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2013-10-11 3:23 PM


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Subject: Thinking about a Sprint Triathlon
A friend of mine is participating in a sprint triathlon in a couple of weeks. I was thinking about joining her but have not been training at all. I am in the middle of training for a marathon and my long runs on Saturdays are up to 17 miles. I finish the long distance runs without any problems, just tired but no other issues. My question is if I can run that far, do you think I would be able to finish the sprint? It is a 1/4 mile swim, 8 mile bike and 5k. I am a pretty strong swimmer, but that has only been tested in pools. I have seen some questions like this online, but the person's asking the question never mention training for a marathon or half instead of the sprint.

Thanks for any advice.

Edited by ekuvolleyball 2013-10-11 3:28 PM


2013-10-11 3:41 PM
in reply to: ekuvolleyball

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Subject: RE: Thinking about a Sprint Triathlon
Originally posted by ekuvolleyball

I am a pretty strong swimmer, ... .


If this is accurate, you'll be fine. Maybe try to squeeze in an open water swim between now and race day. Have fun.

2013-10-11 4:11 PM
in reply to: ekuvolleyball

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Subject: RE: Thinking about a Sprint Triathlon
2013-10-11 4:47 PM
in reply to: ekuvolleyball

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Subject: RE: Thinking about a Sprint Triathlon
I'd say go for it...but kept in mind that since you haven't been training for the bike or swim, you could easily tweak a muscle and kill/hamper your marathon goal. seems like you are a month or so away from the marathon.

So keep it fun and mellow.
2013-10-11 5:00 PM
in reply to: ekuvolleyball

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Subject: RE: Thinking about a Sprint Triathlon
Being a strong runner doesn't meant you'll be strong in the triathlon-- it's still tough. It's a fairly short bike, but still will feel a lot different from running. You'll lose a bit of time from your marathon training, too. Not sure it's worth the risk. You can definitely finish, but it might not be optimal.

You could go and cheer on your friend though.
2013-10-11 5:14 PM
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Subject: RE: Thinking about a Sprint Triathlon
As long as your longest run don't interfere with your triathlon, I say go for it. You'll be able to finish the sprint, but I'd be very careful you don't succumb to overtraining. I made that mistake, but luckily, I've already put in several 20 milers prior to the injury, so I'm sorta close to where I was pre-injury.

Edited by Tmanishere 2013-10-11 5:15 PM


2013-10-11 5:18 PM
in reply to: Tmanishere

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Subject: RE: Thinking about a Sprint Triathlon
Almost anyone can finish that triathlon....go have fun.
2013-10-11 5:23 PM
in reply to: Left Brain

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Subject: RE: Thinking about a Sprint Triathlon
You can definitely do it. And still do your marathon training later in the day. With your level of fitness it's not danger at all. Except to your bank account. Because you'll get hooked..
2013-10-11 5:53 PM
in reply to: ekuvolleyball


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Subject: RE: Thinking about a Sprint Triathlon
Piece of cake for you if you have a swim background. You'll actually have a decent shot at a podium if you really can swim better than at least average for triathletes (which isn't a high standard at all!)
2013-10-11 7:06 PM
in reply to: ekuvolleyball


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Subject: RE: Thinking about a Sprint Triathlon
If you are a strong swimmer, my guess is you will do better than most beginners. Go for it, you'll be fine. I just ended my rookie season and was strictly a runner...until I was introduced to triathlons. I thought I was a fairly decent swimmer but soon realized that the start of the swim in triathlons are total chaos...I've been violently shoved and even pushed down deep into the water after accidentally bumping into people. In my first triathlon swim, I spent most of the time stopping and saying "sorry"...didn't realize they probably can't even hear me. (I'm visually impaired) I can write a book about the bike portion...so much equipment. Perhaps I should warn you that you may be addicted to triathlons like I did...I'm hooked. I've learned so much...proper swimming and cycling, equipment, nutrition, training, and the wonderful people you'll meet at these events. Good luck and be safe!
2013-10-11 8:38 PM
in reply to: ekuvolleyball

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Subject: RE: Thinking about a Sprint Triathlon
If you're sure you can do the swim go for it. Part of the deal is you have to come back and report how you did!


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