Comments on: Getting Started in Triathlon: Part 1

By: Sage

Sage — Sun, 16 May 2010 12:35:58 +0000

Hi, Meghan! Eight weeks is plenty of time, but you’ll need to get in the water, ideally a few times a week, and build to swim 500 continuously. Comfort in the water–and the endurance to get through the distance–is way more important than speed. And that comfort and endurance come with practice. See what you can find for swim options, or make a trip to a nice lake a good day trip (you’ll need to bring a friend).

Good luck!
Sage

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By: Meghan

Meghan — Sat, 15 May 2010 18:39:36 +0000

Hi Sage,
I’m 20 and plan on participating in my first “mini” triathlon (500 yd swim, 16 mi bike, and 5k run) in mid July. I’ve been running and am fairly comfortable on a bike. My only concern is the swim (its in a lake) and preparing for it because I don’t have easy access to a pool or lake. First of all, is it too late to start my training now? The race is about 8 weeks off. I’d appreciate your advice!

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By: Sage

Sage — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:11:10 +0000

Terri, you should be sure your hip strength is on par with your leg strength. Pilates is very good for building hip and glute strength. You might also try my IT Band yoga routine. You can find the video here: http://www.sagerountree.com/yoga/videos.html.

Sometimes foam rolling helps the ITB. But that’s palliative care—get to the root of the problem by getting a PT to check your hip strength. Good luck!

Sage

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By: Terri

Terri — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 12:19:39 +0000

I am 49 and doing my first sprint-tri in Sept. I am giving myself plenty of time to train.I am very active. I was hiking and showshoeing all winter up the local mountain, snowboarding and strength training. P90X program, I highly recommend it. Anyway, I have been biking as soon as the roads were dry and I love that.I am good at that, running however is a real challenge. I have hurt my IT band already. It kills where it connects to my hip! What can I do? I am taking a week off, is there anything I can do to speed recovery or training I can do that won’t make it worse?

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By: Sage

Sage — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 21:02:37 +0000

Hi, Stephanie,

The answer is: it depends. The first step is to get moderately comfortable with the swim, ideally under the guidance of a swim coach or a masters group. Once you can swim relaxed, you’ll have a lot more energy for the bike and run. Second step is to get a good-fitting bike to ride, and start riding. Depending on your swim skills, you could be ready to finish OK in a month, or it might take much longer.

Your body takes 6-8 weeks to adapt to training, especially in a new sport, so that’s a good rule of thumb. More is, obviously, better, but don’t hesitate to sign up just because the race is soon!

Hope that helps!
Sage

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By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 16:21:58 +0000

Thanks for the information! I am considering doing my first triathlon this year. How many weeks should I budget for training to be able to do a sprint distance? I mostly run now, about 5-7 miles runs a few times a week. Not much experience in swimming or biking. Thanks!

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By: Kristina

Kristina — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 04:17:38 +0000

I’m so pleased to find this site as I train for my first triathlon. I would like to second Martha’s request for swimming/running clothing options for the full figure. I’m a DD and sadly the clothing option is a big concern as I try to find a top that will work for swimming and support me for running. I love Athleta’s swimsuits for casual usage, but want a two piece for competition.

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By: Janet Smith

Janet Smith — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:36:10 +0000

Hi,
Thanks for the great advice for tri training. I am an avid runner, fairly good biker, and just getting back into swimming. My sprint tri is on Memorial Day. I NEED your other advide/tidbits before then so HURRY and post them! :) THANKS!!!
Janet

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By: Martha

Martha — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 11:43:27 +0000

Team Athleta – thanks for the response. However, I’m a full D cup and not the perky kind – in other words, I need maximum support! I think the Inspire tank is very pretty, but from the description it wouldn’t work for me. Judging from the clothing for triathletes (across all brands) most triathletes are sticks and not hourglasses. The Shock Absorber (available in tankini or one piece) I finally found works great for both pool and run. That said, I adore Athleta for casual swimsuits and have a drawerful!

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By: Sage

Sage — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:40:48 +0000

Tara, I’ve written some pieces on running for the Chi; you can find them at http://www.athleta.net/chi/category/run/training-plans/.

For the courage, how about enlisting a friend to train and race with you? And then take a deep breath and go for it. It’s so worthwhile. And your Ironman hubby can pay you back with support through training and cheering on race day!

Let me know how it goes!
Sage

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