Newbie Question: getting started, and walking?

[Starfish]

I am awed and inspired by all of you triathletes. I keep toying with the idea of investigating the sport, but I am intimidated, and worried about my knees, too.

I love to bike, and used to be a swimmer, so I am not worried about those (except for biking speeds...I am slow...8 hours for a flat century). But, I ran too much in college and have a game knee. I have not run since (I am 41). The knee works well for walking, swimming, and cycling, but I worry about trying running again.

Also, I really wonder how I could do the amount of training you all seem to do. I find that I require a lot of recovery time now that I am in my 40s.

A friend of mine has done an Ironman distance triathlon within the time (she is in her 50s), and she tells me that she walked all but 6 miles of the run. For me, a triathlon would be all about finishing for my own satisfaction. I am not a fast athlete.

What would you all tell me?

[KnottedYet]

I'd tell you that I did my first sprint tri last year, and it took me about 2:15. And I *walked* every dang step of the run portion!

I don't train nearly as much as most folks. I have a great time, and that's all I care about.

This year my goal is to be below 2 hrs, and to jog about 1/3 of the run portion. That would be about a mile, probably all my left knee will tolerate.

Oh, and my swimming sux. Thank goodness for my floaty wetsuit, or I'd be on the bottom of Lake Washington right now!

[Starfish]

What are the distances for the sprint tri?

[KnottedYet]

something like 1/2 mile swim, 12 mile bike, 3 mile run. (Danskin Triathlon)

[Starfish]

Thanks KnottedY. And good going, by the way!

I just checked out the beginning triathlete website for the first time, and I see there is a ton of information there...including about getting started with running in the case of old injuries or weight to lose.

[rocknrollgirl]

Starfish...I am 45, and have a bum knee also, and I am fully training for Xterra right now.

I had completely given up on running years ago. Last year the DH and I decided to try and adventure race so I had to run. I started very slowly doing a walk/jog thing and built up.

Two things have kept my knee healthy:

I run only on the trails
I keep my quads strong to help support my knee


Now recovery from training is a whole different ballgame at this age. I can go hard, and I can go fast...but I need time to recover between. My schedule is set up to cluster my hard training together, and to have rest days and active recovery days in between.

It is working well. Also I do two hard weeks and have an easy week.

Hope this helps....

Ruth

[Starfish]

Rocknrollgirl, thanks. This is encouraging.

The past couple of years, I have gone too hard, too soon, and burnt myself out during the season. Somewhere in my late 30s I turned a corner in what kind of recovery I need.

This year, I am doing a lot of cross training (swimming, lifting, gym cardio, walking), really keeping the easy days easy, and being very serious about recovery weeks. So far, I feel better and hopeful that I am going to have a long, fun season.

Did you investigate the use of any kind of knee support, such as a brace or wrap? I know this would be a ? for an orthopedic doc, and if I start a running program, I will probably go visit one 1st. Just curious. (Also, I have 20 lbs to lose and would not consider running until I have.)

Are you lifting weights for that quad strength, or just sports?

[midlife]

Pick a mini tri to start with - that was the only way I attempted my first. And I still had to walk part of the 2km run (sorry, can't convert, but that's really short!!)

I used to run a fair bit and have done a couple of half marathons (2hrs) and heaps of 10km runs, but stopped running about 3 years ago after my last half. I was carrying about 6kgs more weight and wasn't enjoying running. My training partner (who goes along with any training plan I come up with ) and I have just started running again. We started off running 1.5mins/walking 1, then upped it to 2mins run/1min walk; now it's 3/1 and we have been doing that for about 50 mins. It helps your recovery and means yuo can go for longer and are less prone to injury. You could try that in training and see how your knee copes.

I'm almost 50 and she is almost 40. And don't be in awe, anyone can do a tri!

[rocknrollgirl]

Hi Starfish,
I do not wear any kind of brace. My ortho never suggested one. I have used weights to keep my quads strong. I am not lifing as mcuh leg stiff right now becauseof all of the training, but I do still work in exercises specifically to strengthening the little muscles around my quads.


Ruth

[roadie gal]

You can do it!

I have a lousy knee, have since I was a kid (I"m 48 now). The key for me is good, cushioned shoes, with cushy insoles. As soon as your knee starts to hurt, replace them. It's worth the money.

One thought on training: Start with a run/walk plan. Run 2 minutes, walk a set amount, 1-5 minutes, then run 2 and walk, etc. Slowly, over weeks, increase your run/walk ratio. You'll be surprised how you can pick up the mileage. It also gives you a good idea of what your knee can take.

[KSH]

What would I tell you?

Hhhuuummm... 1st train for sprints, then work your way up from there.

As for your knee, I would really suggest you seeing a Dr. and making sure it's OK to start a full on training plan. Just a check out before starting down this crazy road, wouldn't help.

After the Dr. make sure you get some GOOD SHOES that are made for your stride/form/strike. Good running shoes are worth the money and money saved on Dr. bills because of injury.

Finally... I will tell you... you can do it. GOOD LUCK!!!!

[Starfish]

You guys are great! Thank you for the wisdom and encouragement. And for the community.

No one in my family is into endurance sports, and the friends I have in my small town area are all multiple Iron Man completers. It really helps to hear from folks who don't expect me to be tougher than I am.

[Starfish]

make sure you get some GOOD SHOES that are made for your stride/form/strike.

Do store people know this stuff? How do I find someone to trust on this?

[KSH]

Do store people know this stuff? How do I find someone to trust on this?

Proper running stores who specialize in selling running shoes will be able to fit you properly.

In Dallas we have Run On!, Luke's Locker, etc. Sports Authority does NOT fall into this category.

You might want to call around and ask. Also, get ready to drop around $100 for a pair of shoes.

[Offthegrid]

BTW, there are some really, really fast walkers out there (many former runners). I did a race with a lady who walked 12-minute miles. Don't think that just because you may not be able to run you can't do a tri.