Hi

I have decided to try a tri for the first time later this year (only a sprint one at this stage). what i need advice on is that i have had a look at some beginner Tri programs and their running K's are a lot less than i am currently doing (and also less than i really want to drop back to) but do i need to drop back quite a bit (i realise wont be doing the same amount of K's as i was before the marathon 60-70k/pw) to ensure i dont get absolutely exhausted with adding the swimming and Cycling training of which i am doing none at the moment.

Also i have an older bike, a Diamondback that wasnt too bad a bike years ago when i got it, but i was wondering wether bike shops would still have parts to service a 10year old bike as it badly needs a service and i can't really afford a new bike as much as i might want one.

Thanks
Any advice greatly appreciated

My girlfriend did the last InTraining Beginner Tri course.
There's one starting in August I think.
She still has an old diamondback bike. Getting a basic service for your bike shouldn't be any problem.
She got hers serviced at MB in Milton during the course. I'd take it to Fusion at Newstead, but only because that's where I bought my bike.
During her course they were doing about 9 or 10 sessions a week.
Early starts and evening sessions most days.
She was really feeling it towards the end of the course.
The coaches should be able to structure the course so you can do extra run ks if you're up to it though.
Or, you could just try and do it yourself and just join a club for 1 or 2 sessions a week like I'm trying to do (with a little help from PC)

Hi bb,

For your first Sprint or Olympic length tri I found Gale Bernhardt's book Triathlon Training Basics was very helpful. She has beginner and intermediate level training plans for sprint and olympic distances. I followed her 12 week beginner's training program for the olympic distance last year, starting from pretty much zilch in all three disciplines, and successfully completed my event.

Don't worry about not having a super bike until (if) you get seriously into triathlons. I only have a very basic road bike.

Good luck !

slowmo

Bubbleboy, I'm looking to do my first triathlon this year to so I will be watching this thread with interest...

I got into triathlon last year through doing a beginner course this this squad: www.brisbanetrisquad.com.au

I didn't sign up to the whole course but just went along to sessions of interest to me. I found it hugely beneficial to learn so much knowledge from experienced tri coaches - the sort of information that i just take for granted now but it was so foreign to me before I started tri's. It was also a fun and supportive environment with other newbies.

I've done a lot of sprint triathlons but I keep putting off my first olympic distance. Now I have signed up to do Noosa this year so hopefully I go through with it!

It's a rewarding sport but quite draining and expensive so make sure you consider that.

You don't need a new bike to do tri's - I'm sure your existing one will be fine. Just take it into a decent bike shop & I'll sure they will be able to service it.

Good luck - and be warned: triathlons are a bit addictive

Hey there Bubbleboy
also had one season or so of experience with tri's. but i'm really keen to do more. i kinda got it the wrong way round - did the half IM at Coomera as my first tri to join a mate who was training more seriously. that was overall easier than the marathon i had done 4 months earlier, but had a couple of difficult periods. i had a bike for only 8 weeks and not done many longer rides. i hadn't swum for 5 years until the event itself, but that still worked out ok. despite that finished about half way in the field - the point being there' always going to be plenty either side of you so just get in and do it mate. don't worry about the equipment, they should service the bike. PM me if you have any probs, 'cause my mate could probably do it for you in the garage depending on the problem.

i'm not the best one to get a program off becasue i basically stick to my running program , do a couple of rides here and there plus some wind trainer sessions, and just do 5-6 swim sessions. i'm finding form the race stats that i'm about 50% in the fled in the swim, 50% in the ride and about 20% in the field for the run. that's becasue it's what i focus on more. they say run 3, ride 3, swim 3 in a week, but if you love your running drop a bike etc. seem like the faster folks spend more time ont eh bike but it's hard ot find the time. i don't thin it's a tiredness issue because they are good cross training so long as you sleep well, more of a time issue.

look forward to chewing the fat about this one at some PCRG sessions when i get back there. will be doing a lot them this summer i hope so will be fun to catch up. there's a bunch of Brissie CRs all in the same sort of range who are relatively new at it and sharing experiences etc .
hook in, it's fun and a lot easier than what you just did at GCM (well done again on that!)
cheers
PH

Maybe I'll get bagged for suggesting this option, I don't know But the current issue of Mens Health mag has a mini book on the front and part of it is an 8 week training program to be ready for you first 1/2 standard tri (750mtr/20k/5k). Thought I'd mention it.

I'm doing one next year. I started running for the first time a few months ago and am aiming for the B2B, but my wifes boss convinced me to do the BRW tri at the Gold Coast with him next year.

You'll have no trouble with the bike. Mine was bought in '88, not even ridden once since '93 and I got it fixed up enough to use. But it is really really the wrong size for me so towards the end of the year I'll be buying a 2nd hand one.

Thanks for the advice guys/gals

Will book the bike in for a service and see how it goes.

As for the training i think i'll have to do most of it on my own as i do shift work and with my PCRG sessions i dont really have much chance to go to a regular tri squad (+ don't think i'm ready for that. I want to get a bit more confidence on the bike first.)

Cheers

Good luck with all you're Tri's and runs

Hi Bubbleboy

Don't worry too much about the running miles being fewer than you are doing currently - if you keep up the bike miles you will still have a formidable base to hang everything else off. On the other side of the coin, I often slot my training in around marathon training. It leaves me a bit time-poor but there is no detrimental effect that I can tell.

Another tip if you want to keep your mileage on the high side is to do your long ride on the day BEFORE your long run, as opposed to after it. The slightly fatigued legs will stop you overdoing it during your run and be more realistic training for tris, as we almost always have to run on fatigued legs. Also,don't neglect your bricks, especially in the early days of tri training.

As for your bike, sage advice already offered here, but don't trade up yet until you're sure you're going to LIKE doing tri.

All the best with it.

Muzman