So, I decided that I need to "get up off the couch" and do something with more exercise. What better idea than to do a triathlon, right? I'm trying to convince myself to enter. It's in early december, so I would have time to train between now and then. I'm not in horrible shape, but I could be better. I'm down 35lbs, down to 255ish. I guess I just need convincing that I'm not just wasting my time and that i'm going to make an ass of myself in the process. HELP???? :faint:

I'm doing a 5k in March, my first tri in April, another in June and another in Aug.

MacMadame~ How long did it take you to train for your first Tri? I am just trying to get a time frame for training and figure out what I can/can't do realistically.

I have the running down and worked into my schedule. I am going to start biking and swimming in March. My students have their big State competition at the end of Feb, and I figured trying to fit anything else on my plate right now would be overwhelming!

My first is in April. I started training in Nov/Dec. I have training plans that go for 12 and 16 weeks but they aren't practical for me. So I worked out my own. In Dec. I concentrated on learning about the sport and trying out the 3 parts and getting equipment, like a bike. I worked out, but not regularly due to the holidays. In Jan, I worked on building up all the distances. I can now swim the distance plus 100 yards and I can bike the distance. I can't run the whole distance yet though. So I'm behind in that.

Once I get the distances, I'm going to work on increasing my speed. I think if the tri were held today, I'd take at least 3 hours to complete and I'd like to do it in under that time.

I'm checking out a tri club tomorrow and they have coached workouts. I think that will help me. I'll do intervals on Tues., Masters Swim on Wed. and "New to the Sport" which are coached bike rides and runs on Sat. Then the rest of the week, I'll do my running and biking in the gym.

I'll do that for two months and then I'll start tapering for the race in mid-April.

I'd really really like to do a tri, but the bike bit is a problem for me. Just dont have the $$$$ at the moment - school fees, need a new house, only have a carport, not a garage and no room in the shed for a bike for me (we're bursting at the seams).

I can run a good 15K. I can swim 2k no problem, and I'm sure it wouldnt take me long to build up cycling distance.

What are you competing in Mac? This is what I always wonder about. I've lost enough weight now, that i have a speedo swimtop with a very strong shelf bra that I *might* be able to run in but I usually run in a high impact sports bra. Do people swim in a bra and then get out and run? What do you wear on the bottom half?

The women i have seen wear all sorts. Allot of the swim in a sprots bra. Ive seen then swim in a triathlon Bikini of sorts and then run and bike in it to.

Some of them go in there one piece swim suits with a bra underneath then just throw on shorts for the run and bike.

I haven't decided but I'm thinking I'll at least bike in a sports bra but wear tri shorts on the bottom.

You can get used bikes pretty cheaply. I didn't do that because buying used takes up time and time is something I haven't got much of. But you can get an amazing bike for less than $400 if you are willing to look around.

O there is a FREE worldwide Triathlon coming up.

I been downloading Podcast from a guy named SimplyStu off ITunes. Turns out he lives in Wisconsin. Well anyway he has a free triathlon you can register for. If your kids r doing it they will even get a free t shirts.

Go to SimplyStu Triathlon Podcast

for info.

Im pretty ample on top so I wear a sports bra for the whole tri. On the bottom I wear tri shorts which have a little bit of padding(makes the bike more comfortable). I also put on a tech T for the bike and run. For my open water swim the end of May (water temp 54) I will be wearing a wetsuit for the swim.

Jachut- if you want to get started in the sport try doing it with a team and relay it. Most races have relay divisions. Some have 2, most have 3 person teams. That is how I started and was hooked. The swimming seems to be the hang-up with most folks so if you can handle that you're golden.

Mac~ You are amazing! That is quick! I am pretty sure I am getting a bike for my b-day. I have been trying to find a used one and get a decent price.

I am sure it is best to do your bike on the road, but how much did you do in the gym?

I joined a Tri club! They have all these coached workouts every week and the yearly dues are only $65.

Tonight I went to the track workout. Tomorrow I'm going to do the swim workout. Sat. is supposed to be something called "New to the Sport" which is often biking, but sometimes running and sometimes bricks, plus they talk about training strategies and how to handle transitions and stuff.

I joined a Tri club! They have all these coached workouts every week and the yearly dues are only $65.

Tonight I went to the track workout. Tomorrow I'm going to do the swim workout. Sat. is supposed to be something called "New to the Sport" which is often biking, but sometimes running and sometimes bricks, plus they talk about training strategies and how to handle transitions and stuff.

That is great that you have a Tri club. I haven't found anything like that here. I will have to do some more digging. I just can't believe that they don't have anything like that in Bend - it is the meca of outdoor sports!

Purdue has one and there is one in Indianapolis. I can't remember where Bend is.

Okay, I just did a Google. Ask and ye shall receive:

Triple Threat Triathlon Team

It's in South Bend.

There is also one in South Wayne. I was sued in Fort Wayne once.

I actually live further west, Bend, OR. I found a Tri training group - their website looks pretty serious, know for sure I am not there yet! I will definitely look into their offerings and see if they have something for beginners!

They sponsor a Tri in July - I think I might just sign up as a motivator to get it done, I am pretty sure that will give me plenty of time to be ready to do it!

Ahhh! I wrote it down, so now I have to follow through! That is always good for me.

I went to college in IN. So that's what I think of when I see "Bend". :biggrin.

I think July is plenty of time. I've seen training plans for Couch to Sprint Tri that are as little as 12 weeks, as well as 16 and 20 week ones.

Mac~ I have a copy of a 12 week training program, so I figure that gives me some extra time to get in shape for the swim and bike.

I just need to sign up!