Shoot me now

[namaste]

I've gone and signed up for a triathlon next month. It's not Ironman by any stretch of the imagination, just a sprint length event (a half-kilometer swim, 20K bike and 5K run). I do all three disciplines, but not typically all at once, nor have I ever done a competitive open water swim, but I wanted a challenge before my birthday at the end of July, and this one takes place in my home town, so I'm familiar with the route, but still... I've never done a real triathlon before (just an indoor one in the spring) and I have no idea what I'm getting myself into.

My only goals? First, to finish, and second, to not finish last. I figure that's about all I can handle at this point.

Anyone out there with advice? Psychiatric guidance?

Comments

[romeo46.livejournal.com]

Good luck

Pacing is very important and training for all three events. Start to incorporate the run and swim into your workout so that you are getting the feel for doing all three at once. Figure out what you are going to wear and train in it so you can practice transitions.

Have fun

[namasteyoga.livejournal.com]

I do all three events a couple of times per week, and try to do a couple of them back-to-back when possible (like a run followed by a swim today). I know the run will be my worst event -- I've got chronic knee and foot problems which are exacerbated by running by pavement, so I typically run only a couple of times a week, and on dirt or treadmills. I briefly competed in bicycle racing, so I'm far more comfortable with that.

I actually figure I'll do all three events in my bike shorts, since I don't have a wet suit, and won't buy one just for a trial event (the water temp today is 65 degrees). It probably isn't the best setup, but it's the best I can think of off hand.

[warmdarkwoman.livejournal.com]

No psychiatric guidance, just support and encouragement!

Oh, and wear sunblock and stay dehydrated. That's all I got.

[warmdarkwoman.livejournal.com]

Argh. I meant hydrated, really. It was late and I was watching the basketball game.

[namasteyoga.livejournal.com]

I figured that's what you meant -- or at least I assumed that you weren't wishing me ill. ;-)

[vettithoughts1.livejournal.com]

All the best in finishing the triathlon.

[namasteyoga.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I just hope we don't get a cold front passing through. Last year in mid-July, the water suddenly dropped to 56 degrees for a week or so. Brrrr.

[npkedit.livejournal.com]

Only thng I can do is give you encouragement and wish you the best of luck.

[namasteyoga.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I'll need it.