collegiate runner to triathlete!

Hi Laura,

Also a former D1 runner though that was a long, long time ago (like two decades!). Assuming you're a distance runner, you'll have a great base for tri already and if you're a strong biker, even better. I'd start by looking into getting some guidance on the swim--maybe getting some lessons and/or joining a master's group that takes less experienced swimmers. Some coaches work with swimmers on form during the workout; in other cases, sometimes you can pay the coach for extra one on one or small group sessions to work on your technique. Swimming's heavily technique dependent and many beginners have issues with confidence ( it's not just swimming but long distance and in open water with the possibility of physical contact). It's definitely worth the investment of time and money to work on the swim--while it's hard ro win a tri on the swim, a bad swm can easily ruin your race. Don't worry if you have that typical distance runner's physique--swimming's heavily dependent on technique and conditioning, and for the distances swum in tri, you don't have to be "built" like a swimmer to do well.

In my case I came to tri from a run and swim background so my big struggle has been the bike, I simply haven't found that my run fitness really translated to being even mediocre on the bike. While I'm generally in the top 3-6 on the swim and run in all my races (and that at age 45), I've had to work hard just to crack the top 20-25% for women on the bike. So count yourself lucky if you have a strong bike background. For the longer distance races in particular, a lot of tri is actually about the bike. You can have a great run and swim, but unless you have a solid bike it's difficult to get on the podium.

Enjoy the transition. I personally find tri to be a lot more fun than pure running--easier on the body and there are so many people and events you will be exposed to as you develop in the three different sports.

Karen

Thanks so much for the input. I feel my swim technique needs to be monitored. Once I get more time to dedicate to swim, I feel I will work on my technique and have someone watch me. For now, I think I will try and use swimming more as cross training with running so I can build a familiarity in the water. I primarily use the bike and elliptical to cross train so I think I should firstly get used to at least swimming more than I do now!

I am excited to start to think about this transition. I LOVE running but I am ready for a new physical challenge. It definitely is nice to hear from some like yourself who made the transition and are clearly having great success! Good luck in your endeavors and thanks again for the advice!

Swimming is also GREAT as recovery after a long/hard run. I swim a lot more than most triathletes--not just because it's convenient since I'm literally a minute's walk from a free pool at my workplace, but it's "free" cardio without any impact, and my legs always feel better after a swim. Even in college when I was training for Olympic Trials (marathon) I swam 2 X a week for the recovery benefits.