Doing FIRST Sprint TRI

[Shaula]

I made the decision tonight to do a sprint tri in June. I am overweight but I do ride my Giant OCR 3 road bike frequently. I don't know if I'll run = probably walk. So, what I'm asking.......what do I need like swimming and stuff? Can I wear the same bathing suit and ride the bike and walk/run? I am really, really new!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! By the way, the swim will be 1/4 mile, bike 10 miles, run 3 miles.

[KnottedYet]

I walked every step of my first sprint tri. No problem.

If your swimsuit is really comfortable and you love it, can ride in it and walk/run in it, go for it.

I don't actually own a swimsuit...

I swim in a black sports bra and black UnderArmor compression shorts. (I need more support than a swimsuit could give me, anyway. And I'm very uncomfortable about showing my butt and thighs.) I add bike shorts with an attached wrap skirt for the bike and the walk, and put on a tank top.

Lots of people like tri-shorts, which are like bike shorts but with a thinner/smaller chamois. You wear those thru the entire tri, don't have to change or add anything. There are also tri-tops, which are bra-tops with pockets in back. Tri-suits are one-piece combos of shorts and top.

[Grog]

Welcome to the wonderful world of triathlons!

I encourage you to read more threads in this Triathlon section. There has been lots of talk of first triathlons and what-to-wear recently. Make yourself a cup of team (or a bottle of Gatorade) and have a seat!

[tryingtri]

I am doing my first tri sprint in May! I think I am leaning in the direction of a pair of quick drying bike shorts and a sports bra. I have already invested so much into my bike I do not want to spend a ton on the rest of the gear!

[tryingtri]

check out my post under tri gear if you haven't yet. there are some great responses there

[teigyr]

Shaula and Tryingtri,

I'll be really interested to read how it goes for both of you!

I'm doing my first one in September. I think I've been overthinking the need for Things but it seems like tri shorts and a top would be just fine. I did go to a tri store to check out apparel which was MUCH better than looking online (would buy online but nothing is like seeing things in person especially if you don't know what you're looking for).

I'm sure you will have so much fun! What type of training are you doing?

[Cindyloo]

Shaula,

We are in the same situation! I have my first sprint tri in May . I am also a bit overweight but hopefully the training will help me lose weight. We are both from GA and may be going to do the same tri (Callaway Gardens) in June.

I swim in the pool in a swimsuit, but will more than likely purchase a wetsuit for the tri swims. It certainly isn't necessary though. Good luck and let's talk!

Edited to say I sent you a private message.

Cindy

[tryingtri]

Teigyr,
I too have placed too much emphasis on "things" . I felt like they were necessary to look the part and feel the part, but I have realized that this is not necessarily true.

I just started training last about a week ago. I try to do two of the three legs a day. I alternate my runs between 6 miles at a steady pace and 3 miles at a faster pace. Swimming is my weak spot. I need to put some serious time in the pool and when it warms up a little more start open water training. i am continuing my weight training too. it is hard to fit it all in. I have been thinking about adding a yoga class too bcs my legs have been really tight.

[teigyr]

Tryingtri,

How do you find the time?! How many miles do you put on your bike? How many hours a day do you devote to training? It seems like you are doing well on your running. Are there any time management tips you could give me?

While I have weights at home, I tend to go to the gym for those. The pool is at the gym (which I have yet to use) and when I ride, I tend to take my bike to a trail because it's easier and there are no cars. Either way though, I'm looking at a 2-5 hour time commitment depending on what I'm doing. I like sleep too much which is a shame also!

It sounds like you are doing great! I'm sure you will have a fantastic time -- and I bet yoga would help. At the very least, maybe you could get a dvd and do it at home?

[tryingtri]

Honestly I have a lot of time on my hands right now, so don't be too envious of my time management skills. I am recently divorced and started running as a coping mechanism and this has all grown from that. I think I might have a date this weekend! I also get off work by 4 at the latest - I go in early, around 6am.
I put in two to three hours a day - nothing to insane. On the weekend It’s more like four. I aim for 15-20 miles on my bike and 6 mile runs on the weekend. I avoid the pool like the plauge. I have to force myself to get in there and swim laps. The weather is gorgeous here. In the mid 70's low 80's so its the perfect time to be outside.

[teigyr]

Congrats on your date Do you know what you're doing?

Running isn't such a bad coping mechanism. When I got divorced, I also spent a lot more time at the gym. Of course I also spent a fair amount of time drinking wine and feeling sorry for myself...so I'd say running is a healthy endeavor!

I work 10 hour days (off 3 days a week) so my workdays have me leaving at 9am and getting home at 9:30pm. While I could get up early to exercise, I think I lack discipline especially when the alarm clock goes off. It is beautiful here today but usually it's nice until I have a day off and then it rains.

I think you're doing great and I bet you anything you get asked out tons. I think people are so impressed when they see accomplishment, especially in something so difficult. I know I have moderate hero worship with triathletes and I hope to do one in Sept! My husband (got married again in Nov) does cycling with me but has no desire to do a triathalon. As long as he is supportive (and he is), I'm good!

p.s. my first date with my now-husband was RIGHT after I got braces. So I was divorced (read into that...failure!), with braces (read into that...Icky!) and had not gone out yet with braces. I ended up spitting water on him as I was trying to make sure I had nothing stuck in my teeth. It HAS to go better than that! (sorry re the thread jack there!)

[JenLeath]

I did my first tri 2 summers ago. I had just spent $700 on a new bike, so I wasn't going to invest a bunch more. I didn't know how to swim (with any efficiencty), so I invested in a good USAT Coach. He was telling me all these things I "needed". It was daunting. I didn't listen. I did my first race in some regular cycling shorts, and a tight fitting quick drying top. I live in an alpine area, so I had to wear a wetsuit for the swim, I rented that. I had a blast. I did two more with that same set up. After deciding that I was hooked, I purchased a tri top and tri shorts off of Ebay for $25 for both (brand new). I race in the same thing for evey race. Just make due with what you have, and if you like it as much as I think you will, then spend the $$.

Happy Training
Jen

[tryingtri]

Teigyr,

You are so funny! Thanks for the encougagement. Hopefully my date will be better then the braces date. I am not sure what we are doing yet, but we both love to stay active so thats a great start.

I thought cycling might be a good way to meet people - I am doing a couple of sponsored rides next month. So far I have only managed to hook guys that are too young for me and the occasional way to old/too dirty.

I have conusmed plenty of wine myself. I bought bottle of champange one night and ended up falling down my stairs - not cool. I'd rather my bruises be the result of hard training instead of hard partying!

I have a question so i'll send a rivate message.

[KSH]

Train and you will do just fine!

Good luck!