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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Giving advice to first timers

 
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iron8theus

Feb 8, 10 23:18

Post #1 of 6 (344 views)
Giving advice to first timers Can't Post
I have been asked to speak to some first timers and give them some advice and answer some questions for them. My YMCA is putting on their first tri in a few months and I have been volunteered to help some people out. At first I didn't really like the idea since I don't really like to be around alot of people but the more I think about it, I am kind of excited to help out. I live in a small town and we don't have too many people that are triathletes, let alone even know what triathlon is. I remember my first sprint race and it was a big deal to me so helping out some people with their first race seems like fun. I really have no idea what they want me to talk about. I don't even know when this is going to be. I'm guessing somewhere between a couple weeks out to the night before, but it could be next month for all I know. If it is going to be a couple weeks out I doubt they are going to have many questions about training. I think it would basically be about how to finish the race and not end up in the hospital. A majority of these people are not going to be racing for time so I don't want to go in there trying to explain a flying dismount to them. Race distances are 525yrd pool swim/12mi bike/ 3mi run. Any suggestions to what to talk about? And advice to give them about finishing their first tri?


tridork

Feb 9, 10 0:45

Post #2 of 6 (321 views)
Re: Giving advice to first timers [iron8theus] [In reply to] Can't Post
Great that you have been asked to pass on what you know.

Firstly, be prepared. Not like a school speach or anything, but some notes so you stay on track.

Start with big picture, then describe each element of the race (prep/training, pre-race, Swim, T1, Bike, T2, Run, post finish, recovery) and also cover nutrition, hydration, and skills (like changing a tire and such)

Have some anecdotes thrown in there, but use them just to make it real, and keep them awake.

Me, I could talk for hours about tri (hey, I've been doing it almost 20 years and have made almost every mistake, so there's lots to talk about. LOL) but make sure you keep it brief and just let people know they can come to you for more information if they want.

maybe have a handout with some local places to get the gear they will need, and maybe some websites for information, including slowtwitch of course.

That should just about cover it. Remember to talk to able 2/3 of the distance to the back row, and look around to engage all the participants. There you have it, the world according to tridork! LOL

TriDork

"If I'd known I was gonna have to put up with screaming brats pissing on my lap, I would have killed myself a long time ago.
Come to think of it, I still might."

Billy-Bob Thornton from "Bad Santa"


TheDC

Feb 9, 10 6:09

Post #3 of 6 (260 views)
Re: Giving advice to first timers [tridork] [In reply to] Can't Post
I'd say these are all good recommendations with the exception of sending them here. You want them to enjoy triathlon and like triathletes and sending them here would only hurt.

Perhaps you could have whoever is leading the clinic gather some questions in advance that you could build into your presentation.

Don't overload them with too much technical stuff. Keep it simple.

I think the biggest help you can give to a newbie triathlete is to help them with transitions. How they should organize their gear. How to put on their stuff. Simple things like put on your sunglasses first before you put on your helmet, that way when you finish the bike and pull off your helmet your sunglasses don't go flying. Things like that.
-------------------------------------
“The Edge... there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over. ”

"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro."
Hunter S. Thompson (1937-2005)


mdraegernyc

Feb 9, 10 11:42

Post #4 of 6 (162 views)
Re: Giving advice to first timers [iron8theus] [In reply to] Can't Post
First off, that's great that you can give something back. As far as advice on what to tell them - focus on the basics. Most first-timers I've met are freaked out and just need reassurance that they can do this crazy sport. Try to make it as straight-forward as you can. Talk about getting some help with their swim if they are concerned about it. (either a class at the Y or coaching or what-have-you) You might ask the YMCA folks if there are resources that they are offering for this such as special training groups or classes. Talk about keeping the transitions as simple as possible. Focus on getting them to have fun with the first race and learn from the inevitable "newbie mistakes." (I've found sharing my own stupid first-timer stories works very well for this.)

Good luck!

Michelle
------------------------------------------------------------
The beatings will continue until morale improves

My blog


jackmott

Feb 9, 10 11:43

Post #5 of 6 (159 views)
Re: Giving advice to first timers [iron8theus] [In reply to] Can't Post
be sure to delve into yaw angles latex tubes

;)
----
What is good in life? - To crush your enemie's dreams, see them dropped behind you, and to hear the lamentation of their women!
Sunglasses: http://www.framesdirect.com/sunglasses
Tri Gear: http://www.atctrishop.com
Cheap Disc Wheel - http://www.wheelbuilder.com Tire Crr Data - http://www.biketechreview.com


Boudreaux

Feb 9, 10 11:55

Post #6 of 6 (134 views)
Re: Giving advice to first timers [TheDC] [In reply to] Can't Post
It would indeed be very wise not to send them here...

"you know, aero trumps training ;-) "
R10C 10/09