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2006-07-28 8:41 PM

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Las Vegas, NV
Subject: Am I screwed or what?

My very first tri is in early September and I am sooooo not ready for it.  I have perfectly good excuses.  Okay, throw me a bone:  I was injured with a sprain for a while.  After that, it took me a while to get to running again and I feel like it caused me to lose all the progress I made.

 I can swim the 800 yards required for my race, but I am painfully slow.  It takes me a good 25 min. in the pool.  Biking is okay.  I finally got my bike back yesterday.  Again, I can bike, but on my hybrid I feel very slow and inadequate.  I assume I can go the 15.6 miles I need to, but I haven't tried yet.

The run is by far the worst part for me.  Right now, I can go for about ten minutes at a jog before I have to walk.  

Here's my question for you:  should I just keep plugging along and continue my training so I can race on 9/9 or should I switch my registration for the same race in October? 

And, if I should just suck it up, quit being such a wuss and go for it, how do I train so that I will feel more confident and NOT collapse during the race?  Time is running out and I'm freaked out and worried!  Unfortunately, my schedule is superbusy right now.  The hubby and I just moved into a fixer upper in need of major repairs and I have to study and pass a licensing exam before Sept. 1, too.   These things only make me feel even more overwhelmed. 

Any help or advice is sorely needed and greatly appreciated.  I really want to do this, but I don't want my first tri to be a negative experience.  Know what I mean?



2006-07-28 8:51 PM
in reply to: #496720

Member
25
25
North Carolina
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?
I think you would feel better if you move your tri date to October. Use this lack of preparation as a wake up call...!
2006-07-28 8:52 PM
in reply to: #496720

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2006-07-28 9:18 PM
in reply to: #496720

Extreme Veteran
400
100100100100
Colorado
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?
If you can physically survive the swim, I say do the race.  DH agrees.  It's a good way to get the feel of a race, and the sense of accomplishment at finishing such a feat is beyond words.  Just don't push yourself so much that you'll reinjure anything.
2006-07-28 9:31 PM
in reply to: #496720

Pro
4206
20002000100100
Los Angeles, CA
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?
I say race it. Like was said above, if you can survive the swim, go for it.

My first tri which was a sprint, I panicked and doggied paddled and breast stroked the whole swim. Get this, 400m in 40 MINUTES.

Then went on to bike a aweful 14 mph average 18 mile ride. I couldn't stand the phrase "ON YOUR LEFT."

Then went on to run a 13-14 minute average 3 mile run.

But I did it and have NO regrets whatsoever. I placed 2nd to the last place in my age group, but it was so fun and I got me so hooked. What a blast.

Only advice I have for you is to race your race. It's very easy to get caught up and start trying to go faster and harder than you had actually trained. But stay mentally strong, do what you are capable, don't injure yourself by racing too hard or outside your means, and you'll do fine.



Edited by auto208562 2006-07-28 9:32 PM
2006-07-28 10:08 PM
in reply to: #496720

COURT JESTER
12230
50005000200010010025
ROCKFORD, IL
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?

Since the race in on September 9th I say RACE.   No other reason as that's my BIRTHDAY and I'll be racing too.

Oh yeah, as for the whole swim - bike - run thing.  A first race should be about FUN and finishing.   No worries on time.  In june the local tri club did it's 3rd annual race (300 yd pool swim - 15 mile bike - 3 mile run) and the last place person was 2 hrs 36 minutes and is called a TRIATHLETE!!!!



2006-07-28 10:16 PM
in reply to: #496720

Veteran
253
1001002525
Florida
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?
Just get out there and do it...you can always go slower if you need to, and it will keep you from having excuses...I just signed up for my first Olympic, and there is no way that I'm prepared, but oh well, if its bad, I'll just walk
2006-07-28 10:19 PM
in reply to: #496720

Master
2447
200010010010010025
White Oak, Texas
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?
From someone who just finished his first tri I looked at your logs and in my very less than expert opinion you can do it if BIG IF you start training now. The swim is a must as i found out it can be a mad house build bike distance next you can always walk the run (I did most of it walking). Good luck and every day do something.
2006-07-28 11:05 PM
in reply to: #496720

Science Nerd
28760
50005000500050005000200010005001001002525
Redwood City, California
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?

Personally, I say go for it.  I know that I always feel like I am unprepared and wish I had done more before a race.  But, if I make excuses and don't do one race, I know I'm more likely to make more excuses later.  It doesn't matter if you are the last person who finishes your triathlon.  What's important is that you were there and you did it.  You'll be a triathlete. 

Here's something you'll see around here a fair bit: DFL > DNF > DNS.  Basically, finishing dead last is better than a did not finish which is better than did not start.

Get out there and train and do your race in September! 

2006-07-28 11:10 PM
in reply to: #496720

Expert
702
500100100
Manchester, NH
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?
How 'proud" are you? As long as you don't mind being one of the last finishers (and I can certainly understand that your life has been way too hectic to train properly!)   then go for it!  Triathlon is  a very welcoming sport where as long as you give it your best, people will appreciate and cheer you through the finish line - and you will remember it for the rest of your life!
2006-07-28 11:13 PM
in reply to: #496720

Champion
10668
500050005001002525
Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?
Keep doing what you're doing, and build on it. Keep the september race, and add the October race. Just go as you can in September, and again on October, and compare the results. I think you'll be amazed.


2006-07-29 5:19 AM
in reply to: #496720

Veteran
265
1001002525
Snellville
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?
Race both, the first to finish, the second to improve.  I did my first tri halfway through my 12 week training plan looking at is as an opportunity to learn.  My run was more of a walk, shuffle, walk thing.  I had a great time and cant wait to do it again, this time maybe with some speed.
2006-07-29 7:52 AM
in reply to: #496720

Extreme Veteran
596
500252525
Worcester, MA
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?
I say do it! I did my first the other day and knew I wouldn't do great, but that I'd finish. Mine seemed to have a lot of people who were in much better shape than I and had more experience, but I finished. Check out my RR. I tend to be very self-deprecating in thins and feel that U never do them well. It motivates me. I'm proud of my performance, but not proud of my results, if that makes any sense. I would say that the worst that could happen is you are a little down, but more motivated to do better next time! Plus you can do the same race next year and really kick !
2006-07-29 9:36 AM
in reply to: #496720

Expert
1213
1000100100
Los Gatos, CA
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?
You are not "screwed", you are just busy, life sometimes get in the way, not an abnormal set of circumstances. Triathlon is not a life or death thing, there will always be another race although some people do fear we are going to run out ;-). Not really being ready for a race and facing many conflicting priorities can lead to rushed workouts, injury, burnout etc. Perfectly okay to take a raincheck.

Not what you want to hear ? Then, like everybody else says, go for it!
2006-07-29 9:40 AM
in reply to: #496720

Master
2231
200010010025
Des Moines, Iowa
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?
Do the one in Sept and the one in Oct.  Do whatever you need to in the run to get through it.  Walking is completely acceptable.  If you can do a 10 minute run and walk for 1 or 2 minutes, you'll do fine.  It'll be worth it when you cross the finish line.  We're rooting for you :-)
2006-07-29 10:00 AM
in reply to: #496720

Veteran
147
10025
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?
Go for it! Training now will give you a goal and will help deal with the stress of the house and the exam. The race will give you experience and a base time to improve upon.

Then do the race in October too!


2006-07-29 10:07 AM
in reply to: #496720

Extreme Veteran
463
1001001001002525
Fort Worth, TX
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?
go for it...still time to recover.  As far as the run, shorten it.  For example, 3x8 min w/2 min rest.  The goal being to be at your projected 5K in run minutes.  You running legs will come!!
2006-07-29 10:23 AM
in reply to: #496720

Member
45
25
PHOENIX AZ
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?
Hey Wonderlust, I lived in BC for 12 years and so the heat can be a factor as you know..
What helped me with first couple of tri's was understanding that this sport is part of a long term solution to fitness so part of the transition of lifestyle will be sucking at first..but the personal pride in moving from past comfort zones to "showing up and just doing it" is enormous.
You will receive great positive energy from just showing up....

Face the fear and do it.
Good Luck,
Charlie
2006-07-29 3:37 PM
in reply to: #496720

Champion
7542
5000200050025
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Bronze member
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?
When do you have to make the decision?

Set out some training goals between now and that deadline, and as it approaches, you'll see the obvious answer.
2006-07-29 4:44 PM
in reply to: #496720

Master
2629
200050010025
brummie land
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?

i kinda get the impression from your logs that you haven't logged everything and that you have been busy. so my advice would be wait. tri's are to be enjoyed and if you don't feel prepared going into this you'll probabaly hate it and get injured and that's your first ever tri experience ruined.

 

wait, re-register and get some good training in and log it! do lots and lots of bricks and get that swimming in, so you can feel comfortable with the distance however you do it.

my first tri was a super sprint because i sucked at running and i was going to do a sprint distance two weeks later - no siree! postponed till next year as i hadn't done the distance on the run and i knew it'd be horrid. the races won't do away and i think you'd have a much more fun time if you felt confident going into your race.

 

just my two pennorth (english money )

 

btw is that a moomin in your avatar?



Edited by sappho96 2006-07-29 4:46 PM
2006-07-29 6:48 PM
in reply to: #496720

Champion
4902
20002000500100100100100
Ottawa, Ontario
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?
Do it, you'll do just fine.  Don't worry about how fast you complete the three legs of the triathlon, just do you best and finish it.  The best advice I can give you is to race your own pace and not to race against anyone.  You can try to best you own finishing time in your second triathlon.  For now, just get out there and enjoy the triathlon experience.


2006-07-29 11:20 PM
in reply to: #496720

Extreme Veteran
493
100100100100252525
Bay Area, CA
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?

I'm in the Just Do It camp. I walked over half of the run portion on my first Sprint. The only person I passed was a 76 year old but he had me beat because he was jogging the whole way, albeit slowly.

Point is, walking is ok, swimming is the most daunting and you are comfortable with that. When you finish, no matter where you are in the pack (I was BOP), you will be so stoked and ready to do October ALSO!!!

2006-07-30 9:28 AM
in reply to: #496720

Expert
1157
10001002525
Tremonton, Utah
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?

Ditto the DO IT!  If you were doing an Olympic as your first, then I might suggest otherwise.   You've still got a month to get reay, and you'll have a great experience! 

I would suggest that you go into this race with an attitude of finishing!  If you do that you'll be more relaxed and you'll have a great experience.  And with your times right now, I can virtually Guarantee that you'll not be DFL! 

Then -- while you're sitting at the computer bloggin your next workout, register for the October Race.  Set your goal to simply do better than your September Race. 

Good luck on that September Race!  You'll do Great!  Plus you'll be a member of a VERY exclusive, but WONDERFUL, welcoming club.   You'll be a TRIATHLETE!

 

2006-07-30 11:27 AM
in reply to: #496720

Veteran
182
100252525
Ocean, New Jersey
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?
I agree that you should do the race. Most of us race for the enjoyment of the sport, not the hope of winning. It will be hard to start a race knowing that you're not in your best shape, but you are training! Train as consistently as you can and you'll be fine by race day! Good Luck!
2006-07-30 1:30 PM
in reply to: #496720

Master
2491
2000100100100100252525
Subject: RE: Am I screwed or what?
Echo the others. Don't push too hard. Watch and learn. Finish strong. Have FUN!
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