After a couple of posts and a good amount of PMing to those more experienced than me, I narrowed in on the next race I’m going to try to run. Next also meaning first, in this case. It’s here in Texas and race day is exactly 12 weeks from this coming Sunday. The plan I’m going to run is exactly 12 weeks long and will require a little tweaking, but still, it fits. So, that feels good.
My ‘baseline’ numbers as of today:
Age: 35
H/W: 68" / 142.5
500y swim: 09:36:50
10mi bike: 48:29 (this is a number I’m not specifically comfortable with. I road this in a crowded park with very limited ‘straightaways’ and ended with a crash. So…)
3.1mi run: 26:16 w/ 150 ft elevation gain.
So, this is my starting point. I’m looking for moderate improvement on the bike, I’d like to trim a minute or two off that run time, and holding pace on the swim would be fine. Of course, stringing these disciplines together…I hear that’s the trick.
Race distances:
Swim: 300m (pool)
Bike: 12.8mi
Run: 3.1mi
Hopefully I can make some progress. I’m posting this here for accountability (again) and for a good point of reference. I’m using the site as my training log because I hate writing things down.
I need to get my bike fixed, figure out how to integrate the peloton, and convince my children to sleep through the night so I can rest. Going to be a good time.
Dont think about the output, focus on the inputs (ie your training, nutrition, sleeping). If you dont get injured, beginners can have ALOT of improvement.
Do the work and report back to us!
And… don’t be worried about your initial performance. ALL of us were beginners at some point and most (some / all) of us, had quite underwhelming performance when we started. Myself, i was dead last in my AG at the first triathlon. Fast forward many many years, now, i am often on the podium in my AG.
Training with young kids is an adventure! You have to sneak the workouts in when you can.
I think you will see improvement in the bike in 12 weeks. Those initial improvements is where the addiction really kicks in and gets you hooked.
Enjoy your first race. Have fun and keep up with things you would do differently for your next race. My first triathlon was a sprint distance. I was so worried about over biking that I left a lot of time on the bike leg. Live and learn.
you got this. Don’t go into the race thinking you will hit your open efforts or you will be disappointed. . .especially on the run
Just be consistent with your plan and don’t try to overdo anything or think you can overcompensate and train hard on easy days. Its a build and you will make some steady progress. Also, trust the taper.
