Trying a TRI
If you’ve been with me since December, you may remember my Makin’ Changes 2010 post, where I listed my goals for 2010. One of my goals for 2010 was to try a triathlon, and while I had delusions of attempting a half Ironman (that was during my time when I was swimming and biking post-Boston injury…I was going crazy!), I figured I should start a little bit smaller. Luckily, Philadelphia is home to the glorious Schuylkill River, which allows for it to have triathlons!
While Philly was host to a couple triathlons earlier this summer, I was still worried about the state of my foot/IT band, so I held off and didn’t want to risk injurying myself more. I started running again about a month ago, and now it’s time to TRY A TRI! Since it’s fun to register for races five days ahead of time without any race-specific training, I’m going to be participating in the SheROX sprint triathlon in Philadelphia on Sunday, August 1. It’s coming up soon!
Since this is my first tri and I didn’t do specific training for it (no brick workouts!), I’m just going to go and have fun…no plans to be super speedy, and I definitely don’t have any time goals in mind! The sprint distance is a 0.5 mile swim, a 15.5 mile bike ride, and a 3.1 mile run. I have no clue what I’m doing, but it’s going to be fun. 
i need some tips!
That being said…I really have no clue what I’m doing! Like any proper female, I’m freaking out about what to wear!! (I think it’s warranted in this case, however.) To my tri buddies…any advice?? Obviously I don’t think I need to buy anything specific since it’s my first one, but help a girl out! Do I just wear my Speedo (one piece) for the swim? Should I swim in a sports bra and swim bottoms so I can just throw shorts/tank on after? This is very confusing…
I’ll take any help I can get, both in wardrobe selections and general tri advice!
Hey!
I’ve never done a tri (but would like to someday) but Angela at Oh She Glows did the Try a Tri recently and posted an informative recap. Here is part 1 of 2: http://ohsheglows.com/2010/06/06/trisport-canada-milton-try-a-tri-race-recap-part-1/
Good Luck!
Oooh good luck! I just finished my first tri in June (the philly tri!). Note: the Schuylkill is super warm – it was 84 in June!! I wore a swim suit and tri shorts (little bit of padding/tight compression). Nothing fancy. Did the trick.
I didn’t prep at all other than I swam and biked a bit. My recent post is here from my tri: http://nycbklyngirl.wordpress.com/2010/06/29/tri-me/
Had a blast! I think you will too – this was one of my goals for 2010 too!
GOOD LUCK! I had the same clothes freak out and ended up getting some tri shorts the night before. Best 50 I ever spent. You’ll probably be fine with anything though. Most races have a variety.
Ohh! I’ve been wanting to try and triathlon too. I’m excited to follow your training (sorry I can’t help!).
GOOD LUCK! I have no tips for you except have fun. Oh, and I’m jealous! I really want to do one!
I had the hardest time figuring out what to wear my first time too! I wore spandex shorts and a sports bra for the swim then threw on a thin under armour shirt for the bike and run. I’ve never done it in a bathing suit and personally I don’t know that I ever would. It’s really not necessary either, but is more for preference. And since I presume you’ve biked and run more in sports bras & spandex than you have a swimsuit that’ll be better. Might I also suggest taking a gu (or whatever you usually take for calories/energy during long runs) with about a mile or mile and a half left on your bike. That’s what I typically do for sprints and it seems to work well for me! If you need anything else let me know! SO excited for you!!
I had thought about doing the SheRox tri a few years ago and actually contacted the race director with questions. She was super friendly and answered everything and I felt like I would have been OK with the whole tri thing had I decided to go that route. I think no matter what you’ll have a good time. I get a good vibe from those races.
oh my gosh the swim!! people will be like kicking you in the face and pushing you in the water, but its okay. It was just a shock at first to me good luck
I’m doing a Tri this weekend too!! I’m planning on wearing my spandex running shorts and a sports bra for the swim and throwing on a running top for the bike and run! I hear a hat/visor is a good thing to have for the run also!! Good luck!
I have no tips because triathlons basically terrify me. Stay safe and have a great time! And Good luck!
oh man I wish we were doing it together!!! I have no tips, but I will certainly ask you when the time comes for me to dive in to it.
YESSSSS SUSAN!! Ohh man. This is awesome! Haha yes, it’s probably good to start with something a bit shorter than a HIM… but gooood choice. The Schulkyll is SO BEAUTIFUL! I will be going to Philly soon to see my dad – I wish I could be there to cheer you on!! Definitely to email/text me if you have any questions!!