Possible?

[merbella]

I have been cycling more recently and it has me thinking about a triathlon. I am 53 and recently biked 34 miles on a charity ride (after doing little biking prior) and then did 20 miles this past weekend (trek 7.6 wsd). Felt comfortable after, but a little depleted after the 34 in Atlanta heat) I run about once a week (3miles), but have been holding back on that a bit because of Achilles tendonitis. Swimming? Not in years other than occasional recreation- never for exercise, etc.
I was thinking of doing a tri, but with season ending it looks like it would be next year. Then I found one where I will be vacationing this fall(October 2). However, it is a bit longer than some. 1/3 mi swim in ocean, 18 mile bike and 3.1 run.
Would it be possible for me to get up to speed for this? Should I aim for a shorter swim/bike event?
Just giving it all some thought and appreciate any advice...
:)

[HillSlugger]

Triathlon is exciting and intimidating; congrats on deciding to tri.

How much opportunity will you have between then and now for swimming? Any chance of getting in some open water swim practice? If you are even thinking of this, I'd get to the pool tomorrow to see how good/bad that's looking.

Another thing to consider, will you need a wetsuit for the swim? Also, ocean swimming can be more intimidating than a lake or river swim due to the possibility of crashing waves, etc.

I battled Achilles tendinitis last year and into this year so I understand what it takes to come back physically and mentally; I'd recommend getting your running up to 2x per week if possible, even if one has to be shorter.

Let us know what you decide.

[kermit]

I'm sure you could do it with a little training. There's the other option if you are worried about the swim, check the race and see if they offer a duathlon. It's just a run/bike/run for those who don't want to swim. I recently hurt my shoulder and am looking at the DU as an option. Now I have to ramp up my running. Good luck and have fun.

[colby]

Definitely possible, I agree with MD - get in the water and see how that feels now so you know what you have to work on. You'll do fine on the bike and even if you walk part of the run you know you can cover that distance. The swim tends to be the most intimidating part. :) 1/3 mile swim is not bad, that's between 500 and 550 yards. You will want to go out and swim in that water before the race so you can get used to the feel of the surf, and if you can swim in open water of any kind beforehand that will help, too.

Good luck! You've got enough time to put it all together if you decide it's what you want to do.

[merbella]

Thanks for the feedback. Good advice. I will jump in a pool soon and gauge my swimming skills, or lack thereof! That should tell me a lot about whether I should head down this path now or later...

[Dogmama]

I'm going to detract a bit from the advice given & advise you to wait. Your running injury needs rest & you won't get any while you're training. Things don't heal so quickly as we age. I just turned 56 and I've been biking for 20 years, so I have a little experience in nagging injuries :p

I would work on swimming, rehabbing your Achilles and improving your aerobic capacity by biking. Aim for something next year. Just my $.02.

[merbella]

Good thoughts. I got in pool last night and realize I have a LOT of work to do in that area. I am thinking of getting a swim coach and see how much I can improve that aspect. I would like to get good technique early rather than just flail with poor form and have to undo bad habits later. I think that would help if and when I try the tri.
Thanks!

[colby]

I'm going to detract a bit from the advice given & advise you to wait. Your running injury needs rest & you won't get any while you're training. Things don't heal so quickly as we age. I just turned 56 and I've been biking for 20 years, so I have a little experience in nagging injuries :p

I would work on swimming, rehabbing your Achilles and improving your aerobic capacity by biking. Aim for something next year. Just my $.02.

Detract? Nah. Every forum needs a voice of reason :)

[HillSlugger]

Good thoughts. I got in pool last night and realize I have a LOT of work to do in that area. I am thinking of getting a swim coach and see how much I can improve that aspect. I would like to get good technique early rather than just flail with poor form and have to undo bad habits later. I think that would help if and when I try the tri.
Thanks!

Good idea to start off right.

Chuck the "if" and concentrate on the "when" ;)

[merbella]

Thanks, all. First swim lesson next week!

[Dogmama]

Thanks, all. First swim lesson next week!

I'm looking for swim lessons too. Where are you taking yours? Privately or with a group?

[merbella]

Two of us doing a private in Atlanta. Are you in the area?

[Dogmama]

Two of us doing a private in Atlanta. Are you in the area?

Tucson - and looking for somebody who does private lessons in Total Immersion. I'm only finding people in Phoenix though - 120 miles away. :( Might do group lessons for awhile...