Never would I have thought I’d have someone asking me for beginner triathlon training advice, but it happened. I’ve given my fair share of advice on running (basically, just train and prepare for races). It was just a matter of time before I shared my reply with cyberspace.
Dear X,
Wow, I have someone who reads my blog religiously? Sweet! Learning that totally made my day.
My own tri training is only beginning, considering I just started competing in duathlons this summer. I was more of a runner before I started biking, although when I lived in Lux I did more biking than running. I’ve always dreamt about competing in an ironman, and there are lots of sprint triathlons that you can do which are probably the smarter option than starting off with a half ironman like I’m doing. Then again, I have no concept of moderation, so I tend to err on doing stupid things, like running marathons without training for them (NOT smart–my left knee will never let me forget those mistakes and still acts up on me).
I got a triathlon coach, who specifically works with women training for triathlons, as well as personal training, and she is awesome. Yes, I pay money for her to make plans for me, and critique my swimming skills, but it is totally worth it. You can do it on your own, but with my nursing schedule, she kind of takes the work out of my training for me. I love her.
As I mentioned above, there are different distance triathlons that you can choose from: sprint, olympic, half IM and then full IM’s. If I were you, I’d find a sprint tri–usually a 750m swim, 20mile bike ride, then a 5k and have that as your first. I am sure they have them in the UK–the tri season does not usually start until May, and they continue throughout the summer, at least where I live in the US. Warmer locations have them throughout the year.
Tell your mother driving is more dangerous than bike riding. I bought my first road bike in August and adore it.A completely different type of cycling. One day, I’ll invest in a time trial bike, but for now, aerobars clipped on to my road bike are good for me. You do need to be aware of your surroundings all the time, and of stupid retarded drivers. But wear a helmet, have a cell phone on you, stick to roads you know, have a spare tube, and you should be okay. I’ve had my share of accidents (which I’ve blogged about), and no matter how careful you are, every rider has some accident at somepoint in their cycling career. It goes with the sport. Think of our own Andy Schleck, or other pro cyclists out there.Lance Armstrong. I’m pretty sure they’ve had their share of tumbles. To be honest, I think I’ve tripped more running than I’ve fallen biking…Yes, I’ve needed to get stitches from tripping over a root on a trail run (maybe I should consider a helmet when running?). Knock on wood, no stitches needed from bicycle accidents. But, truthfully, cycling is as safe as you make it for yourself. Think about it. If you’re riding 60 mph down a hill and your wheels hit a patch of wet pavement or leaves, chances are you could skid and fall. Then again, going fast is fun.
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/
That’s a great website which I could spend hours on. Great info for newbies, and a site I could think of off the top of my head.
The Triathletes Training Bible is a book you can get on amazon which is fantastic.
Hope that helps a little! Congrats on the half marathons!
Happy running!
-Molly
PS. It’s very easy to make your dream become a reality. I’m on my way to making mine come true. And, you are starting young, so you have plenty of time to make it happen.
A Rendezvous with Sneakers 