Difficulties In Training For Triathlons?

[DadTo2 152]

Hi all!

I have a date set for my sleeve (June 19th) and one of the things I want to do afterwards, when I am fully healed, is to start triathlon training. I am wanting to do a sprint, then work my way up from there, but I am concerned with training after a sleeve.

How difficult is it to train for an athletic event after healing from sleeve surgery? What is the best course for diet and hydration? I am looking to wrap my head around what I will be needing to do before I get to that point so I am prepared.

Thanks!

[BlackBerryJuice 349]

I wouldn't worry about it now, get sleeved first, get through the first few months, and then think about feats of athleticism. But to assuage your fears, it's totally possible to do intense workouts post-sleeve. I myself haven't done any endurance stuff (5K runs, that's it), just because I simply don't like those types of workouts, but I do a lot of high-intensity stuff instead. I know several posters on here have done half-marathons and marathons, and I'm sure triathlons, as well. I remember PdxMan off the top of my head, but there are more, I just have trouble remembering the screennames.

[DadTo2 152]

BBJ, Thanks for answering. To be honest, I'm not sure the endurance stuff will be my shtick either, but it's a bucket list item I want to do. I do like working out and lifting but my daughters love to run and play sports requiring a lot of movement, so I am really wanting to keep up with them as well.

By the way, took a look at your journey...Wow! Very inspirational!

[Lisa :) 231]

I was sleeved on November 9th and started walking and jogging 3 weeks after surgery. I started a formal training plan for my first triathlon about 8 weeks ago...my first tri is on June 24th!!! The MAIN reason I chose the sleeve was so that I would be able to properly fuel my body. I knew that if I had bypass, that might be a challenge. I have absolutely no problems drinking large amounts of fluids when needed and I consume more carbs than my surgeon recommends because I need them for fuel...and I'm still losing weight just fine!!! I know there are a few other people here that have done triathlons...hopefully they'll chime in too.

Good for you for setting an athletic goal!!! And yay for choosing a tri!!! I love my traing workouts and can't wait to finish my first one!!

[DadTo2 152]

Lisa that is awesome! Are you going to do a sprint or Olympic for your first Tri?

I have to admit that I am curious because from everything I have read and looked at, I thought that a person who was sleeved would only be able to consume up to 3 to 6 ounces of anything at a time and that could be stretching it (no pun intended) some. You're not having any issues at all with the amount of fuel or fluids necessary?

Also, what training plan are you following, if I may ask?

[Lisa :) 231]

I am doing a sprint. I'm actually signed up for three sprints this year! I'm hoping to set my sights on Olympic next year!

I eat about 5-6 small meals each day and I'm taking in about 1400 cal per day on average. From everything I've read, the need for a lot of fuel during a sprint isn't really necessary. It's when you get into races that are over 3 hours where you need to re-fuel consistently.

In terms of food and fluids. I can eat between 3 - 8 oz of food at a time...it just depends on the type of food. I can gulp Fluid with no problems at all. I currently take in about 1 gallon of fluids a day.

[Lisa :) 231]

Sorry, I didn't see your last sentence

I'm doing Tom Holland's sprint training plan from the book "The 12 Week Triathlete".

[massindex 346]

Hi all!

I have a date set for my sleeve (June 19th) and one of the things I want to do afterwards, when I am fully healed, is to start triathlon training. I am wanting to do a sprint, then work my way up from there, but I am concerned with training after a sleeve.

How difficult is it to train for an athletic event after healing from sleeve surgery? What is the best course for diet and hydration? I am looking to wrap my head around what I will be needing to do before I get to that point so I am prepared.

Thanks!

I've done a number of triathlons since getting my sleeve so maybe I can help. Starting with sprints is the way to go. Surprisingly, the swim will be the hardest because of the stretching our of the abdomen and the general issues people have with open Water swimming. It's not like the pool where you can rest or push off from a wall. Only open Water practice seems to help. Just set yourself a number of goals (i.e., just want to finish, etc) and starting working at it. Don't over train and don't do a lot of brick workouts (back to back like biking and then running). You need to do some of them but just focus on something like 2 days swimming, 2 days running and 1 day biking, Take 2 days a week off to recover and allow your body to heal.

Diet becomes REALLY important. You'll have add some carbs into your diet or you'll hit a wall fast. Water is real important especially leading into a race. You should be hydrating leading into a race for a week but make sure it's not just water, you'll need electrolytes.

My routine is:

Monday - Open Water swimming 1.5 to 2 miles

Tuesday - Running 3-5 miles

Wednesday - Open Water swimming 1.5 to 2 miles

Thursday off

Friday - Running 3-5 miles

Saturday - Biking 30-50 miles

Sunday off

I do some work on transitions like practicing to get out of wetsuit, clipping in and out of bike, etc., as well. Join a Tri Club in your area also. There is a wealth of information people will share with you.

Hope that helps and if you have any questions, please feel free to message me.

[DadTo2 152]

Thanks! I really appreciate the info and advice.

I'll definitely shoot you a message some time about this.

Eric

[massindex 346]

Oh, and be prepared for the costs . Between the swimming, biking and running equipment, there are USAT fees, race registration fees, club fees, wetsuits, etc. Its really worth it though. You don't need a really expensive bikes to start with, for example. Just start with a simple road ride ($200 or so) and get used to it. See if you want to do it before investing a lot of money in the sport. I found that it is kind of addictive.