Considering triathlon, where to start?

[Jayfish]

As per the title, I like the idea of giving tri a go, my bike fitness is growing week by week and I used to run 3-5 mils 3-4 times a week, but I swim like a disinterested stone.

I don't really want to do too much upper body work for the swim and will happily crawl out of the pool last and see if i can chase down, I have no delusions of competing, just want to have the sense of achievement.

It will be a sprint tri initially: indoor pool 500m swim, 20k bike, 5k run or close to.

Overall the distances aren't an issue, but I am completely lost when it comes to the gear I will need.

Pair of lycra swim shorts sans pad, toe clips and running shoes? (thinking being i can hack no padding for 12 miles, doing the bike in the shoes i will run in saves faff)?

I'm likely overlooking something critical but remember I'm not planning on winning, just completing, preferably not last...

[MrsMiggins]

You've pretty much got it there: swim shorts you can cycle and run in. You can always chuck a cycle/run top on at T1. Add some goggles so you can see where you're going and bob's your uncle.

There's a big Triathlon thread over in the sports forum if you're interested.
http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/topic.asp?h=0&a...

ETA: you'd be better off with proper cycle shoes so you can clip in and put up with the additional time in T2 when you change into your running shoes.

Edited by MrsMiggins on Tuesday 21st May 19:54

[Jayfish]

thanks for the link, reading now. changing shoes seems like a faff, but I guess i need to do some dry runs and go get a running shoe fitting done.

[RichB]

You will definitely need to use proper cycling shoes as they have the necessary cleats on the sole and you can't really walk in them let alone run! If I were you I'd get a beginners guide to triathlon because it can all get a bit complicated in the transition zone and you don't want to look an idiot.

p.s. also try to just go along and spectate at one locally, you'll see what's going on and usually there are trade stands etc. where you can buy your stuff.

Edited by RichB on Tuesday 21st May 20:35

[anonymous-user]

Go for comfort rather than trying to shave seconds off transition time. You may save a tiny bit of time at transition by riding in your run shoes but I will bet that having a stiff sole and spds will be way more comfortable and ultimately make more time through better pedalling. Too many people try to go through transition like a pro and whilst its where you can gain a few seconds, you will lose a lot more out on the course if you are running/riding in less than appropriate gear and get uncomfortable blisters or abrasion.

[RichB]

To be honest I don't see how you can cycle in running shoes. Runners have a broad flat sole which is inappropriate for cycling even if you use cages instead of spuds. I have cages on my MTB but still use cycling shoes when off road.

[Jayfish]

Just to clarify I ride in SPD-SL's normally and the running shoe /cage idea was just a novice's idea waiting to be shot down; with a sprint tri would the lack of cleats exceed the change of shoe time? how long is a piece of string...

[anonymous-user]

Jayfish said:

Just to clarify I ride in SPD-SL's normally and the running shoe /cage idea was just a novice's idea waiting to be shot down; with a sprint tri would the lack of cleats exceed the change of shoe time? how long is a piece of string...

in that case, why not just run a bit faster?

[Gizmoish]

Start at rule 42?

[yellowjack]

Try some of these... http://www.google.co.uk/#q=shoelace+locks&hl=e... ...for your running shoes, and some cycling shoes with velcro fastenings only. Leave them clipped to the pedals with the velcro fully open, to save time at transition. Best advice for noobs from the experienced guys on our Regimental Tri team was to practice the run/bike transition, by riding a couple of miles, then running for a bit, then back on the bike, and repeat. It will get you used to how different it feels running and cycling back to back.

I never got fired up by the idea of Triathlon, so have no useful personal experience to relate, just what the Tri boys wore/used when they raced. I used to ride out with them when they did specific cycling training.

[Vladimir]

I've done three with fairly reasons my results.

I bought tri shorts and they are great. I use a basic road bike (except for the first one which was an MTB event) which works fine. I don't wear socks for the run as they are a pain to get on. I talc my cycle shoes so they are easier to get on. I use lock laces (elastic things) on my running shoes so I don't need to do them up. I wear a good surf wetsuit (apart from the one I swam in shorts). I would highly recommend a number belt; in all tris I've had a right faff with safety pins and flapping number paper. I really will get one next time!

[944fan]

OP - I too am just getting into tris. My swimming was my weakest as well so I got some instruction. I only went for one session (£40 / 1 hour) and the difference was amazing. Went from struggling to do more than a length front crawl to be able to do 4 non stop immediately, just by changing a couple of things.

[bakerstreet]

yellowjack said:

Try some of these... http://www.google.co.uk/#q=shoelace+locks&hl=e... ...for your running shoes, and some cycling shoes with velcro fastenings only. Leave them clipped to the pedals with the velcro fully open, to save time at transition. Best advice for noobs from the experienced guys on our Regimental Tri team was to practice the run/bike transition, by riding a couple of miles, then running for a bit, then back on the bike, and repeat. It will get you used to how different it feels running and cycling back to back.

I never got fired up by the idea of Triathlon, so have no useful personal experience to relate, just what the Tri boys wore/used when they raced. I used to ride out with them when they did specific cycling training.

For a first tri, I would not advise attempting to put feet into shoes that are all ready clipped into pedals. You will be quite tired when you reach T1 and it requires a bit of extra concentration to attempt to put feet in shoes when they are attached to the pedals.

I have seen lots of people manage with the shoes on the floor and a bit of talcom (SP?) in each sock and a towel to briefly wipe your feet. It certainly works for me.

If the OP wants to do a tri, I would advise doing one witha pukka open water swim. Yes, you have to train for the open water swim, but it will be much more rewarding than doing the swim in a pool.

I also recommend a proper tri suit. They are a shorts/vest combo and will make transition a bit easier. They start at £40. I have a £60 one and its fine

I have done three now and I'm hoping to do another one this year.

[BMWBen]

Start with a swim, then do some cycling, then do some running. There will be marshals to point you in the right direction.

HTH.