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Beginner Triathlon

Lisa H.
Lisa H. Sendmail

thinking about a 1st sprint tri

posted about 1 year ago | Report

Right now my main focus is weight loss. I have participated in several races 5ks, 10ks and even a half marathon. In every race I am very slow, but I'm not last and I'm doing it to finish not win.
My question: I am considering doing a sprint tri at the end of July. Mostly for something different in my training, not just running all the time. So, for the question...do people do these events to participate and complete them or is the majority of the field competetive? Also, I just have a cheapo walmart bike, will I be the only one with that type of bike, will i look ridiculous?
Thanks for any help or advise.

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  • Michelle M.
    Michelle M. Sendmail

    There's one near me called My First Triathlon and it's sprint distance but the swim is in water shallow enough to touch bottom and you can just ride whatever bike you want. That's what I'll do when I'm ready to give it a try haha

    posted about 1 year ago

  • Alicia B.
    Alicia B. Sendmail

    I'm going to be doing my first sprint tri at the end of June and another one at the end of the July. I just have a mountain bike and currently don't even own a helmet (I know I have to get one to participate in a race). I got into it because of a running injury and I am really loving something different than running all the time. Plus swimming burns more calories than running!!

    I don't think you will be the only newbie out there but likely the smaller local races are going to be less competive. I think the sprints are not really for competing but having fun and trying out something new.

    posted about 1 year ago

  • Jan
    Jan Sendmail

    I say go for it! Unless the description includes words like "challenging" or "competitive" its most likely to include new folks giving it a try and just hoping to finish and enjoy themselves plus some more experienced triathletes who are using it as a training race for bigger triathlons later in the season.

    There will most likely be cheap bikes, hybrids and maybe even a mountain bike or two! (I used my 15 yr old hybrid for my 1st two sprint tris.) You could always shoot an email to the race director and find out how competitive this one is.

    The cross training you get from tri training will be great for your running! Enjoy!

    posted about 1 year ago | edited about 1 year ago

  • Joe H.
    Joe H. Sendmail

    +1 on what Jan said they are fun, the people there are usually very cool, first timers often use mtn bikes or hybrids.

    generic free training plans are available at trinewbies.com, beginnertriathlete.com trifuel.com and halhigdon.com

    they are terribly fun and very addiciting!

    posted about 1 year ago

  • Steve B.
    Steve B. Sendmail

    Lisa, you will find that triathlons attract all ability levels, same as a typical running race really. Some are in it to win it, some are there to finish, and a lot of folks in-between. Typically if a race is near a large populous it will be more competitive, as you would expect. Also, if there is prize money there will be some super fast athletes. However, all abilities will still be present, regardless of the venue. I would say if you find a race in a more rural area it will be generally less competitive. It is all good though, that is for sure. If you are apprehensive you could go and watch one first, or, find a local bike shop that is having a triathlon seminar. I can guarantee you one thing, when you cross the finish line for your first triathlon it will be a religious experience and you will be smiling for a very long time. Best of luck to you!

    posted about 1 year ago | edited about 1 year ago

  • Lisa H.
    Lisa H. Sendmail

    Thanks for the great responses. I am getting closer to deciding to do this race :)

    posted about 1 year ago

  • Bryce H.
    Bryce H. Sendmail

    Do it and have fun.

    Just like any race people are there for their own reasons some competitive and others for another accomplishment. As for bikes I have seen all types so it doesn't matter.

    the only one's that come in last are the people that don't sign up.

    Have Fun and Happy Training

    posted about 1 year ago

  • Morey B.
    Morey B. Sendmail

    From an endurance standpoint- a sprint tri is much less than a half marathon.
    from a weight loss standpoint- since you'll be swimming, biking and running, the overall number of hours of training increases- and so do the calories burned.
    from a 'competitive' standpoint; triathlons- in general, are far more friendly and fun than most running races. So- overall, I'd say they're less competitive outside of those vying for the age group podium.

    it's a bunch of people there for the fun fitness experience- just like yourself.

    My prediction: you'll love it and be bike shopping within a week of the day you finish your first tri.

    posted about 1 year ago

  • Christi N.
    Christi N. Sendmail

    Do it! I started to mix up my training, now I am addicted to it:) you will love it, there are all types but from my experience, the participants are all nice people. The organizers will generally arrange the field by times that you enter onto the registration forms so that you will be with others of the same ability and pace.

    Can't wait to hear how it goes! FR sent

    posted about 1 year ago

  • Kris M.
    Kris M. Sendmail

    I say go for it! I had been wanting to get in to tri's last year but didn't have a bike. I made a bet with the husband that if I could prove I could do the swimming portion, he would approve the funds for a bike. (we have a pool that I never swim in..as I feel it's for napping on rafts lol). I was able to join a gym and started working on the swim, then got pregnant. So I figured the tri's would have to wait. Nope! In an effort to keep up my activity level I continued with all the cross training. I did 3 indoor sprint tri's earlier this year. Due to having to watch my hear rate (one was at 26 weeks and 2 were at 30's weeks) I couldn't actually compete in them, I just went for completion and to see if I could do it. I wasn't last in any of them and most of the people doing them were either newbies just trying it out or people just doing it for fun. So that's my experience! So I say sign up for one, train as best you can, don't worry about the bike, and have fun! Plus, as I found, being a runner..even having to watch my HR I was able to do better than a lot of others at the run portion because it's what my body was used to and trained for. I imagine you'll have the same response.

    posted about 1 year ago

  • Ian M.
    Ian M. Sendmail

    most sprint tris have a good percentage of novices , the pool based ones in the UK are great starter points as they set you off with like minded people , the professionals go last . Yo posted a month ago arte you still doing it ?

    posted about 1 year ago

  • Mikaela K.
    Mikaela K. Sendmail

    I did one in my town just to finish, and I was not alone. People who do tris are generally very kind and helpful toward newbies. The experienced athletes helped me set up my transition area and everything!

    Also, I rode this cheap, huge, OLD OLD OLD mountain bike. I didn't really train to bike and though I was near the top in the swim and run, I was second to last on the bike. It's a disadvantage but if it's your first one, it's better to use an old bike that you're comfortable with than buy a new one for a sport you might not like. A few people had bikes like that.

    posted 10 months ago

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