NI Newbie - Should I start running now?
BelfastBoy
Posts: 1
I've signed up to do a try-a-tri in June, consisting of - 250m open water swim, 20km bike, and 3km run.
Am already a fairly consistent swimmer - doing 30x lengths (750m, mixed strokes) in local pool 3-4 times a week. I can ride a bike, but have never done so competitively, and am pretty clueless about gears, style, technique etc. Running-wise, I did a couch to 5k a couple of years ago, but had to jack in running due to knee and achilles problem.
On that last point, I should add that I'm a very big guy - 21.5 stone/6ft 3ins tall - and am using this triathlon as a motivator to lose weight. My physio told me that I shouldn't be running at the weight I'm at, as it is having a bad impact on my joints - rather, I should lose more weight BEFORE I start running.
The problem is, all the training plans I've seen insist you do all three disciplines from the off. But am I better just training in swimming and bike for a couple of months and then starting running once I have a bit more weight off/am a bit fitter? Or MUST I train in all three from the very beginning?
Would appreciate any thoughts on this - it's been a real goal of mine to do a triathlon, so I am feeling very motivated.
Comments
My advice would be to set a treadmill at a 2 percent incline and walk 3K to start with. That will get your heart rate up and reduce impact on your joints. Ultimately, the triathlon that you're going to do is aimed at beginners so you won't be alone in being a bit apprehensive about the bike gears, the swim distance etc etc. I did the Dublin 70.3 a few years ago and there was a bloke who must have been 30 stone walking around the run course, but he was getting the biggest cheers from the crowd because he was determined to finish and clearly had the courage to enter in the first place. Good luck on your journey to being awesome.
Pity that your physio didn't suggest exercises to help cure your achiles and knees problems while allowing some run training. Running is about miles run, time on feet or whatever you cal it. Could be worth finding a physio who specialises with runners
One way to get run fit without the impact is to to use an eliptical trainer. Most gyms have them or something very similar. It's about 90% equivilent to running. Could then build up your actual running as you gain fitness. You may find running on a soft surface such as grass is kinder on your joints
Come June you'll have a great time during the race