Am I ready or rushing?

[Cindyloo]

Hi,

I set a goal at the beginning of spring to participate in a sprint tri on Saturday May 5th. It is a quarter mile swim, 12 mile bike ride, and 3 mile run. I started off strong with training but pooped out a little here at the end. I was a little non-commital about signing up for it and STILL have not registered . Last time I checked today there were plenty of slots. I'm getting excited and intimidated at the same time! I think I'm good on the swim because I have been loyal to swimming at least 1000 meters twice a week. I'm good on the bike. The run I haven't even trained for hardly.

I have not done a lake swim before but this one is along the shore in about 5 feet of water so a little less of a panic factor there.

Am I just being silly or are there reasons why I should wait and be more prepared? Arrrrrghhhh! My DH said that if I think I'll regret not doing it then I should go ahead with it. Easier said than done!

Also, can you wear water shoes (not fins) in a triathlon? Ack! Breath, Cindy, breath!!

[tangentgirl]

You should do it! If you're good on the swim, you're doing better than lots of the folks out there already. That's a limiter for many people. It sounds like you have the bike part down too, so you're in good shape. A three-mile run is definitely doable - even if you had to walk part of it, it won't take forever. The key is to make sure you're running when your friends are watching, when people are taking pictures, and when you're crossing the finish line.

No open water swims yet, eh? Can you get one in tomorrow? Not a hard swim - you just want to get acclamated to the water, feel what it's like and get a little used to your wetsuit, if you have one.

If you can't get in tomorrow, make sure you get to the race and get set up early and then get in the water and get used to the temp. It will most likely be chillier than you're used to. Make sure you put your face in the water and get used to the idea that your face is going to be cold. That way, you'll still be able to swim with your face down. Splash around a little and swim a few strokes.

Other than that, have fun!

[Tri Girl]

You gotta do it!!!! Perhaps your insecurity on the training is holding you back a little, but I think you just need to go for it and sign up! You really will be glad that you did, and then you have a new PR to beat for the next race you do. Don't let fear/intimidation keep you from doing it. You know you can do the distances, so just go out, have fun and keep on smiling!!!


(I didn't sign up for what would've been my first tri 2 summers ago because I didn't think I had prepared enough. Looking back, I so wish I had- it was just my fear of the event holding me back- seems so silly now. If I had just done it I never would've regretted it. Now I can't imagine NOT doing tris- they're just so incredibly addictive)

[anakiwa]

Go for it!

One thing to beware of- the first few minutes of the swim can bring on a tendency to panic (open water, you're surrounded by other swimmers, you're already nerved up, etc). If this happens, just relax, take it easy (breath more often or even switch to the breast stroke until you're calmed down).

You'll probably have a great time!

[Wahine]

Based on what you've written, I'd say you're golden. Like someone else said, just make sure you're running when people are looking.

You'll have to check the race rules on the water shoes, I'm not sure about that.

I second the suggestion of getting in an open water swim or 2 before the event, even if you only go out for a little splash for 10 min.

Have fun!!!

[rocknrollgirl]

Go for it. You have to get the first one done and under your belt. You can do it. I do agree with Wahine, get in the open water, even if only for a little bit.

Heck, you can run 3 miles....you got this....

[Cindyloo]

Thanks so much for the support ladies! I'm going for it! I know I will regret it if I don't. I plan to get there early and go for a dip in the lake before the real deal. I just don't want to come in last!!! Thanks again and I'll put a race report up, my first, yay!

Cindy

[teigyr]

Cindy - I think you will do fine

There are people who do sprint tri's who fully intend on walking the 3 mile run. There are also people who do it as a social event. My guess is you will be tons more in shape than a lot of people there! Good luck and I bet you will do great!!!!