What bike for an Ironman/Cycling newbie
Discussion
Morning all, I’m relatively new to cycling. I’ve been cycling regularly for the last two months but prior to that I’ve had no real cycling experience other than the usual pottering about you do when you’re a kid. Currently my workouts are as follows:
- 2 x turbo sessions during the week of 1 hour each
- 1 x long weekend ride of ~30-->40 miles
I’m trying to build up for an Ironman ride in Nov this year. I currently own a Trek 1000 which was a hand me down from my dad (http://www.devercycles.co.uk/dever-bikes-2007.asp?rnge=XBTRK100007).
A lot of people recommend that I get a ‘proper’ road bike and that I should start getting used to it ASAP. I have a budget of ~£1500 and I was looking at the following, (based purely on the popularity/reviews): http://www.wiggle.co.uk/pinarello-fp2-105-2011/
As I know bugger all about bikes I have no idea what I should be looking at/for. I guess my main worry is that the bike doesn’t break during the race as that would be a disaster. After that comfort for such a long distance and something I can ride quickly on are the next high priority requirements. The course is fairly flat I’m told.
So, I’d really appreciate some advice on the bike I’m looking at above or suggestions for anything else out there that may be better.
- 2 x turbo sessions during the week of 1 hour each
- 1 x long weekend ride of ~30-->40 miles
I’m trying to build up for an Ironman ride in Nov this year. I currently own a Trek 1000 which was a hand me down from my dad (http://www.devercycles.co.uk/dever-bikes-2007.asp?rnge=XBTRK100007).
A lot of people recommend that I get a ‘proper’ road bike and that I should start getting used to it ASAP. I have a budget of ~£1500 and I was looking at the following, (based purely on the popularity/reviews): http://www.wiggle.co.uk/pinarello-fp2-105-2011/
As I know bugger all about bikes I have no idea what I should be looking at/for. I guess my main worry is that the bike doesn’t break during the race as that would be a disaster. After that comfort for such a long distance and something I can ride quickly on are the next high priority requirements. The course is fairly flat I’m told.
So, I’d really appreciate some advice on the bike I’m looking at above or suggestions for anything else out there that may be better.
You would be paying a lot for the name on that Pinarello. This is better spec and cheaper
http://www.canyon.com/_uk/roadbikes/bike.html?b=25...
http://www.canyon.com/_uk/roadbikes/bike.html?b=25...
Have a look at Planet-X too.
But, your exercise regime is totally inadequate at the moment. Turbo trainers are fine for ticking over IMO but you really need to be getting out on your bike more if training for a long distance ride. Get some lights and get some evening rides in. Leave the bike purchase for now.
Your best bet, in all honesty, would be to join your local roadie club and start going out with them. It's so so easy to slack off when training on your own and being a member of a club does help with the motivation.
Then you can buy the bike. The club will help with bike set-up and purchase as they'll be able to see how well your coping and what size you are.
But, your exercise regime is totally inadequate at the moment. Turbo trainers are fine for ticking over IMO but you really need to be getting out on your bike more if training for a long distance ride. Get some lights and get some evening rides in. Leave the bike purchase for now.
Your best bet, in all honesty, would be to join your local roadie club and start going out with them. It's so so easy to slack off when training on your own and being a member of a club does help with the motivation.
Then you can buy the bike. The club will help with bike set-up and purchase as they'll be able to see how well your coping and what size you are.
the terms "ironman" and cycling newbie" are hardly compatible!
are you doing the whole thing or jsut the 116 mile bike leg?
in my personal opinion, you need to do loads of basic research long before looking at bikes. you need to understand things like riding position (aero or comfort?), ergonomics (what is your body shape? broad chested?, long legged for height? long torso?), frame geometry (to suit body shape), cadence, pedal stroke, power transfer (all esential for efficiency), frame material (beacase this will largely determine costs), gearing (what are you going to be doing, flat stuff, big hills, a mixture?) and so on.
I can guarnatee that there are hundreds of bikes that will be at least 80% suitable but its really worth spending the time to find one that is 100% right for you.
sorry to sound snobbish or pedantic but all of us just pointing you in the direction of our favourite bikes or bikes we consider to be good value or well spec'd isnt going to help you at the moment, ask questions by all accounts and loads of people will help but i think looking for bikes is a bit premature at the moment.
Just rushing out and buying a bike based on recommedations from strnagers on the web can lead to all sorts of disaster, at best it will be wasted money, at worst it will aggravate injuries.
there are loads of tri shops around the south east, have alook in the back of the 220Tri magazines or Triathletes World for a shop directory and GO AND SPEAK TO THEM!
are you doing the whole thing or jsut the 116 mile bike leg?
in my personal opinion, you need to do loads of basic research long before looking at bikes. you need to understand things like riding position (aero or comfort?), ergonomics (what is your body shape? broad chested?, long legged for height? long torso?), frame geometry (to suit body shape), cadence, pedal stroke, power transfer (all esential for efficiency), frame material (beacase this will largely determine costs), gearing (what are you going to be doing, flat stuff, big hills, a mixture?) and so on.
I can guarnatee that there are hundreds of bikes that will be at least 80% suitable but its really worth spending the time to find one that is 100% right for you.
sorry to sound snobbish or pedantic but all of us just pointing you in the direction of our favourite bikes or bikes we consider to be good value or well spec'd isnt going to help you at the moment, ask questions by all accounts and loads of people will help but i think looking for bikes is a bit premature at the moment.
Just rushing out and buying a bike based on recommedations from strnagers on the web can lead to all sorts of disaster, at best it will be wasted money, at worst it will aggravate injuries.
there are loads of tri shops around the south east, have alook in the back of the 220Tri magazines or Triathletes World for a shop directory and GO AND SPEAK TO THEM!
Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 3rd February 10:34
forgot to say, there is a triathon show at sandown park in surrey on 2nd to 4th March.... www.triathlonshow.co.uk
Thanks Pablo. All good advice.
First of all, cheers for the link to the triathlon show - i'll be there!
On the bike front - I had assumed that with all the various ways to adjust a bike it wouldn't much matter which one I bought as it could be customized to fit me. As I said - I know bugger all about them. I take your point about going along to a bike shop and asking them for help, i'll do that.
Yes i'm doing the full Ironman. So to the previous poster who said my bike training is low - this is because i'm also swimming and running 3 times a week. I suck at running. I've got a coach and i'm confindent in him to build up my training appropriately so i'm not worried about that side of things.
So, on the point of learning a bit more about bikes - is there a particular magazine/resource you would recommend?
I'm assuming the Trek 1000 isn't up to the job - or would it be fine? I feel comfortable on it at the moment. It's the only road bike i've ever been on though so I have nothing to compare it to.
First of all, cheers for the link to the triathlon show - i'll be there!
On the bike front - I had assumed that with all the various ways to adjust a bike it wouldn't much matter which one I bought as it could be customized to fit me. As I said - I know bugger all about them. I take your point about going along to a bike shop and asking them for help, i'll do that.
Yes i'm doing the full Ironman. So to the previous poster who said my bike training is low - this is because i'm also swimming and running 3 times a week. I suck at running. I've got a coach and i'm confindent in him to build up my training appropriately so i'm not worried about that side of things.
So, on the point of learning a bit more about bikes - is there a particular magazine/resource you would recommend?
I'm assuming the Trek 1000 isn't up to the job - or would it be fine? I feel comfortable on it at the moment. It's the only road bike i've ever been on though so I have nothing to compare it to.
well first of, good luck...
use triahlon shops rather than generic "bike" shops, from experience bike shops dont really get triathlons and the nuances of tri bikes, which if its a flat course, you may well end up using.. although you are right, a lot of bike fitting is based around components which can be adjusted to suit, the frame dimensions are the fundamental part and that has to be the right fit.
you need to speak to someone who competes in triathlons to explain and more importantly, demonstrate, the fundamental difference between a tri bike and a road bike and how they affect your position on the bike.
if you "suck at running", its crucial the bike fit is absolutely bang on to ensure that your legs have something left for the marathon that awaits.... i have nothing but respect for ironman competitors.
apologies, "fundamental" appears to be my word of the day...
use triahlon shops rather than generic "bike" shops, from experience bike shops dont really get triathlons and the nuances of tri bikes, which if its a flat course, you may well end up using.. although you are right, a lot of bike fitting is based around components which can be adjusted to suit, the frame dimensions are the fundamental part and that has to be the right fit.
you need to speak to someone who competes in triathlons to explain and more importantly, demonstrate, the fundamental difference between a tri bike and a road bike and how they affect your position on the bike.
if you "suck at running", its crucial the bike fit is absolutely bang on to ensure that your legs have something left for the marathon that awaits.... i have nothing but respect for ironman competitors.
apologies, "fundamental" appears to be my word of the day...
2seas said:
Thanks Pablo. All good advice.
First of all, cheers for the link to the triathlon show - i'll be there!
On the bike front - I had assumed that with all the various ways to adjust a bike it wouldn't much matter which one I bought as it could be customized to fit me. As I said - I know bugger all about them. I take your point about going along to a bike shop and asking them for help, i'll do that.
Yes i'm doing the full Ironman. So to the previous poster who said my bike training is low - this is because i'm also swimming and running 3 times a week. I suck at running. I've got a coach and i'm confindent in him to build up my training appropriately so i'm not worried about that side of things.
So, on the point of learning a bit more about bikes - is there a particular magazine/resource you would recommend?
I'm assuming the Trek 1000 isn't up to the job - or would it be fine? I feel comfortable on it at the moment. It's the only road bike i've ever been on though so I have nothing to compare it to.
Regardless of your other training it is still low IMO. 116 miles on a bike is a bloody long way. It's not just a case of whether your CV system is up to it, it's also a case of whether your core strength can cope with being in that position for that long - or even you arse. Is your coach a Tri specialist or a gym coach because you really need specific coaching.First of all, cheers for the link to the triathlon show - i'll be there!
On the bike front - I had assumed that with all the various ways to adjust a bike it wouldn't much matter which one I bought as it could be customized to fit me. As I said - I know bugger all about them. I take your point about going along to a bike shop and asking them for help, i'll do that.
Yes i'm doing the full Ironman. So to the previous poster who said my bike training is low - this is because i'm also swimming and running 3 times a week. I suck at running. I've got a coach and i'm confindent in him to build up my training appropriately so i'm not worried about that side of things.
So, on the point of learning a bit more about bikes - is there a particular magazine/resource you would recommend?
I'm assuming the Trek 1000 isn't up to the job - or would it be fine? I feel comfortable on it at the moment. It's the only road bike i've ever been on though so I have nothing to compare it to.
By the sound of it your CV will cope but you need to ensure the rest of you will. Well worth joining your local Tri club.
My advice (for what it's worth) would be to ignore the people suggesting you need to get used to a particular bike now - you don't. You're 10 months away, so you've got heaps of time and the phase of training you should be in now is AA - anatomical adaptation.
In your 6 month lead in to an IM you'll be putting your body under a lot of stress - during AA you should be preparing yourself for what's to come, basically to help prevent injury. During later phases, you'll probably be training somewhere between 14 & 20 hours a week and if you don't build a good base, you will suffer for it later on, I can guarantee you!
As far as bike choice goes chap, well, just get out to your local bike/tri store and ride some and see what you like. When you buy one, make sure you get fitted properly - that will be probably THE most important thing you do and money well spent.
Also, don't take any notice of anyone telling you that turbo training isn't suitable for IM training. It most certainly is and if you only have one outdoor ride a week, you won't be missing out.
It's true that you'll have to get out on the road and bang in a half dozen "big days" on the run up to your race (nutrition on the bike will make or break your day and you must nail that in training), but for now (and for most of your training) a turbo trainer is more than adequate - if you want some good training advice and plans, go and get "The Time-crunched Cyclist" by Chris Carmichael - excellent read, with some excellent turbo training plans - 10 quid you won't regret spending.
In your 6 month lead in to an IM you'll be putting your body under a lot of stress - during AA you should be preparing yourself for what's to come, basically to help prevent injury. During later phases, you'll probably be training somewhere between 14 & 20 hours a week and if you don't build a good base, you will suffer for it later on, I can guarantee you!
As far as bike choice goes chap, well, just get out to your local bike/tri store and ride some and see what you like. When you buy one, make sure you get fitted properly - that will be probably THE most important thing you do and money well spent.
Also, don't take any notice of anyone telling you that turbo training isn't suitable for IM training. It most certainly is and if you only have one outdoor ride a week, you won't be missing out.
It's true that you'll have to get out on the road and bang in a half dozen "big days" on the run up to your race (nutrition on the bike will make or break your day and you must nail that in training), but for now (and for most of your training) a turbo trainer is more than adequate - if you want some good training advice and plans, go and get "The Time-crunched Cyclist" by Chris Carmichael - excellent read, with some excellent turbo training plans - 10 quid you won't regret spending.
dangerousB said:
My advice (for what it's worth) would be to ignore the people suggesting you need to get used to a particular bike now - you don't. You're 10 months away, so you've got heaps of time and the phase of training you should be in now is AA - anatomical adaptation.
In your 6 month lead in to an IM you'll be putting your body under a lot of stress - during AA you should be preparing yourself for what's to come, basically to help prevent injury. During later phases, you'll probably be training somewhere between 14 & 20 hours a week and if you don't build a good base, you will suffer for it later on, I can guarantee you!
As far as bike choice goes chap, well, just get out to your local bike/tri store and ride some and see what you like. When you buy one, make sure you get fitted properly - that will be probably THE most important thing you do and money well spent.
Also, don't take any notice of anyone telling you that turbo training isn't suitable for IM training. It most certainly is and if you only have one outdoor ride a week, you won't be missing out.
It's true that you'll have to get out on the road and bang in a half dozen "big days" on the run up to your race (nutrition on the bike will make or break your day and you must nail that in training), but for now (and for most of your training) a turbo trainer is more than adequate - if you want some good training advice and plans, go and get "The Time-crunched Cyclist" by Chris Carmichael - excellent read, with some excellent turbo training plans - 10 quid you won't regret spending.
The thing with a TT though is that you don't learn the bike handling skills. They're great for developing strength and fitness, but they have a number of very big disadvantages. They're easy to get off. They don't simulate climbs (very well) or descents at all. They don't allow you to simulate riding in cold/hot/wet/windy/ weather. They don't allow you to simulate the vibration you get from riding on the road. All of which are fatigue factors that do affect your performance. In your 6 month lead in to an IM you'll be putting your body under a lot of stress - during AA you should be preparing yourself for what's to come, basically to help prevent injury. During later phases, you'll probably be training somewhere between 14 & 20 hours a week and if you don't build a good base, you will suffer for it later on, I can guarantee you!
As far as bike choice goes chap, well, just get out to your local bike/tri store and ride some and see what you like. When you buy one, make sure you get fitted properly - that will be probably THE most important thing you do and money well spent.
Also, don't take any notice of anyone telling you that turbo training isn't suitable for IM training. It most certainly is and if you only have one outdoor ride a week, you won't be missing out.
It's true that you'll have to get out on the road and bang in a half dozen "big days" on the run up to your race (nutrition on the bike will make or break your day and you must nail that in training), but for now (and for most of your training) a turbo trainer is more than adequate - if you want some good training advice and plans, go and get "The Time-crunched Cyclist" by Chris Carmichael - excellent read, with some excellent turbo training plans - 10 quid you won't regret spending.
I will follow this thread with interest and wish you luck with your endeavours but when you say you're new to cycling and your running sucks can you put that into context? Clearly the cyclists feel your cycle training is too little so how far are you actually running and how often? Have you done any triathlons before, indeed have you done many marathons?
Reason I ask is that 10-15 years ago I was doing half marathons (1:30) for fun and did a marathon or two most years (London 3 x times). Eventually I got drawn to triathlon because of my love for mechanical equipment and having had a selection of nice 10 x speed racers as a kid I fancied something nice and sparkley! I did several Olympic distance events and thoroughly enjoyed them. My swimming was slow but being fit I knew I could make up time on the bike and finally with the run. Being a distance runner I actually looked forward to the final discipline!
Having said all of that, and trying to put you ambitions into context, I would never have dreamt of attempting an Ironman if I was new to cycling and my running sucked, (actually i would never have attempted an Ironman - full stop) hence my curiosity.
I did think about running an ultra once though 
Reason I ask is that 10-15 years ago I was doing half marathons (1:30) for fun and did a marathon or two most years (London 3 x times). Eventually I got drawn to triathlon because of my love for mechanical equipment and having had a selection of nice 10 x speed racers as a kid I fancied something nice and sparkley! I did several Olympic distance events and thoroughly enjoyed them. My swimming was slow but being fit I knew I could make up time on the bike and finally with the run. Being a distance runner I actually looked forward to the final discipline!
Having said all of that, and trying to put you ambitions into context, I would never have dreamt of attempting an Ironman if I was new to cycling and my running sucked, (actually i would never have attempted an Ironman - full stop) hence my curiosity.
I did think about running an ultra once though rhinochopig said:
The thing with a TT though is that you don't learn the bike handling skills. They're great for developing strength and fitness, but they have a number of very big disadvantages. They're easy to get off. They don't simulate climbs (very well) or descents at all. They don't allow you to simulate riding in cold/hot/wet/windy/ weather. They don't allow you to simulate the vibration you get from riding on the road. All of which are fatigue factors that do affect your performance.
Totally agree with the bike handling skills thing, but what the OP has to do is build a big engine and build that whilst he's trying to also improve his run AND swim.The OP's biggest problem in training is lack of time for all 3 disciplines. His time spent training has to be efficiently spent and the payback has to be as big as possible and for the bike, the turbo does that.
Sure they lack a few things when compared to real world cycling, but they are invaluable when your time is limited and you have to do so much.
Good luck OP and remember one thing when you're training for your IM . . . normal limits do not apply.
we are probably telling you nothing that your coach either already has or will inevitbaly do so but stilll we are an opinionated bunch! Anatomical adaptation is good in principle but the whole point is to get used to riding in a particular position for anything up to 7 hours and if you are not on your competition bike you are not the fully adapting to the new position. the obvious problem is you really should be training on the bike you will compete on, but likewise you cant really rush the bike choice without speaking to people. as for trying a bike, personally i dont see the point of riding around a car park outside the shop for five minutes and basing your decision on that. you wil lget of fand think "yeah that fits" but its hardly a comparison to riding on it for hours on end.
As others have suggested, a Retul bike fit is well worth the money. Its basically a full body analysis and they will measure every part of you and equate the most efficient position based on angles and limb length (fnarr fnarr)
the other side of ironman distance races is mental stamina required to complete the course. There is loads of good stuff on the web about how to deal with the mental pain you are subjecting yourself to but you need to experience that pain at least half a dozen times before the race.
I read that Chrissie Wellington sings four songs over and over during the run leg. if you imagine that those four songs are five minutes each, She probably sings each one at least eight times. you cant use mp3 players etc so you have to prepare mentally almost as much as phyiscally for the boredom. On sportives, i am the annoying guy who cycles up to you and starts chatting about your bike or the last hill or something but i thats kind of frowned upon in ironman!....
Anatomical adaptation is good in principle but the whole point is to get used to riding in a particular position for anything up to 7 hours and if you are not on your competition bike you are not the fully adapting to the new position. the obvious problem is you really should be training on the bike you will compete on, but likewise you cant really rush the bike choice without speaking to people. as for trying a bike, personally i dont see the point of riding around a car park outside the shop for five minutes and basing your decision on that. you wil lget of fand think "yeah that fits" but its hardly a comparison to riding on it for hours on end. As others have suggested, a Retul bike fit is well worth the money. Its basically a full body analysis and they will measure every part of you and equate the most efficient position based on angles and limb length (fnarr fnarr)
the other side of ironman distance races is mental stamina required to complete the course. There is loads of good stuff on the web about how to deal with the mental pain you are subjecting yourself to but you need to experience that pain at least half a dozen times before the race.
I read that Chrissie Wellington sings four songs over and over during the run leg. if you imagine that those four songs are five minutes each, She probably sings each one at least eight times. you cant use mp3 players etc so you have to prepare mentally almost as much as phyiscally for the boredom. On sportives, i am the annoying guy who cycles up to you and starts chatting about your bike or the last hill or something but i thats kind of frowned upon in ironman!....
well, though i have stated a budget, to be honest i would prefer to hold off on the bike purchase for a little while as i would rather pay for it outright than have to use credit cards etc. it’s amazing how much I’ve spent so far on kit for the various disciplines – not to mention the fact that I’m yet to pay for flights etc for the race itself (which is in mexico).
So the general consensus is that I can wait for a little while to buy the bike and that I should use that time to buff up my bike knowledge; but I shouldn’t wait too long so that I have plenty of time to adjust to the new bike. A month or two should be adequate to allow me to save up then.
On the training (which is a little of topic but hey ho): my coach has 15+ years experience training athletes for triathlons from beginners to elite and from sprint to ironman. From the last two months of plans/advice/guidance etc I’m very confident in him to build up my training levels appropriately.
While I understand the argument that a turbo will not replicate real world riding, I’m happy with what I’m doing so far. Not being a cyclist I’m still suffering with ‘numb bum’ when on the bike for 1hour+ so it’s important to build up slowly. Because I’m trying to cram all this training and build up to an Ironman into 1 year one of my biggest obstacles is avoiding injury/illness. So what I may gain from going out on the bike twice a week in the evenings is not worth the risk of getting a cold/chest infection with the weather being so ball breakingley cold…
I have never competed in a proper triathlon before. I think I did one or two when I was really young (10-12 years old) but I can’t really remember them.
By crap at running I mean the only experience I have of an ‘endurance’ run is one half marathon which took me 2h30min and I was beaten by two guys in a camel suit (which broke me!). I’ve done a few 10ks though. My ‘long run’ is about 10k each weekend and I do a couple of short runs during the week.
So the general consensus is that I can wait for a little while to buy the bike and that I should use that time to buff up my bike knowledge; but I shouldn’t wait too long so that I have plenty of time to adjust to the new bike. A month or two should be adequate to allow me to save up then.
On the training (which is a little of topic but hey ho): my coach has 15+ years experience training athletes for triathlons from beginners to elite and from sprint to ironman. From the last two months of plans/advice/guidance etc I’m very confident in him to build up my training levels appropriately.
While I understand the argument that a turbo will not replicate real world riding, I’m happy with what I’m doing so far. Not being a cyclist I’m still suffering with ‘numb bum’ when on the bike for 1hour+ so it’s important to build up slowly. Because I’m trying to cram all this training and build up to an Ironman into 1 year one of my biggest obstacles is avoiding injury/illness. So what I may gain from going out on the bike twice a week in the evenings is not worth the risk of getting a cold/chest infection with the weather being so ball breakingley cold…
I have never competed in a proper triathlon before. I think I did one or two when I was really young (10-12 years old) but I can’t really remember them.
By crap at running I mean the only experience I have of an ‘endurance’ run is one half marathon which took me 2h30min and I was beaten by two guys in a camel suit (which broke me!). I’ve done a few 10ks though. My ‘long run’ is about 10k each weekend and I do a couple of short runs during the week.
Edited by 2seas on Friday 3rd February 14:15
RichB said:
I will follow this thread with interest and wish you luck with your endeavours but when you say you're new to cycling and your running sucks can you put that into context? Clearly the cyclists feel your cycle training is too little so how far are you actually running and how often? Have you done any triathlons before, indeed have you done many marathons?
Reason I ask is that 10-15 years ago I was doing half marathons (1:30) for fun and did a marathon or two most years (London 3 x times). Eventually I got drawn to triathlon because of my love for mechanical equipment and having had a selection of nice 10 x speed racers as a kid I fancied something nice and sparkley! I did several Olympic distance events and thoroughly enjoyed them. My swimming was slow but being fit I knew I could make up time on the bike and finally with the run. Being a distance runner I actually looked forward to the final discipline!
Having said all of that, and trying to put you ambitions into context, I would never have dreamt of attempting an Ironman if I was new to cycling and my running sucked, (actually i would never have attempted an Ironman - full stop) hence my curiosity. I did think about running an ultra once though
you would have cruised it Reason I ask is that 10-15 years ago I was doing half marathons (1:30) for fun and did a marathon or two most years (London 3 x times). Eventually I got drawn to triathlon because of my love for mechanical equipment and having had a selection of nice 10 x speed racers as a kid I fancied something nice and sparkley! I did several Olympic distance events and thoroughly enjoyed them. My swimming was slow but being fit I knew I could make up time on the bike and finally with the run. Being a distance runner I actually looked forward to the final discipline!
Having said all of that, and trying to put you ambitions into context, I would never have dreamt of attempting an Ironman if I was new to cycling and my running sucked, (actually i would never have attempted an Ironman - full stop) hence my curiosity.
I did think about running an ultra once though . it's not too late - sign up for Ironman Cozumel this Nov. See you there?pablo said:
As others have suggested, a Retul bike fit is well worth the money. Its basically a full body analysis and they will measure every part of you and equate the most efficient position based on angles and limb length (fnarr fnarr)
Sound like a plan.pablo said:
I read that Chrissie Wellington sings four songs over and over during the run leg.
not a problem - the voices in my head keep me entertained. they often get me into trouble though. naughty voices...2seas said:
By crap at running I mean the only experience I have of an ‘endurance’ run is one half marathon which took me 2h30min and I was beaten by two guys in a camel suit (which broke me!). I’ve done a few 10ks though. My ‘long run’ is about 10k each weekend and I do a couple of short runs during the week.
I know this is a cycling thread but you need to seriously step up the time on your feet if you're going to stand any chance of running 26 miles in November let alone after cycling 112 miles! There's one hell of a difference between doing a few 10ks and spending 4 x hours on your feet. As the cycling guys have said it's a mental thing. To put it into context you could start off when most people get in the office and still be running gone lunch-time! Good luck, and no, I won't join you at 55 I know my limitations
In 12 months I went from not having owned a bike for twenty years to finishing my first IM: delighted that I'm not the only one that thinks that's a reasonable thing to do.
You need a bike that you are comfortable on for 6-7 hours: nothing else matters as much as this.
A correctly-fitted Tri/TT bike might help with this, not least because it allows your upper body to be supported by your skeleton, rather than your shoulder muscles, but I have a colleague with a 10:25 IM PB who rides a Cannondale road bike and stays on the hoods for the whole distance.
If you're going to switch to a TT bike then do it a good 3-4 months before the race, but you'll probably get more bang for your buck with a Retul plus a good set of 50mm+ deep-section wheels and some research into saddles for your current bike - and the Retul mearsurements will be much easier to transfer to a new road bike than to a TT.
You need a bike that you are comfortable on for 6-7 hours: nothing else matters as much as this.
A correctly-fitted Tri/TT bike might help with this, not least because it allows your upper body to be supported by your skeleton, rather than your shoulder muscles, but I have a colleague with a 10:25 IM PB who rides a Cannondale road bike and stays on the hoods for the whole distance.
If you're going to switch to a TT bike then do it a good 3-4 months before the race, but you'll probably get more bang for your buck with a Retul plus a good set of 50mm+ deep-section wheels and some research into saddles for your current bike - and the Retul mearsurements will be much easier to transfer to a new road bike than to a TT.
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