As usual I signed up for something without training thinking that since it is a Super Sprint it was going to be easy... Well, nothing is easy without training and I say that because I tried a swim/bike yesterday with one of my new friends. We did a 1/4 mile swim and a 12 mile ride.
The swim was hard, I always think I'm in shape because I'm running and now cycling, come to find out that swimming is just a whole different animal. This is not new to me but some how I find myself surprised every time. Not only I was tired but right before getting in the water my friend Sharon was kind enough to let me know that 2 weeks ago they found an alligator in the lake... can I say freaked out?
Then we jogged to the car and got on our bikes, not only was this the first time of me riding on regular rodes with motorized vehicles but I had no idea that the course was so hilly. The result you might ask? this workout kicked my butt BIG TIME!
Now I am freaking out about Sunday, not only I have no idea what to expect as it's my 1st triathlon but I KNOW that it won't be easy. On top of it there is very limited info about this event online which I am a bit disappointed about, and then NO MEDALS! Really? Yes! NO MEDALS! Arghhh!
Oh well... Today I am going to get together with the local tri club and look into starting training with a group that will train for the Augusta GA 70.3 - Yes, I am having a moment of insanity but I'm going to embrace it! So we shall see how this goes, I read it's a hilly course on the bike portion of the race but I have 3 months to train, right? If I do register for this I will be doing the Chicago Olympic Triathlon, if registration is still open, I haven't checked yet.
Well, that's it for now... I will be posting pics on Sunday of the Super Sprint so stay tuned =)
XOXO
CM
Did I read this correctly? You have a race on Sunday and you are doing your first open water swim? Swim in a triathlon is a contact sport, you will be kicked, pulled, pushed under the water. If you are not ready take more time to practice in the open water. As for the half ironman, I would consider it after doing at least couple of olympic distances. Best way to practice is doing more races. In a regular race you will be swimming in waves of 20 to 50 people. In an ironman you will be in the water with everyone.
ReplyDeleteGet in touch with your local triathlon group and get their advice about the races.
Eric.
Eric,
ReplyDeleteYou did here correctly... I have not been doing open water but this triathlon is a super sprint and it is for beginners, there will be 10 year old kids there and a ton of 1st timers so I think I'll be fine. I plan on staying in the back and taking my time in the swim, I can always make it up on the bike and run.
I am joining a 70.3 training group in a few weeks with my local tri-club but I don't plan on signing up for the half ironman, it's only 3 months away and it would be insane. As you said doing more races is the only way to practice, so I am doing another Sprint here in August and then I'm planning on the Olympic Chicago Triathlon, that should get me started.
The good thing about the south is that the season is way longer due to the weather and then you can always do destination races ;)
Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate it.
Carla
I already have a checklist (I meant to print it and bring it to the Clinic, but my printer ran out of ink). I will link it later today in my training plan post. And I'll definitely talk about nutrition. Great topic!
ReplyDelete