I am trying to get into the sport, but I have no idea what I am doing! I have read countless books, surfed the net until I am blue in the face, and have concluded that books and websites are no substitute for face time when you don’t know what you are doing. I am completely new to cycling, and I am a victim of chronic over-training and am trying to do it right this time. Does anyone know anyone in Boston who’d be willing to help guide a newbie?
Thanks!
There has to be a club in your area. I found that to be the best source of info when I started. I think the USAT web site has a list of clubs.
Great suggestion - thanks!
Don’t make more of it than it is. Swim, bike, run, recover (consistently), that’s about it.
I’d also like to not go at it alone. Groups are much more fun!
Have you raced yet or are you signed up for a race?
Have you raced yet or are you signed up for a race?
No and no. I keep side-lining myself with overuse injuries (ITBS and compartmental symdrome to be specific). This is my 3rd attempt to get into racing shape and I really want to do it right this time. Plus, at least in MA, the racing season seems to wind down in September and I’m not sure if I can be ready for an Olympic Distance race by then.
You should enter a race this year. My first race I did with a mountain bike, no wetsuit, and no clue what the hell I was doing but it was one of the best (most fun) races I’ve done. Don’t worry about not knowing what you’re doing, really, it’s only as complicated as you want to make it. If you can swim for around 30-40 minutes, ride a bike for about 1.5 hours and run for an hour, you’ll do fine. Plus, you’re bound to meet some people from your area to train with. It sounds like you’re stressing a little too much about it. There’ll be plenty of time for that later : )
Sound advice. I guess I am kinda feeding off how serious people seem to be with their own training/racing.
If you’re reading this board as a representation of most racers I can understand why you’d think everyone trained like hell and took the sport really seriously. However, this is the minority. Most people are out there on 6-8 hours a week of training and are really only concerned about finishing and having a good time.
Not just this board, but books, other websites, etc…can be intimidating.
I am new to the sport as well. Doing the Boulder Peak in a few weeks for my first race. I have the advantage of having helped my husband get involved with Tri’s. He did one Oly, one 1/2 and just did IMCDA last weekend. He is blessed with more innate athleticism than I have , but I am really enjoying it. I have realistic goals for this year (having tried to climb the wall known as old Stage Hill a few times) and plan to repeat the race next year to assess the difference better fitness, endurance and time for speed work can give me with more lead time. We plan to do some other Oly’s as well. I’m not convinced anything longer is for me just yet.
I had 2 friends train for the race in the past few years, then my husband. I can’t tell you how much valuable information I have learned just by observation at the race. If you are injured and cannot enter a race just yet, I recommend volunteering at a local race, or at least going to observe. The enthusiasm is contagious and I find there are always people to talk to about getting involved.
Good luck
"I have read countless books, surfed the net "
You’re miles ahead of where I was. Did my first tri on a dare from my teenage daughter. New nothing of the sport but owned an ancient 12 sp road bike, knew how (sort of) to swim and did a bit of “jogging”. Even showed up with my scuba suit because I was told that triathletes swim in wet suits. Was supposed to be a one time thing. Never imagined how addictive it could be.
I live in a rural area where nobody else in the immediate area is into tri. Even my roadie group is a 45 minute drive to the nearest small city (pop 50,000). You have the advantage of being in a large urban area so there are lots of trigeeks and resources in your area. I’d drop around to some of the tri stores and introduce yourself. They should pont you in the right direction towards tri clubs, swim groups, etc.