Newbie with issues

Triathlon Forum
1

Ok…I have decided that I want to do a couple sprint length Tri’s.

I am a 47 yo Clydesdale at 6’2 and 265 pounds…I regularly bike 20-40 miles on my own.

I had a widow maker heart attack in 2010. My cardiologist said because I was in such good shape at the time is why I survived. Six months before the heart attack I had won the Brazillian Jiu Jitsu Pan Ams in the over 40 division.

I am one of those people that needs a goal to target to work out other than riding my bike. I am trying to get down to under 220 and thought that combining some sports I love to do (Swimming, Biking) and tolerating the running hence the sprint distance. Would be a great way to reach my goal!

I played football and wrestled in College so I have injury issues that flair up. Had knee surgery 3 consecutive summers on the same knee, slightly bulging disk that acts up but according to the doctor isn’t bad enough to warrant any surgery****( Thank God****) and from football I have had literally hundreds of stingers in my left shoulder and neck that had reduced the strength on that arm.

I have gotten used to training around these injuries but have never done multiple sports at the same time. I also am somewhat intimidated as to know what specialized equipment I need or where to get it. Especially a wet suit because of my size I would imagine it may be an issue. Which leads me to ask is the water warm enough in June to do the swim in shorts and a rash guard? What other gear would I need?

Thanks in advance!

2

Most people don’t wet suit for a sprit swim. Unless you are in Alaska you should be fine.

What you news?
Swimming - pool to swim laps, good pair of goggles, maybe a swim cap to get used to one.

Biking - any bike is fine, you seem to have one, and. Helmet. Can get infinitely fancy here later but you don’t need it.

Running - running shoes

Can easily spend 10k on tri toys, but what you really need is fairly simple…

3

to previous posters point - keep it simple. The tendency is to over buy when you first get into triathlons. Get yourself a comfortable road bike if you can, a helmet, and good running shoes.

If you’re going to splurge anywhere, do it on shoes. Get some from a real running store that are comfortable (a good store will watch your stride and be able to suggest shoes for you).

4

Thanks guys…the reason I asked about the wet suit even though I know a sprint race is typically somewhere around a 400 yard swim I live in NJ so I would imagine that the water temperature would be around 60 degrees give or take a few degrees in June. I have access to a pool through my local YMCA . I have a road bike a Kestrel Evoke. Traditional road bike geometry not a Tri specific bike.

I will definitely be going to a running store for the shoes.

5

Welcome to the party!

Let me know where you are in NJ…if you’re in our neck of the woods (shore area of Monmouth County), we have A LOT of ‘newbie-friendly’ goings-on & love fresh blood (esp 6’2" 265LB BJJ experts…for when drivers get out of line :wink:

6

Welcome to the party!

Let me know where you are in NJ…if you’re in our neck of the woods (shore area of Monmouth County), we have A LOT of ‘newbie-friendly’ goings-on & love fresh blood (esp 6’2" 265LB BJJ experts…for when drivers get out of line :wink:

Brian…I live in Highlands> I would love to train with others and learn thanks for the offer!

7

Brian…I live in Highlands> I would love to train with others and learn thanks for the offer!

That’s perfect…tons of stuff going on in your neck of the woods.

You’ll want to join this page as we post a lot of the local activities (I actually just updated some of the info on the Open Water Swims, which will start right over the bridge from you in the Navesink at Victory Park in Rumson):

https://www.facebook.com/groups/SandyHookers/permalink/10152216806979344

Feel free to shoot me an e-mail if you have any questions when/if :wink: the season ever gets here (Brian@PersonalBestNutrition.com)! See you soon.

8

Thanks guys…the reason I asked about the wet suit even though I know a sprint race is typically somewhere around a 400 yard swim I live in NJ so I would imagine that the water temperature would be around 60 degrees give or take a few degrees in June. I have access to a pool through my local YMCA . I have a road bike a Kestrel Evoke. Traditional road bike geometry not a Tri specific bike.

I will definitely be going to a running store for the shoes.

Do you already have a particular race or races in mind where you know the swim to be in open water? I live in a similar latitude (PacNW), and typically see more sprints with pool swims than not; it’s mostly the longer races around here that are almost always OW. The few OW sprints I can think of are those that are staged along with a bigger race at the same location, but we easily have more stand-alone sprint races with indoor swims (mostly spring & fall, whereas the bigger OW combo events are usually closer to mid-summer).

9

Thanks guys…the reason I asked about the wet suit even though I know a sprint race is typically somewhere around a 400 yard swim I live in NJ so I would imagine that the water temperature would be around 60 degrees give or take a few degrees in June. I have access to a pool through my local YMCA . I have a road bike a Kestrel Evoke. Traditional road bike geometry not a Tri specific bike.

I will definitely be going to a running store for the shoes.

Do you already have a particular race or races in mind where you know the swim to be in open water? I live in a similar latitude (PacNW), and typically see more sprints with pool swims than not; it’s mostly the longer races around here that are almost always OW. The few OW sprints I can think of are those that are staged along with a bigger race at the same location, but we easily have more stand-alone sprint races with indoor swims (mostly spring & fall, whereas the bigger OW combo events are usually closer to mid-summer).

I was thinking about one on June 8 in Cape May NJ but since then I have found several much closer to me and towards the end of June which I don’t think would be as much of an issue All of them that I have seen in NJ in June are all open water.

10

Re: your heart attack, I would encourage you to look into some of the new scientific literature that addresses the longterm affects of strenuous cardiovascular exercise on the heart, in terms of duration. More and more studies are suggesting a correlation between regular endurance exercise of 2hrs + with certain heart problems on down the road (scar tissue, a-fib, etc.). In other words, new studies are suggesting that it may be better for the heart to experience 1-hr of cardio exercise per day each week, as opposed to 2/3/4+ hrs of cardio exercise per day each week, a discovery that is slightly counterintuitive. This might not change anything for you if you’re only racing sprints, but if you continue on in the sport and start looking at longer races (especially half and full IMs), you should be aware that there is a point of diminishing returns with respect to the benefits the heart receives from this kind of exercise. While I know this is anecdotal, I’ve had two buddies discover heart problems later in life that were suspected to be related to their years of endurance training / racing. When in doubt, consult with your cardiologist.

As for gear, you should be fine without a wetsuit for sprint-distance races in June.

All you need to get started are the following items:

A bike w/ aero bars and 1 bottle cage (shouldn’t need two for sprints), a helmet, sun glasses, a racing suit, running shoes with quick ties, a race belt for your bib number, and goggles. If you’re primarily doing sprints, I’d spend some time working on your transitions, as a minute here or there in transition can add up in the shorter races. Practice mounting your bike with your shoes already clipped in to your pedals (you can use rubber bands on the shoes’ back loop to hold them in place if that helps). See if you can get used to racing (and training) without socks, as this will cut 20-30 seconds in transition right out of the gate. I used to sprinkle baby powder in my cycling and running shoes to absorb any sweat / water during transitions. Also practice removing your feet from your cycling shoes about a quarter-mile before T2, riding the last little bit with your bare feet on top of your shoes so you can dismount quickly.

I’m sure I’m forgetting a few things, and am probably giving you more than you bargained for, but the good people of this forum will fill in any holes I’ve left.

Best of luck to you in your training and racing. Feel free to ping me with any questions.

11

A bike w/ aero bars and 1 bottle cage (shouldn’t need two for sprints), a helmet, sun glasses, a racing suit, running shoes with quick ties, a race belt for your bib number, and goggles. If you’re primarily doing sprints, I’d spend some time working on your transitions, as a minute here or there in transition can add up in the shorter races. Practice mounting your bike with your shoes already clipped in to your pedals (you can use rubber bands on the shoes’ back loop to hold them in place if that helps). See if you can get used to racing (and training) without socks, as this will cut 20-30 seconds in transition right out of the gate. I used to sprinkle baby powder in my cycling and running shoes to absorb any sweat / water during transitions. Also practice removing your feet from your cycling shoes about a quarter-mile before T2, riding the last little bit with your bare feet on top of your shoes so you can dismount quickly.

You don’t need aero bars. You don’t need a race suit. You don’t need quick ties. You don’t need a race belt.

Your first sprint should be for fun. Go out, have a good race, and feel good about finishing. Some people will be on mountain bikes, some women will do the whole race in their one piece swimsuit, a lot of folks will be walking on the last leg of the run. It’s a huge hodgepodge of athletic levels and you’re going to learn so much about your own race that you won’t care about the other stuff when you’re done.

I’ll agree with Matthew on practicing your transitions though (google ‘brick workouts while you’re at it’).

Go have a good time. This isn’t something you need to over think. It’s a swim, bike, and a run and you’re going to feel great crossing the finish line no matter what you’re wearing or what your time is.

Edit: When you know this is something you want to stick with, the other items Matthew suggested are cheap and effective ways to make you quicker!

12

A bike w/ aero bars and 1 bottle cage (shouldn’t need two for sprints), a helmet, sun glasses, a racing suit, running shoes with quick ties, a race belt for your bib number, and goggles. If you’re primarily doing sprints, I’d spend some time working on your transitions, as a minute here or there in transition can add up in the shorter races. Practice mounting your bike with your shoes already clipped in to your pedals (you can use rubber bands on the shoes’ back loop to hold them in place if that helps). See if you can get used to racing (and training) without socks, as this will cut 20-30 seconds in transition right out of the gate. I used to sprinkle baby powder in my cycling and running shoes to absorb any sweat / water during transitions. Also practice removing your feet from your cycling shoes about a quarter-mile before T2, riding the last little bit with your bare feet on top of your shoes so you can dismount quickly.

You don’t need aero bars. You don’t need a race suit. You don’t need quick ties. You don’t need a race belt.

Your first sprint should be for fun. Go out, have a good race, and feel good about finishing. Some people will be on mountain bikes, some women will do the whole race in their one piece swimsuit, a lot of folks will be walking on the last leg of the run. It’s a huge hodgepodge of athletic levels and you’re going to learn so much about your own race that you won’t care about the other stuff when you’re done.

I’ll agree with Matthew on practicing your transitions though (google ‘brick workouts while you’re at it’).

Go have a good time. This isn’t something you need to over think. It’s a swim, bike, and a run and you’re going to feel great crossing the finish line no matter what you’re wearing or what your time is.

Edit: When you know this is something you want to stick with, the other items Matthew suggested are cheap and effective ways to make you quicker!

Thanks everyone for the advice. It looks like I won’t be buying a west suit at least this season…

I will be buying some good sneakers very shortly at a running store and borrowing some aero bars from my brothers bike. Unfortunately for him he has a torn labrum and needs hip surgery. I did my first Brick today at the local Y using there exercise bike did 9.7 miles in 30 minutes at a 97 avg. RPM and then went right to the indoor running track. It was ugly. LOL After the second lap my right calf immediately tightened up so I ended up doing only a half mile run before it got so tight that I was afraid I was going to hurt myself. Then did the circuit training weights and stretching after while my son was playing basketball.

All in all a good day with a whole lot of improvement needed.

13

Re: your heart attack, I would encourage you to look into some of the new scientific literature that addresses the longterm affects of strenuous cardiovascular exercise on the heart, in terms of duration. More and more studies are suggesting a correlation between regular endurance exercise of 2hrs + with certain heart problems on down the road (scar tissue, a-fib, etc.). In other words, new studies are suggesting that it may be better for the heart to experience 1-hr of cardio exercise per day each week, as opposed to 2/3/4+ hrs of cardio exercise per day each week, a discovery that is slightly counterintuitive. This might not change anything for you if you’re only racing sprints, but if you continue on in the sport and start looking at longer races (especially half and full IMs), you should be aware that there is a point of diminishing returns with respect to the benefits the heart receives from this kind of exercise. While I know this is anecdotal, I’ve had two buddies discover heart problems later in life that were suspected to be related to their years of endurance training / racing. When in doubt, consult with your cardiologist.

K,Thanks for the info. I will be seeing my cardiologist this coming week and ask him about it.

14

Ok…I have decided that I want to do a couple sprint length Tri’s.

I am a 47 yo Clydesdale at 6’2 and 265 pounds…I regularly bike 20-40 miles on my own.

I had a widow maker heart attack in 2010. My cardiologist said because I was in such good shape at the time is why I survived. Six months before the heart attack I had won the Brazillian Jiu Jitsu Pan Ams in the over 40 division.

Black Belt?

Are you Kai?

15

Ok…I have decided that I want to do a couple sprint length Tri’s.

I am a 47 yo Clydesdale at 6’2 and 265 pounds…I regularly bike 20-40 miles on my own.

I had a widow maker heart attack in 2010. My cardiologist said because I was in such good shape at the time is why I survived. Six months before the heart attack I had won the Brazillian Jiu Jitsu Pan Ams in the over 40 division.

I am one of those people that needs a goal to target to work out other than riding my bike. I am trying to get down to under 220 and thought that combining some sports I love to do (Swimming, Biking) and tolerating the running hence the sprint distance. Would be a great way to reach my goal!

I played football and wrestled in College so I have injury issues that flair up. Had knee surgery 3 consecutive summers on the same knee, slightly bulging disk that acts up but according to the doctor isn’t bad enough to warrant any surgery****( Thank God****) and from football I have had literally hundreds of stingers in my left shoulder and neck that had reduced the strength on that arm.

I have gotten used to training around these injuries but have never done multiple sports at the same time. I also am somewhat intimidated as to know what specialized equipment I need or where to get it. Especially a wet suit because of my size I would imagine it may be an issue. Which leads me to ask is the water warm enough in June to do the swim in shorts and a rash guard? What other gear would I need?

Thanks in advance!

awesome dude! enjoy the journey, learn as you go, have fun with it for a while. you seem to know much about sport, this one is quite unique as well and well worth the effort! best of luck

16

Ok…I have decided that I want to do a couple sprint length Tri’s.

I am a 47 yo Clydesdale at 6’2 and 265 pounds…I regularly bike 20-40 miles on my own.

I had a widow maker heart attack in 2010. My cardiologist said because I was in such good shape at the time is why I survived. Six months before the heart attack I had won the Brazillian Jiu Jitsu Pan Ams in the over 40 division.

Black Belt?

Are you Kai?

I am only a blue belt…In no gi( submission wrestling) have have beaten black belts due to my wrestling background more so than my BJJ expertise. Kai?

17

Ok…I have decided that I want to do a couple sprint length Tri’s.

I am a 47 yo Clydesdale at 6’2 and 265 pounds…I regularly bike 20-40 miles on my own.

I had a widow maker heart attack in 2010. My cardiologist said because I was in such good shape at the time is why I survived. Six months before the heart attack I had won the Brazillian Jiu Jitsu Pan Ams in the over 40 division.

Black Belt?

Are you Kai?

I am only a blue belt…In no gi( submission wrestling) have have beaten black belts due to my wrestling background more so than my BJJ expertise. Kai?

Ah, a fellow old man blue belt. There aren’t many of us.

Yeah, you wrestlers give me problems in nogi. I always work on submission from guard against the wrestlers. Tough to stay on top so I don’t even really bother.

When you said 6’2, 265 jiu jitsu I was thinking of Kai Garcia.

18

I have swam in sub-60 water once last season (in MN and it the last lake to thaw or “ice out” was the latest on record). At that temp the water is friggin cold to those who are not used to swimming in it . I hear a lot of people at the gym think low 70’s in a pool is cold but I think it perfect. that Sub-60 for me was almost unbearable and I paniced only 100 yards into a practice swim and had to turn around to to get over the shock of how cold it was (started to hyperventilate). I was wearing a sleeveless wetsuit too.

But, if you are talking a June swim (early) and it is in a large sized lake then I would consider renting a wetsuit. No using in buying one if you don’t know if it is something you’ll want to continue.

19

Ok…I have decided that I want to do a couple sprint length Tri’s.

I am a 47 yo Clydesdale at 6’2 and 265 pounds…I regularly bike 20-40 miles on my own.

I had a widow maker heart attack in 2010. My cardiologist said because I was in such good shape at the time is why I survived. Six months before the heart attack I had won the Brazillian Jiu Jitsu Pan Ams in the over 40 division.

Black Belt?

Are you Kai?

I am only a blue belt…In no gi( submission wrestling) have have beaten black belts due to my wrestling background more so than my BJJ expertise. Kai?

Ah, a fellow old man blue belt. There aren’t many of us.

Yeah, you wrestlers give me problems in nogi. I always work on submission from guard against the wrestlers. Tough to stay on top so I don’t even really bother.

When you said 6’2, 265 jiu jitsu I was thinking of Kai Garcia.

LOL…Yeah a wrestler that is submission aware is a BJJ practitioners worst nightmare. :slight_smile: