Just wondering what peoples’ opinion between the two. For the most part, I feel people on this forum talk more about 70.3 and 140.6. People who mention Olys or sprints seem second rate. Should they go somewhere else such as beginnertriathlete?
For the most part I’m a competitive person and can possibly do a half without a problem. What I want to do is to do it fast and not be like one of the “purple” people. Regardless, Im just thinking out loud maybe I should go back and lurk 
I like to do just Olympics and Sprints. And I am not a purple person.
Once I went to the bike shop after a hard workout and post-ride smoothie. I had blueberry all over my face and no one bothered to mention that to me. Does that make me a purple person?
Jodi
I love sprints!
but generally the ideal training for sprints and full ironmans is close to the same.
a sprint isn’t a sprint.
Let me guess: You wear Dainese leathers and ride and RC51? Just a guess at the screen name, I can’t think of another reason…
I think there are lots of people on here at all levels and all distances. You can definitely learn by posting questions and/or lurking. I’ve done oly distance and half distance. I’m looking forward to kicking more butt (my own) at an oly next month now that the distance doesn’t seem very long. I’d give it a go if you think you can do a half. You may like the distance!
Some people are built for speed and others to grind, there are very, very good triathletes that don’t go well short and visa-versa. On top of that, one could argue that the age group nationals - an olympic disance race - are the most competitive age group triathlon in the United States, maybe the world. You gotta do what ever floats your boat. I would say that if you primarily focus on short stuff, it is probably good to go long once in a while, and long distance folks could improve by going short more often.
I think the obsesion with long course is because the length obviates the need to be competitive…it alone provides enough challenge and reward for most folks and thus they don’t have to get wrapped up in the self imposed stress of placement and performance that is more obvious in short course.
My favorite race, which is also my A+ race is a sprint. Skinnyman in Skaneateles NY labor day weekend. That being said, I prefer the long bike training sessions required for the 1/2 Ironman distance more.
I think the Olympic distance is that hardest to dial in. For a 1/2 or longer you can settle in to a somewhat uncomfortable pace and just grind it out. Sprints are short enough to redline from the gun and hang on for dear life. Olympics are too short to grind, but too long to redline. It’s a weird “really fast, but not all out or even just a hair shy” kind of speed…
Great analysis. I completely agree.
Some people are built for speed and others to grind, there are very, very good triathletes that don’t go well short and visa-versa. On top of that, one could argue that the age group nationals - an olympic disance race - are the most competitive age group triathlon in the United States, maybe the world. You gotta do what ever floats your boat. I would say that if you primarily focus on short stuff, it is probably good to go long once in a while, and long distance folks could improve by going short more often.
I think the obsesion with long course is because the length obviates the need to be competitive…it alone provides enough challenge and reward for most folks and thus they don’t have to get wrapped up in the self imposed stress of placement and performance that is more obvious in short course.
I am totally going to paraphrase you the next time somebody asks me when I’m going to do an Ironman.
That being said, I will be trying half-iron distance this season. I figure, this is MULTI sport - it should be all about versatility.
I think the Olympic distance is that hardest to dial in. For a 1/2 or longer you can settle in to a somewhat uncomfortable pace and just grind it out. Sprints are short enough to redline from the gun and hang on for dear life. Olympics are too short to grind, but too long to redline. It’s a weird “really fast, but not all out or even just a hair shy” kind of speed…
Actually, I like the Oly distance because you really can redline most of it. Ideally, you start to burn just as you’re transitioning to the next discipline. Swimming doesn’t really tax your cycling muscles, and you can usually spin out 1:15 worth of bike fatigue in a low gear the last mile or so before T2.
I think the Olympic distance is that hardest to dial in. For a 1/2 or longer you can settle in to a somewhat uncomfortable pace and just grind it out. Sprints are short enough to redline from the gun and hang on for dear life. Olympics are too short to grind, but too long to redline. It’s a weird “really fast, but not all out or even just a hair shy” kind of speed…
Actually, I like the Oly distance because you really can redline most of it. Ideally, you start to burn just as you’re transitioning to the next discipline. Swimming doesn’t really tax your cycling muscles, and you can usually spin out 1:15 worth of bike fatigue in a low gear the last mile or so before T2.
For me, I think the Olympic distance is the ideal “race” distance. While to me an ironman is not really about “racing”, but more about “finishing”. I realize there are some on here that live to compete for that Kona spot, etc., and that is great. But I’d still say for the majority of racers, an ironman is nothing more htan just gutting it out and seeing how far you can push yourself without killing it and still being able to finish.
I want to do 1-2 ironmans, and then stick to competing at hte Olympic distance to where I can get really good in my AG.