Starting out.

[Katie.Marie]

I have been reading and following others posts for awhile hoping that I would get an idea on where to begin with training for a triathlon. I just keep getting more confused.

I have also tried researching online, left confused again.

So I have decided to just ask all of you, how did you start out???

Thanks for the help!

[alpinerabbit]

For me, it was bicycling first, my first love of exercise, ever.
Then discovered after a full season that I can run for an hour, then decided I want to do a tri - a sprint - had to learn freestyle swimming over the winter.
I would recommend loads of bicycling, most easy (base building), some climbing or fast riding.

It all depends on what you want to do - sprints or Ironman or anything in between, and how long you can be patient.
Basically, for a sprint, you do not need a plan, just be able to cover the individual legs, train each discipline at least maybe 2x/week, and have enough base endurance from cycling for the entire duration of the race.

By reading up on old posts you will see how the others did it.

With running, the general philosophy is mostly slow distance runs with some intervals later, when you can cover the distance and want to improve speed. Good form is important too for injury prevention.

Swimming, in my not so humble opinion a class or private lessons are essential to master technique, which will make for 90% of your performance. Took me over a year to say I have a decent technique.

Then, do some bricks to know what the bike-run transition feels like, and master open water swimming without fear.

[deewfitz]

Please, please, please before you start running get some GOOD RUNNING shoes. Tri equipment can be expensive, but this is a must or you will end up injured. As a runner, whenever anyone mentions an ache or pain that is the first thing we ask, how old are your shoes. Also, if you aren't a runner make sure you start out slow and don't try to do an hour. Build up gradually. If you don't exercise regularly already start with 10-15 min max or even run/walk, depending on what you have been doing. Even if you ride the bike you need to start the run slow.

It also helps if you can find others that do tris. I am just getting started and could not imagine sorting through all the details without my friends who have already done them! If you live in a bigger city there are probably tri groups.

[Iris616]

Katie. Marie,

We seem to be starting at the same time.

How are you doing? What did you decide to do?

[Katie.Marie]

Hi It feels good to have someone else just starting out!

Since I am so new to this, I decide to first put more miles on my bike. I have been cycling 4 days a week. I started off short (8 miles) and slowing ahve been increasing since. Yesterday I went 18 miles, my longest yet.

I have also seen improvment in my running since cycling the past few weeks. So I know its paying off! Slowoly but surely I am getting in shape and getting familiar with my bike. There are so many components involved in a tri I think one thing at a time is best.

What have you been doing thus far?

[Iris616]

Like you, I've been focusing on the biking and running. I know that I can swim the .5 with no problem in the pool. So I'm not as worried about that leg, and am only swimming one or 2 days a week.

I think we are very much in the same place. I haven't biked since I was a kid. So I'm learning about my new bike, and trying to get really comfortable with shifting. Working on building my mileage and building back up with running.

Do you have a race picked out?