Sprint or Olympic
en51nm
Posts: 41
in General Chat
Hi everyone,
I've signed up for my first tri (sprint distance) at the end of August, my training seems to be going well (I think) although I've not really got benchmark to go by. Im kean to get signed up for my second tri but how do I know if for my second I'll be ready to do an olympic distance? Is there any way to tell?!
Thanks in advance for the help!
I've signed up for my first tri (sprint distance) at the end of August, my training seems to be going well (I think) although I've not really got benchmark to go by. Im kean to get signed up for my second tri but how do I know if for my second I'll be ready to do an olympic distance? Is there any way to tell?!
Thanks in advance for the help!
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Comments
Like you I am contemplating my fist olympic distance triathlon in september this year...... this coming after a season of sprint triathlons.
Good question how do you know your ready ?
I suggest if you are a reasonably good swimmer, go out and cycle 40kms then try to run 10, if you can do this then you are definitely ready.
I am at the point where I feel i should be able to do it ..... however I know 6kms into the run I am going to feel alot of pain and depression( thoughts like what the **** am i doing this for will be prevalent) However when I cross the finish line I will be on a natural high for weeks and it will all be worth it........ Then I will start dreaming about 1/2 ironman
One of the forumites made comment on the same thing a few weeks ago. they said they found little difference between sprint and olympic distance apart from it hurting for much longer
Good luck with your first tri, its very addictive once you get started.
I have done 2 sprints to start this season, and have completed 3 olympics since. You need to train specifically for each distance. if you only train for sprints, you will suffer doing a sprint.
I felt it was more of an achievement completing an olympic and am considering stepping up to 70.3. Again this is possible, but the training regime will have to change, to have any chance.
The main difference I find is going easier on the swim and bike then starting to wind up the run (if possible) and you have to be able to take on fuel (gels/energy drinks) - it's all about pacing.
If you can do the swim I'd just get stuck in and relax, enjoy it, pace yourself and I'm sure you'll finish.
Seriously - I think, if you pace yourself and just aim on finishing that's a great place to start from.
Go on guys - just fill out an entry form and get a race place confirmed - it will focus your minds!
So go for the classic - nothing lose as nothing to compare it too if its your 1st one!
out of curiosity - what were your times like?
My first tri was olympic (Dorney in May) and I'd only just learned to swim. I followed the above plan and it was fine. Sure it'll be the same for you too.
Good luck and have fun.
The best words of advice i had on here were 'realx and enjoy' and it grows from there! I've since completed 3 more, and have the following to look forward to...
31st Aug - Llanwrst
14th Sept - Bala Standard
26th Sept - Cycle From London To Paris
12th Oct - Oulton Park Du Athlon
19th Oct - Cumbria Half Marathon
So, my point being, dependent on what you want to achive and how good you wanna be, i would say, do it, realx and just enjoy!
I'm pretty sh*t, but hey, i finish them all, and the Bala is a proper big boy event, and wasn't really going to to attempt one of these until 09, but such is the support of fellow Tri Athletes, i'm gonna give it a go this year!
Anyway, in a nutshell... DO IT... you'll love it!!
[:D]