Choosing a first tri length

Thanks to Spindizzy I've started thinking very seriously about signing up for a tri this summer. I'm pretty sure of the venue, Toronto Island. I'm not sure of the length though. I just talked to my friend in Maryland and she's signed up for her first tri in August - a sprint. She fitness swims about 2-3 days a week right now and doesn't run or own a bike yet. She's starting training in May. That got me thinking about what length I should try.

Toronto Island is on August 16/17 and has a try-a-tri with a 400m swim, 10km bike, and 2.5 km run. Their triathlon seems like a long sprint with a 750 m swim, 30 km bike, and 7.5 km run.

The longest ride I had outside before winter came was about 10 miles but that was when I was brand new to cycling. I've done some spinervals over an hour. I used to run 3-5 miles regularly but haven't done it in awhile. Swimming? Well, I can, but it needs work! :o

Do you think I'd have a hope of finishing and most importantly enjoying a sprint? Or would I just be better off with the try-a-tri and have fun with it?

Which one sounds most exciting to you?

I did a sprint tri first, assuming I would walk the run portion (which I did) and putt-putt through the swim (which I did). My goal was just to finish, and I reached my goal. It was a tremendous feeling of accomplishment, and I proudly considered myself a successful triathlete.

Think about your goals, and what will give you the juiciest sense of accomplishment.

For example: do you like the idea of pushing yourself as fast as you can and going all out through every leg? Maybe consider the try-a-tri. Or do you like the idea of going long and pacing yourself with distance as your goal and speed as just icing on the cake? Maybe consider the sprint.

The first triathlon I signed up for was a 1000m lake swim, 17.5mi hilly ride, and 3.4mi hilly run. Then I got scared and decided I needed to first do something easier. So, the first triathlon I did was a 300m pool swim, 12mi mostly flat ride, and 3.1mi mostly flat run. This approach worked for me.

Any first triathlon will likely get you out of your comfort zone; I think the trick is to make the experience a positive one by picking a race where you are pretty sure you can do all of the parts separately. You want a challenge but not an a$$ woopin'!

I would definitely go with a shorter one for my first. The sprint or Tri-a-Tri sounds good. Those "first time" nerves are going to take a lot out of you. I know some people can do HIMs or IMs for their first. But most of us mere mortals do better with distances that are comfortable to us the first time.

I'd go for as low key race as possible. A "try a tri" would be the best option IMO.

Thanks for all your imput! Wow I can't imagine doing a HIM or an IM first. They must have had some endurance background! I feel like I want to take it slow and earn that sort of distance.

I found another tri in August in Barrie, which is closer to where I'm going to be moving soon. The distances are a bit shorter than the other sprint I was looking at. A 750 m swim, 20 km bike, and 5 km run. I feel like that's more do-able, but I'm still hesitant.

I know the nerves will be a big factor on race day so I want to take that into account. Like Knot said, I feel kind of lured to the race that would give me "the juciest sense of accomplishment." I feel like finishing a sprint would make me feel on top of the world. The try-a-tri would be much safer though (and I'd still feel awesome about doing it). I know I could finish those distances.

Maybe I'll just find a plan and train with it for a month or so and see how I feel. At the least definitely I want to do the try-a-tri and hopefully have a blast!

I did it! I did it :D:eek::D:eek:

I signed up for the Toronto Island Give-it-a-tri. I'm excited and nervous already. It's not until August but I wanna kick some butt.

Last year apparently the wind kicked up the day before and caused to water to become really cold (56F) so they turned it into a Duathlon. I really hope it's warm this year, I really really really want to be able to do the swim.

Wheeeee. Oh my goodness what have I gotten myself into? Am I going to drown? What am I going to wear? :p :D :)

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Originally Posted by firenze11

Wheeeee. Oh my goodness what have I gotten myself into?

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A whole lot of fun!!! Congratulations.

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Am I going to drown?

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No, you will not drown and you will be able to do the swim.

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What am I going to wear? :p :D :)

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Hopefully something because I think you can disqualified for nude racing. But seriously, there are a tone of treads here on TE about what to wear for triathlon. And you'll get some great advice here. You don't have to get fancy or spend a lot of money.

Have fun training!!

Wahine-

There is a place on the island where there is a nude beach.....:D:D:D

Firenze:

Way to go!!!!!! You've taken one of the first big steps. There is nothing like a goal to get you motivated. I think the try-a tri- is perfect, it will give you a sense of what it is all about, and there will be others that are doing thier first tri as well.

Congratulations!

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Originally Posted by Wahine

Hopefully something because I think you can disqualified for nude racing.

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Originally Posted by spindizzy

Wahine-
There is a place on the island where there is a nude beach.....:D:D:D

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Hmmm this is an idea just waiting to happen. Nude triathlons. Now that would be an interesting spectator sport ;)

Thanks for the advice and encouragement Wahine and Spindizzy! I'm very very excited and I can't wait to start training. :D

Just the thought of a nude bike ride after a swim makes me go "Eeeeeeeewwwww!"