I’m feeling a bit out of shape and a bit less motivated than normal for triathlon this year and am looking to try something new. Any suggestions on new sports or challenges to do without it being an actual triathlon?
What I like best about triathlon is the long 4-6 hour bike workouts in a pretty place, and the great feeling of being spent afterwards.
So, looking for epic in terms of workout - how long it is and trying to get that nice spent feeling and feeling of accomplishment. But, looking for not so epic in that I don’t want to risk injury and it would be nice if I could avoid seeing a snake. Also, epic in terms of working out all day, but returning to a nice hotel at night. Not so epic in that I don’t want to sleep in a tent or go to the bathroom in the woods.
I went to a kayak show over the weekend and it looked like a lot of fun. I’m not that sure how to get started, how much technical knowledge I really need, or how good a workout it is?
Hiking is another good option I guess.
I tried snowshoeing a few weeks ago, and that was fantastic, so I’ll try that again next winter.
I would love to hear ideas for some good challenges, where to go, how to get into the new sport, or challenges you have done in the past that were not triathlons.
Squash? Can be very competitive, great workout. Until I destroyed my knee, I loved the game!
I’m going back to rowing this year – knee problems that bother me while running and cycling (but not erging or rowing, strangely enough). I’m really looking forward to being back on the water. Depending on where you are, your local rowing club is likely gearing up for Learn to Row classes. You could at least check it out, see if you like it.
Cycling! Try long club rides or group rides with your local racers. Mountain bike racing and endurance mountain bike racing is a great way to get really fit and is safer than road racing (IMHO) because you are not constantly in a pack of riders.
If you have really enjoyed snowshoeing and hiking, then: Have you tried long-distance trail running? I find it is a great way to cavort with nature; “hiking, but fast.”
A 2-3 hour run will make you as satisfyingly tired as a 4-6 mile bike ride. If you have lots of trail-running route choices, it could afford you the same sense of exploration, too.
However, if you loved those 4-6 hour rides: Why not stick with that? Find more people who like to ride long with you. If you need motivation, pick a century, a double century, or a multi-day tour to train for.
Water polo! Just a one hour game in the pool will leave you wiped out. Plus, when you do you get back to triathlon, it makes those mass swim starts sooo much easier.
I don’t want to risk injury and it would be nice if I could avoid seeing a snake. Also, epic in terms of working out all day, but **returning to a nice hotel at night. Not so epic in that I don’t want to sleep in a tent or go to the bathroom in the woods. **
I went to a kayak show over the weekend and it looked like a lot of fun.
Those two statements won’t get along very well…
If you like long scenic rides, why not give randonneuring a try?
My 23 year old son and I have this game we play where we brainstorm about new games to invent.
The best we have so far is 2 teams of water skiers (4 per team, 4 boats per team) Course is a narrow figure 8, with the sides close to each other. Obstacles and jumps earn style points while a paintball gun to shoot opponents as they ski, gains extra points. Shooting a target while upside down over a jump earns points, etc
General mayhem ensues. Olympic version uses AK-47’s. Last man standing gets the Gold. There is no silver.
It’s a great idea as it has all the good points a good sport needs. Teams, stunts, crashes, V-8 motors, injuries, high point scoring and so on. Makes cricket look like a complete waste of 5 days. (For you Americans, did you know they play cricket for 5 days in a row, and it can still be a tie! WTF?)
