Choosing a first tri length

[firenze11]

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!

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?

[KnottedYet]

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.

[HillSlugger]

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'!

[roadie gal]

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.

[Running Mommy]

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

[firenze11]

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!