Any triathletes here?

[hammondc]

Finally registered for a sprint this summer. 500m/14mi/3.1mi. This will b e a litmus test to see where I am and what I need to train for. A huge plus is that they have a fat tire division so I can ride my MTB with some Conti Gatorskins.

Originally Posted by hammondc

Finally registered for a sprint this summer. 500m/14mi/3.1mi. This will b e a litmus test to see where I am and what I need to train for. A huge plus is that they have a fat tire division so I can ride my MTB with some Conti Gatorskins.

A fat tire division? Cool. There are plenty of races that have a fat guy (Clydesdale...200+ lbs) division, which I actually fit into, but never seen a fat tire one. When and where is it?

Originally Posted by hscmit

tis the season

good luck mike

Thanks James.

Race day! Get some!!!

[hammondc]

Originally Posted by Wanger

A fat tire division? Cool. There are plenty of races that have a fat guy (Clydesdale...200+ lbs) division, which I actually fit into, but never seen a fat tire one. When and where is it?

Thanks James.

Yep..it is in July in San Marcos, TX. The swim is what I am struggling with. It is only 500m too. I am just a very slow swimmer. Hopefully I can get the stamina to make it through the swim and make it up on the bike&run.

Originally Posted by hammondc

Yep..it is in July in San Marcos, TX. The swim is what I am struggling with. It is only 500m too. I am just a very slow swimmer. Hopefully I can get the stamina to make it through the swim and make it up on the bike&run.

Don't be afraid to rest at the buoys if you have to, or with a cute lifeguard. Survive the swim, and beat down the beyotches on the rest.

I'm gonna guess it will be too warm to allow wetsuits. If not, use one. It helps for confidence at the minimum.

[mosesbotbol]

Originally Posted by hammondc

Hopefully I can get the stamina to make it through the swim and make it up on the bike&run.

You will. Pace your self and don't fret if you are getting passed in the water. 500M is not that long. How long do you think it will take to complete that leg?

[hammondc]

Originally Posted by mosesbotbol

You will. Pace your self and don't fret if you are getting passed in the water. 500M is not that long. How long do you think it will take to complete that leg?

I have no idea. I am staying out of the way and allowing 10-12 mins. I am a weak swimmer. I just simply do not do it much. I am swimming everyday other day now to try and get ready. It is a 25m pool I am swimming in, so 20 laps just seems sooooo far.

Originally Posted by hammondc

I have no idea. I am staying out of the way and allowing 10-12 mins. I am a weak swimmer. I just simply do not do it much. I am swimming everyday other day now to try and get ready. It is a 25m pool I am swimming in, so 20 laps just seems sooooo far.

My guess is that you'll be somewhere in the neighborhood of 12-15 min, honestly. My last race last year was a 1/4 mile swim, and I did it in 9:36. In the race I did Sunday, it was a 1/2 mile swim, and my time was 19:01. I'm a middle of the pack swimmer.

As was said, don't worry about the others around you. The main thing I can say is what was told to me before I did my first...trust your training. Focus on yourself, as well, and pay no attention to those around you in the water, unless you're using them for sighting purposes (rather than trying to locate the buoys on your own). You will get hit, kicked, and bumped. Know that going in, and do your best to not let it completely throw you off. Simply try to just bounce off and keep going. Obviously, the swim is the most difficult part of a tri for most people (I'm no exception). Do what you can to block out the people around you and focus on your stroke and breathing. If you can do that, you'll be just fine.

I'm definitely no expert, but I've learned a few things in the races that I've done, and if I can pass that knowledge on to help others, it makes me feel good.

I love doing these races, and the physical and mental challenge of them is simply awesome.






...and yes, I know I'm completely insane. That's why I fit in so well here.