal time and work toward it, but I won't be disappointed if faster people show up and I make my time but not the placement.

1st is a bit different, found out if you have a shot; then pass everyone in your age group and don't let them pass you.

2009-01-07 12:36 PM
in reply to: #1892454

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question
Aikidoman - 2009-01-07 12:24 PM

Depends on who shows up.

I would suggest looking at past year's results to see what you might need.  And that's no guarantee either.

Some local races, the top finisher was doing a .75k/20k/5k in 1:07 to 1:10.

That's about 1:35/100 for the swim, 21mph on the bike, and 6:45/mile on the run, plus blazing transitions.



And don't forget, it's a lot harder to maintain your stand-alone event times when doing them all together, one after the other.

My advice? Don't worry about winning. Concentrate on trying to do YOUR best on the given day.
You are your only competition.
2009-01-07 12:44 PM
in reply to: #1892403

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question

If those are your race distances - .25 mile swim/10 mile bike/4 mile run - the top people may be doing the swim in 5-6 minutes, averaging 25+ on the bike, and running around 5:30 miles or faster  - plus fast transitions.

Perhaps your best bet would be to do your first race as best you can, then see what you need to work on. Unless it's a very small race, expecting to win your first time out could be setting yourself up for serious disappointment.



2009-01-07 1:52 PM
in reply to: #1892403

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question
Thanks for everyone's responses.  I will not be disappointed if I do not win.  I just want a goal to shoot for.  I've never even considered competing in a triathlon until a few months ago but now I'm all amped about finishing.  I want to compete in Florida's Ironman this year if I can qualify (not sure what I need to do yet) and this will be my first step toward that goal.  I honestly don't think I have a realistic shot at winning unless the turnout is extremely poor, especially since I don't know what to expect and my transisions will most likely be awful, but I would like to try to push myself toward the times of the best at the event.  Thanks again
2009-01-07 2:02 PM
in reply to: #1892403

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question
I may be wrong, but I believe it's too late to register for this year's Ironman Florida...
2009-01-07 2:06 PM
in reply to: #1892403

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question
Ah man I hope you're wrong.  That's going to be a major disappointment.  I was really looking forward to testing myself to see if I have enough mental strength to finish.  Thanks for the headsup
2009-01-07 2:08 PM
in reply to: #1892794

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question

nofx1728 - 2009-01-07 2:06 PM Ah man I hope you're wrong.  That's going to be a major disappointment.  I was really looking forward to testing myself to see if I have enough mental strength to finish.  Thanks for the headsup

Well, from what I understand, they have one every year...

2009-01-07 2:10 PM
in reply to: #1892794

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question

As of their Jan 1st update, registration is closed - general entry is full; sorry. 

http://www.ironmanflorida.com/entry.php

 

 

 



Edited by sty 2009-01-07 2:11 PM


2009-01-07 2:23 PM
in reply to: #1892403

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question

Why not sign up for a HIM? and before that, an OLY?

They are progressively longer races that will let you see where you stand physically and mentally.

Good luck and hope you podium, but it might be hard on your first try. Not impossible, but difficult.

2009-01-07 2:26 PM
in reply to: #1892756

Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question

nofx1728 - 2009-01-07 2:52 PM Thanks for everyone's responses.  I will not be disappointed if I do not win.  I just want a goal to shoot for.  I've never even considered competing in a triathlon until a few months ago but now I'm all amped about finishing.

Then just worry about finishing. You may not even like them (though the odds are slim, cuz they're super-addicting).

I want to compete in Florida's Ironman this year if I can qualify (not sure what I need to do yet) and this will be my first step toward that goal. 

As others have said, it's closed. To register for 2010, you'll either need to go down and register in person (if you volunteer, that gets you in line earlier, I think), or stay at home and try to register online, if it makes it that far (I have one friend who got in this year by doing it online, but it's kind of a crapshoot). You don't need to "qualify" for IMFL (correct me if I'm wrong, folks, but I'm 99.9% positive you don't). You can just sign up and do it.

I honestly don't think I have a realistic shot at winning unless the turnout is extremely poor, especially since I don't know what to expect and my transisions will most likely be awful, but I would like to try to push myself toward the times of the best at the event.  Thanks again

All the more reason not to shoot for "winning" as your goal. Not saying it's not a good goal, but you've never done a tri before. You don't know what will happen. For most of us, winning is never going to be in the cards. I just worry about my own race and do what I can not to be in the back of the pack (BOP for short). But for those jockeying for 1st place, it's the teeniest things that make a huge difference and sometimes it's just a freak thing - a flat tire, a leg cramp, something you couldn't predict. The people who win are solid, fast, crazy-good athletes, but they also general have a solid racing strategy - which you can't really know until you do one! Practice your transitions before your race. Know exactly what you're bringing, where it's going to go, and what order you're going to put it on or take it off. The people who win are fast in transition as well as in the swim/bike/run. And as a newbie, that really helped me in my first race, to not freak out - knowing what I was trying to do.

All that being said, at a small sprint with a not-very-competitive field, you could go in, be fast with little experience and win it. It's very possible. Just saying, don't bank on it.

Just some thoughts from still-very-much-a-slow-newbie, so take that for what it's worth. But I have friends who ARE fast, and I see what works for people here on BT - all of this knowledge is gleaned from them.



Edited by wurkit_gurl 2009-01-07 2:28 PM
2009-01-07 2:57 PM
in reply to: #1892403

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question
Listen to Wurkit_Girl.  Besides, what if a short-course pro shows up?  Depending on the tri, some of them have large purses to attract pros.
2009-01-07 4:04 PM
in reply to: #1892856

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question
wurkit_gurl - 2009-01-07 12:26 PM

All that being said, at a small sprint with a not-very-competitive field, you could go in, be fast with little experience and win it. It's very possible. Just saying, don't bank on it.



One thing to add to that: You might not win the whole tri (pretty unlikely for a first-timer in any event), but there's also the possibility of winning or at least placing in your age group, which is always fun.
2009-01-07 4:05 PM
in reply to: #1893140

Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question
tcovert - 2009-01-07 5:04 PM
wurkit_gurl - 2009-01-07 12:26 PM

All that being said, at a small sprint with a not-very-competitive field, you could go in, be fast with little experience and win it. It's very possible. Just saying, don't bank on it.

One thing to add to that: You might not win the whole tri (pretty unlikely for a first-timer in any event), but there's also the possibility of winning or at least placing in your age group, which is always fun.

Yeah, I should have added "age group" to that sentence. That's what I meant - sorry! That's definitely happened before to more than one BT'er.



2009-01-07 4:13 PM
in reply to: #1892403

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question
Don't even think about winning the whole thing. Train as smart as you can, practice your transitions and race as hard as you can. If you PLACE in your AG, consider it a gift from God.
2009-01-07 5:04 PM
in reply to: #1892403

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question

Hey man, think about winning the whole thing if that's how YOU are motivated.  You obviously haven't done much research yet but don't limit yourself.  You sound like someone who likes to reach for the stars but won't beat yourself up if you "fail".  So, you need a plan:

  • Check out last year's winner's times in each event and transition
  • Practice your transitions often
  • Workout like a crazy fool
  • Give it your best shot!
2009-01-07 5:31 PM
in reply to: #1892798

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question
the bear - 2009-01-07 12:08 PM

nofx1728 - 2009-01-07 2:06 PM Ah man I hope you're wrong.  That's going to be a major disappointment.  I was really looking forward to testing myself to see if I have enough mental strength to finish.  Thanks for the headsup

Well, from what I understand, they have one every year...

rumor has it...

2009-01-07 6:06 PM
in reply to: #1892794

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question
nofx1728 - 2009-01-07 2:06 PM

Ah man I hope you're wrong.  That's going to be a major disappointment.  I was really looking forward to testing myself to see if I have enough mental strength to finish.  Thanks for the headsup


I'll bet there are Community Fund slots available. It'll only cost you around $1,400.00.
2009-01-08 2:41 AM
in reply to: #1892756

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question
nofx1728 - 2009-01-07 2:52 PM

I want to compete in Florida's Ironman this year if I can qualify


Are you talking about the IM (no qualification needed) or the 70.3 World Championship?

I'll dog pile on what everyone else has said, just work on doing the best you can the odds are you're not going to win the thing even if you post silly fast times in each of the events. Transitions are an art form and you're going to need to figure out what works for you during them, especially in a sprint.


2009-01-08 8:58 AM
in reply to: #1892403

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Subject: RE: Sprint Triathlon Timing question

A specific goal is good to have...even if it's your first tri. 

Take your times that you've posted above, add in a few minutes for transitions... and then total to determine how long it should take you to finish the entire race.  Use that as your goal....or cut it by a minute or two if you want. 

If you hit that time when you finish the race, then you have accomplished your goal and you should be proud of yourself.  If you place in your AG....then even better! 

Also...like everyone else said, take a look at the previous years results and see where you would have finished if you were to hit the time you calculated.  That will give you an idea of how much you'll need to improve to beat those that would have finished faster than you.  You could put your focus on those areas over the few months before the event.



Edited by hamiltks10 2009-01-08 9:03 AM
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