Entering a tri before first scheduled tri

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2011-06-29 5:52 PM

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Subject: Entering a tri before first scheduled tri
My first official tri isn't scheduled until August 21, but my training has been coming along really well and I'm itching to race. The Carlsbad sprint tri is coming up on July 10, and I've heard a lot of good things about this race. It's a 1k swim, 25k bike and 5k run. I've swam 500 meters before without stopping (haven't tried for 1000) my long bike rides have been in the 15 to 16 mile range and I can run 5k no problem. I've been practicing bike run bricks as well, though at a much shorter distance (usually 25-30 min of each sport). I realize it wouldn't be pretty, I just wasn't to finish. Am I crazy to attempt a tri this early (been running for 5 months, biking for about 2, and swimming for 1 month)? Is it something doable or would I be better off waiting and maybe volunteering for this race instead.

2011-06-29 5:57 PM
in reply to: #3573702

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Subject: RE: Entering a tri before first scheduled tri

do it

good experience for nerves and learning transition

2011-06-29 5:57 PM
in reply to: #3573702

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Subject: RE: Entering a tri before first scheduled tri
Nah, go ahead and do it. Just try not to do one too close to your primary (A) race. Enjoy each and every race!

2011-06-29 6:31 PM
in reply to: #3573702

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Subject: RE: Entering a tri before first scheduled tri

Lisavg - 2011-06-29 5:52 PM My first official tri isn't scheduled until August 21, but my training has been coming along really well and I'm itching to race. The Carlsbad sprint tri is coming up on July 10, and I've heard a lot of good things about this race. It's a 1k swim, 25k bike and 5k run. I've swam 500 meters before without stopping (haven't tried for 1000) my long bike rides have been in the 15 to 16 mile range and I can run 5k no problem. I've been practicing bike run bricks as well, though at a much shorter distance (usually 25-30 min of each sport). I realize it wouldn't be pretty, I just wasn't to finish. Am I crazy to attempt a tri this early (been running for 5 months, biking for about 2, and swimming for 1 month)? Is it something doable or would I be better off waiting and maybe volunteering for this race instead.

Do it!!

I was planning on spending 2 solid months training for my first sprint tri after doing the NJ Marathon on May 1. My friends were all doing a sprint on May 28. I had not swam a lap before May 3 and decided to enter based on my running and biking. I swam 4x a week, 2x a week with a swim coach, and finished the May 28 triathlon. I was making such poor progress (in my head, we're talking 2 1/2 weeks of training) with swimming I was going to bail, but my coach told me to do it, the worst thing that would happen is I'd have to stop and float and recover.

I listened to her and raced. The swim was incredibly slow but I didn't have to stop, bike was OK, run good.It was the best decision to go ahead and do it. I learned so much just from being there and talking to people. And I found out that I love triathlons! I was even more motivated to train for the main event last weekend. I'm still a slow swimmer but I'm signed up for 2 more already this year.



Edited by moldoverb 2011-06-29 6:38 PM
2011-06-29 8:01 PM
in reply to: #3573702

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Subject: RE: Entering a tri before first scheduled tri

Go for it.

(If you haven't been in the open water yet get at least one practice day there prior to the race).

 

2011-06-30 9:28 AM
in reply to: #3573702

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Master
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Subject: RE: Entering a tri before first scheduled tri
I also vote for do it.  I did a sprint as a 'practice' for my first tri, an Olympic a month later.  I learned that I had some work to do on the swim before the big event.  I'm glad I did the sprint first.

2011-06-30 9:32 AM
in reply to: #3573702


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Subject: RE: Entering a tri before first scheduled tri
Do it. I did a sprint because like you I felt my training was going well. I learned tons and can't wait until my next one at the end of this month.
2011-06-30 9:50 AM
in reply to: #3573702

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Subject: RE: Entering a tri before first scheduled tri
What's the longest you've swam in one session (not necessarily nonstop as I saw that you've gone 500 nonstop)?  Have you swam in similar conditions?  I'm assuming it's the ocean.  If you can get in a swim of at least the race distance in open water before July 10, do it; otherwise, I'd hold off.  The first OWS can really freak people out.
2011-06-30 9:52 AM
in reply to: #3574661

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Melon Presser
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Subject: RE: Entering a tri before first scheduled tri

kcb203 - 2011-06-30 11:50 PM What's the longest you've swam in one session (not necessarily nonstop as I saw that you've gone 500 nonstop)?  Have you swam in similar conditions?  I'm assuming it's the ocean.  If you can get in a swim of at least the race distance in open water before July 10, do it; otherwise, I'd hold off.  The first OWS can really freak people out.

Good advice ... and yet even more reason to get that first 'group race' OWS in during a 'trial' tri. You seem prepared, so I'd say go for it as well!

2011-06-30 9:59 AM
in reply to: #3573702

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Entering a tri before first scheduled tri
Do it.

I’ve been training with a buddy who’s just getting into tris. He had originally planned to make an Oly in late July his first race, but I convinced him to sign up for a sprint in early June and a Duathlon in May. I think he’s going to end up having not only a better, faster race in July, but he’ll be less anxious and will enjoy the experience more now that he’s had a couple of other races under in belt. He knows better what to expect during the swim start, has a better feel for transitions, etc.
2011-06-30 10:06 AM
in reply to: #3573702

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Expert
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Las Vegas, NV
Subject: RE: Entering a tri before first scheduled tri

I'll see you there. I'm doing this race too

I did it last year and really liked it. PM me if you want to meet up.



Edited by jpbis26 2011-06-30 10:06 AM

2011-06-30 1:58 PM
in reply to: #3573702

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Subject: RE: Entering a tri before first scheduled tri
I say do it! it will be good practice for the race in august and you can learn from all (if any) of your mistakes. I was scheduling a 10k for october but wound up doing one 2 weeks ago just to see if I could and I did so now I will be working on improving my time come october. good luck at both races
2011-06-30 2:03 PM
in reply to: #3573702

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Bountiful UTAH
Subject: RE: Entering a tri before first scheduled tri
I like to be different....

DON'T DO IT!

JK
It will be good practice if anything. You can finish the swim even if you have to float on your back and paddle around. Just doing it will start you building experience. You will love it.
2011-06-30 2:04 PM
in reply to: #3573702

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Expert
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Fort Riley, Kansas
Subject: RE: Entering a tri before first scheduled tri
Go for it! Great practice!
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