Triathlon Time
TRIATHLON- my first time, need Advice!?
OK.. i'm 26y F, decided to do a triathlon! I am pretty fit, although i do not work out on a daily basis, and i rarely play sports. I have begun to train, but i am quickly losing motivation. How likely is it for me to be able to do this triathlon by Feb 2009. Currently i can only run a mile in 10 min at best! I DONT want to win the race, just finish! =)
What are some tips on how i should work out? What training? How often? Is it okay if i am not totally 100% athletic? I have never competed in anything like this before!!
I really want to do this, but i am afraid of looking like an idiot in last place. lol...
Thanks! =)
Don't worry about looking like an idiot. Just being in the race and giving it a try is good enough! Even if you don't finish you are in elite company. It is more than 99% of the population has done! Do your best and be proud of your efforts!
Hopefully you will enter a short distance sprint triathlon, about 1/4 mi swim, 10-20 mi bike, 2-3 mi run. There are many ways to work out and prepare. I would suggest alternating the three events, one a day, twice a week. For example, Monday-swim, Tuesday-bike, Wednesday-run, Thursday-swim, Friday-bike, Saturday-run, Sunday-off. But be ready to make adjustments if you don't feel results, or if you get bored. Everybody is different. Only you know what is right for you!
Start off the swimming with a few 50-yard laps at low speed, say 1-2 minutes per 50 yards. Take 1-2 minutes between laps. After a few days you should be able to do 100-yard laps keeping the same pace. You should try to build your basic endurance, rhythm, and technique. Eventually you should be able to do an entire 1/4-mile (440 yards) in about 10 minutes or less. If you really want to work at it, try doing 1/2-mile in 20 minutes or so.
Start off running at a comfortable pace. I think you should try to build basic endurance by slowly increasing your distance, and concentrate on speed later. A 10-minute pace should be comfortable and you should be able to build to 3 miles fairly quickly.
I don't know what kind of bike you have, but whatever you have should be good enough as long as it is safe. You don't need a fancy bike to compete. Be sure to get a good helmet. And you should get a bike computer. These can be found at any bike store, and I think even Walmart or Target have them. Just get a basic model that costs $25 or so. You need to keep track of your distance, and it helps if you can keep track of your speed and cadence (pedal revolutions per minute). You should ride on flat ground and select a gear where you can comfortably spin at 80 rpm or so. For beginners this should translate to about 12 mph. For starters do this for about 15 minutes, concentrate on holding the speed and cadence as steady as possible. Again you want to build basic endurance, rhythm, and technique. You should be able to gradually increase your distance and speed, and eventually you should be able to cover about 15 miles in one hour. If you run into headwinds or uphill grades, be ready to shift into an easier gear. Or if you are feeling lean and mean, stay in gear, grit your teeth, and gut it out. It builds character!
Once you get to the point where you can do all your events separately for twice the distance you plan to compete, try to string the three events together. But be careful, because biking after a swim is very hard, then running after that is even harder. Cut your distances the first few times you string them together, then build up from there. Hopefully by race day you can do twice the distance in all three events when you string them together. This will give you extra confidence for race day.
For nutrition, there are many ways to go. There are successful low carb triathletes and vegetarian triathletes. But I think most triathletes use a low-fat high-carb approach. The Mediterranean, Okinawan, or USDA food pyramid are examples of this approach. Make sure you get enough calories for energy. You should emphasize whole grains, potatoes, pasta, rice, corn, fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes, and nuts. Limit meat to 4 oz per day of chicken breast or fish. Use olive oil or canola oil. Go easy on dairy products. Eliminate fast food, junk food (chips, snacks, ice cream), and processed food (frozen dinners) as much as possible. But don't forget to reward yourself to your favorite sinful food once or twice a month. For me these rewards help maintain motivation.
Below is a link to a great website on athletic nutrition.
Relax and have fun at the race. Talk to the other competitors to get training ideas. Enjoy the satisfaction of doing something few other people have the guts to even try. Good training and good luck!
![]() |
![]() HED Stinger S5 S6 Carbon Tubular Road Bike Wheels Wheelset Time Trial Triathlon $1,999.99 Time Remaining: 1h 39m Buy It Now for only: $1,999.99 |
![]() Syntace C2 Aerobars and Toro Bullhorn bars time trials Triathlon $45.00 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 4h 24m |
![]() SRAM TT900 TT 900 SR Brake Levers Set Carbon Triathlon Time Trial Bike Pr NEW $89.97 Time Remaining: 4h 31m |
![]() Profile Design Carbon Stryke Aero Bars 318mm Triathlon Time Trial TT Ironman $46.00 (5 Bids) Time Remaining: 4h 41m |
![]() BAR END BRAKE LEVERS Campagnolo CARBON For Time Trial Triathlon Bars NEW $149.99 Time Remaining: 5h 59m Buy It Now for only: $149.99 |
![]() Bi King Triathlon Time Trial Bolt On Bike Extension Aero Bar TT $26.00 Time Remaining: 13h 23m Buy It Now for only: $26.00 |
![]() Vision by FSA Integrated Alloy Aero Bars Time Trial Triathlon 290mm 100mm New $165.00 Time Remaining: 17h 29m Buy It Now for only: $185.00 |
![]() HED Stinger S6 S5 Tubular Carbon Road Bike Wheelset Wheels Triathlon Time Trial $1,999.99 Time Remaining: 18h 38m Buy It Now for only: $1,999.99 |
![]() HED S5 S6 Stinger Tubular Carbon Road Bike Wheelset Wheels Triathlon Time Trial $1,999.99 Time Remaining: 19h 6m Buy It Now for only: $1,999.99 |
![]() ZIPP VUKA AERO BARS FULL CARBON SUPER LIGHT AERO TIME TRIAL TRIATHLON $875.00 Time Remaining: 22h 42m Buy It Now for only: $875.00 |
![]() Fizik Arione Tri 2 Tri2 Triathlon Time Trial Road Bike Saddle Grey Black w ICS $41.00 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 23h 24m |
![]() Shimano PRO Missile Carbon TT aerobar Straight 318mm 38cm Time Trial Triathlon $525.00 Time Remaining: 1d 18m Buy It Now for only: $580.00 |
![]() 3T Ventus Team Triathlon Time Trial Carbon integrated handlebar 17deg New $650.00 Time Remaining: 1d 1h 50m Buy It Now for only: $750.00 |
![]() Cannondale C3 Profile Design Aero Bar SRAM Shifters Time Trial Triathlon TT $171.00 (28 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 4h 37m |
![]() Controltech Aero Cockpit AL TT Time Triathlon Handlebar $149.00 Time Remaining: 1d 6h 40m Buy It Now for only: $149.00 |
![]() Trigon Time Trial Triathlon TT Carbon aero bar 44cms $358.00 Time Remaining: 1d 7h 57m Buy It Now for only: $358.00 |
![]() shimano dura ace 10 speed bar end shifters for time trial tt or triathlon $13.39 (8 Bids) Time Remaining: 1d 20h 5m |
![]() Campagnolo 8 Speed Bar End Shifters Time Trial Triathlon NEW NOS $49.99 Time Remaining: 1d 21h 34m |
![]() Cane Creek time trial triathlon bullhorn base bar brake levers $1.99 Time Remaining: 2d 2h 45m |
![]() PROFILE DESIGN QS2 TT Triathlon Brake Levers Time Trial Bike Black Pair NEW $24.97 Time Remaining: 2d 3h 31m |
![]() NEW Profile Design Carbon Wing Aerobar X 15 Road Bike Time Trial Triathlon $147.50 (7 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 3h 59m |
![]() Controltech Aero Cockpit AL TT Time Triathlon Handlebar $149.95 Time Remaining: 2d 5h 35m Buy It Now for only: $149.95 |
![]() Full Carbon 12K TT Time Trial Triathlon Bike SeatPost Double Position 76 73 $94.99 Time Remaining: 2d 15h 28m Buy It Now for only: $94.99 |
![]() Tektro Triathlon Bicycle Aero Brake Lever Set New Bike Cycling Time Trial Race $45.40 Time Remaining: 2d 19h 31m Buy It Now for only: $45.40 |
![]() Zipp 404 Road Triathlon Time Trial Clincher Front Wheel $255.00 (6 Bids) Time Remaining: 2d 22h 5m |
![]() Look Ergopost carbon seatpost 272mm Made in France time trial triathlon $75.00 Time Remaining: 3d 1h 12m Buy It Now for only: $125.00 |
![]() Deda Clip One Tri Bars Aero Triathlon Time Trial 260mm Clip on Handlebars $9.99 Time Remaining: 3d 3h 35m |
![]() Zipp 808 Tubular Front Road Bike Wheel 700c Dimpled Time Trial Triathlon $275.00 (18 Bids) Time Remaining: 3d 4h 8m |
![]() SRAM TT900 TT 900 SR Brake Levers Set Carbon Triathlon Time Trial Bike Pr NEW $89.97 Time Remaining: 3d 4h 25m |
![]() Pair Shimano Dura Ace AX brake calipers time trialtriathlon $99.99 Time Remaining: 3d 21h 35m Buy It Now for only: $179.99 |
![]() PROFILE DESIGN SPLIT SECOND CLIP ON AERO BARS TRIATHLON TIME TRIAL TT $79.00 Time Remaining: 4d 42m Buy It Now for only: $79.00 |
![]() Shimano Dura Ace 10 Speed SIS Index Bar End Shifter Triathlon Time Trial Bikes $109.00 Time Remaining: 4d 2h 13m Buy It Now for only: $109.00 |
![]() Hylix Tapered full Carbon road Fork fit TTTime Trial Triathlon 1 1 8 to 15 $92.00 Time Remaining: 4d 7h 19m Buy It Now for only: $92.00 |
![]() New Ciasta Aero blade carbon seat post316mm triathlon time trial whiteus $99.00 Time Remaining: 4d 8h 26m Buy It Now for only: $99.00 |
![]() Controltech Aero carbon cockpit Time Trial Triathlons $198.00 Time Remaining: 4d 8h 26m Buy It Now for only: $198.00 |
![]() New Ciasta Aero blade carbon seat post316mm triathlon time trialredus $99.00 Time Remaining: 4d 8h 26m Buy It Now for only: $99.00 |
![]() New Oval Concepts Laminar Carbon TT Aero Bartime trialtriathlonus $720.00 Time Remaining: 4d 8h 29m Buy It Now for only: $720.00 |
![]() Exustar Look compatible racing pedals PR70 lightweight time trial triathlon grt $46.00 Time Remaining: 4d 9h 9m Buy It Now for only: $46.00 |
![]() Dura Ace Bar End Shift Levers SL BS79 10 speed triathlon shifters time trial VGC $88.95 Time Remaining: 4d 9h 13m Buy It Now for only: $88.95 |
![]() NEW Triathlon time trial arm rests tri aero rest road bike incl hardware race ex $26.00 Time Remaining: 4d 9h 24m Buy It Now for only: $26.00 |
![]() NEW Dura Ace Bar End Shift Levers SL BS79 10 speed triathlon shifters time trial $127.50 Time Remaining: 4d 9h 39m Buy It Now for only: $127.50 |
![]() SHIMANO 9 Speed Cassette Brand NewTriathlon TT Time Trial Ironman $45.00 Time Remaining: 4d 17h 25m Buy It Now for only: $45.00 |
![]() HED Carbon Disc Wheel 700c Rear Tubular Time Trial Triathlon Disc Wheel $500.00 Time Remaining: 5d 3h 8m |
![]() NEW 170 SRAM 900 Time Trial Triathlon Carbon Bar End Shifters $119.99 Time Remaining: 5d 4h 2m |
![]() Shimano Dura Ace BS77 Bar End Shifters 9spd Speed Time Trial Triathlon Levers $50.99 (2 Bids) Time Remaining: 5d 4h 37m |
![]() Cannondale Slice Take off Triathlon Time Trial TT post $100.00 Time Remaining: 5d 5h 18m Buy It Now for only: $100.00 |
![]() Selle San Marco Ponza TT Saddle 130mm Triathlon Time Trial $70.00 Time Remaining: 5d 14h 53m Buy It Now for only: $79.00 |
![]() New Oval Conepts A901 Time Trial Bar Triathlon Break Lever Combo Base Bar TT $350.00 Time Remaining: 5d 18h 48m Buy It Now for only: $549.00 |
![]() Vision by FSA Integrated Alloy Aero Bars Time Trial Triathlon 270mm 90mm New $165.00 Time Remaining: 6d 1h 34m Buy It Now for only: $185.00 |
![]() TRP Carbon Reverse Brake Levers Time Trial Triathlon Aero Bike Pair TT IM $29.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 6d 3h 22m |
![]() NEW Shimano BS50 Bar End Shifters 8spd Speed Road Triathlon Time Trial Bike $19.99 (1 Bid) Time Remaining: 6d 3h 37m |
![]() Cane Creek 200TT Aero Brake Levers Road Bike Triathlon Time Trial $9.99 Time Remaining: 6d 3h 54m Buy It Now for only: $49.99 |
![]() Valdora SR 10 Carbon Aero Bars Triathlon Time Trial TT Ironman Base Handle $149.99 Time Remaining: 6d 3h 55m Buy It Now for only: $199.99 |
![]() Ritchey Clip On Aero Bars Road Triathlon Time Trial Bike Clamp Extensions TT $29.99 Time Remaining: 6d 4h 9m Buy It Now for only: $59.99 |
![]() Vision Team Aero Brake Levers W Cables Time Trial Triathlon Bullhorns Base $9.99 Time Remaining: 6d 5h 49m |
![]() CARBON Vision Team Aero Brake Levers W Cables Time Trial Triathlon Bullhorn $9.99 Time Remaining: 6d 5h 50m |
![]() Vision by FSA Integrated Alloy Aero Bars Time Trial Triathlon 230mm 90mm New $165.00 Time Remaining: 6d 5h 58m Buy It Now for only: $185.00 |
![]() Triathlon Time Trial Bolt On Bike Extension Aero Bar $37.00 Time Remaining: 6d 8h 25m Buy It Now for only: $37.00 |
![]() Time Trial TT Triathlon Extension Alloy Bar Road Bike White New $86.99 Time Remaining: 6d 9h 2m Buy It Now for only: $86.99 |
![]() HED Stinger S5 Carbon Tubular Road Bike Front Wheel Time Trial Triathlon $649.99 Time Remaining: 6d 18h 51m Buy It Now for only: $849.99 |
![]() HED Stinger S5 S6 Carbon Tubular Road Bike Wheels Wheelset Time Trial Triathlon $1,099.99 Time Remaining: 6d 18h 51m Buy It Now for only: $1,799.99 |
![]() Zipp 404 808 Carbon Tubular Road Bike Wheels Wheelset TT Triathlon Time Trial $1,299.99 Time Remaining: 6d 18h 51m Buy It Now for only: $1,899.99 |
![]() HED Stinger S5 Carbon Tubular Road Bike Wheels Wheelset Time Trial Triathlon $1,049.99 Time Remaining: 6d 18h 51m Buy It Now for only: $1,599.99 |
![]() Zipp 404 Carbon Tubular Front Road Bike Wheel Aero TT Triathlon Time Trial $649.99 Time Remaining: 6d 18h 51m Buy It Now for only: $819.99 |
![]() HED Stinger S9 9 Carbon Tubular Road Bike Rear Wheel Time Trial Triathlon Aero $849.99 Time Remaining: 6d 18h 51m Buy It Now for only: $1,199.99 |
![]() HED Stinger S9 9 Carbon Tubular Road Bike Rear Wheel Time Trial Triathlon Aero $849.99 Time Remaining: 6d 18h 51m Buy It Now for only: $1,199.99 |
![]() HED Stinger S9 9 Carbon Tubular Road Bike Wheels Wheelset Time Trial Triathlon $1,299.99 Time Remaining: 6d 18h 52m Buy It Now for only: $1,999.99 |
![]() Profile Time Trial Aero Handlebars W Nitto Triathlon Stem $9.99 Time Remaining: 6d 19h 21m |
![]() FSA AERO 54T 130MM N 10 TIME TRIAL TRIATHLON $58.84 Time Remaining: 6d 20h 33m Buy It Now for only: $58.84 |
![]() Profile Aero 1 Racing Bars Triathlon Time Trial NOS $99.95 Time Remaining: 6d 21h 48m Buy It Now for only: $99.95 |
![]() TEKTRO TIME TRIAL TRIATHLON BAR END AERO BRAKE LEVERS $21.87 Time Remaining: 8d 20h 38m Buy It Now for only: $21.87 |
![]() CARBON ARM PADS FOR ZIPP VUKA AERO BARS TIME TRIAL TRIATHLON NEW $67.75 Time Remaining: 8d 21h 34m Buy It Now for only: $67.75 |
![]() FSA VISION TT MINI CLIP ON BAR TIME TRIALTRIATHLON NEW $73.87 Time Remaining: 9d 4h 14m Buy It Now for only: $73.87 |
![]() Profile Design aero handlebar vintage 90s time trial tri triathlon $89.00 Time Remaining: 9d 22h 16m Buy It Now for only: $89.00 |
![]() Sram TT 900 Brake Levers Carbon Triathlon Time Trial $98.99 Time Remaining: 11d 9h 30m Buy It Now for only: $98.99 |
![]() ISM Adamo Time Rial Road Bike Triathlon Saddle NEW $189.99 Time Remaining: 11d 17h 51m Buy It Now for only: $189.99 |












































































