Triathlon - First triathlon

I am contemplating my first triathlon. If a person is relatively fit, how much time do they realistically need to train for a sprint tri with the goal being to finish? The events I am considering are in late August and mid September, and I am concerned 90+ days isn't enough time to get myself ready for this. Thanks.

On March 1st my buddy told me that he was going to get in shape to do a 5k on April 15. I had been interested in tri's for a while and suggested that after the 5k we get ready for a late May triathlon. I went from barely able to run a 10min mile to finishing the 5k in a slow and steady 28min just by running a two mile loop the best I could every couple days. After the 5k we added rotations of swimming, biking, and running and did a couple days of bike with an immediate run afterward. I was very inconsistant about my training schedule as I had very many distractions. So my first triathlon was this past Saturday and it was a short one, 200yd swim, 8mi bike, 2mi run, and I was more than prepared for it and finished 5th out of 16 in my age group! Other than just the general fitness, training on transitions is key. I am the happiest about having the fastest T1 time in my age group and that came from practicing it several times beforehand.

Now I am working on getting ready for a .5mi swim, 21mi bike, 5mi run by July...

Cyclochica, if I were you, I'd check around for the Danskin triathlon training program- they are a group of women organized by the Sally Edwards heart zones training program, and they train people for triathlons. I beieve they train all levels.

Koffee

If you have an okay bike base, can run a mile and are okay with swimming open water, 90 days will be PLENTY of time. You'll surprise yourself.

Here's a 91 day plan if you're interested.

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=261

Thank you for the link, training program, and encouragement, it really is appreciated. I realized this morning triathlon is some what popular here in the DC area, so i will look to see if there is a club that has a beginner training program.

somewhat popular...baahahahahah! :D

anyway, I already posted some handy-dandy links over in the womyn's (power) forum for you. i think 90 days is sufficient, but yes, the running will be a pain because it's so durn hot in DC these days. if danskin has training openings i'd go for it, but let us know what you end up doing!

Ready? Heck! You'll rule that sprint. Go get'em/

+1 on the above - you could probably not train a single day and "finish" it. As long as you know how to swim, that is.

90 days will be PLENTY of time! Good for you!

I went from reasonable cycling and a slow run but ZERO swim to a super-sprint in, um, just under three months, and I've got my first sprint this weekend. If you can already do all three, you'll be absolutely fine!

I'm in the same boat as you.... 1st tri this summer. I started swimming around Christmas time in order to feel more comfortable in the water. I'd say within 6 weeks of starting my once/week swims, I was ready to do the 1/2 mile distance. And I had never swam before.

Run and Bike will be no prob, as I can do each of these pretty well.

I'd recommend doing some "BRicks" on weekends, which are the bike immediately followed by the run, simulating your tri and transitions.

Here is a website I woudl recommend as well: www.trinewbies.com

I'm in the same boat as you.... 1st tri this summer. I started swimming around Christmas time in order to feel more comfortable in the water. I'd say within 6 weeks of starting my once/week swims, I was ready to do the 1/2 mile distance. And I had never swam before.

Run and Bike will be no prob, as I can do each of these pretty well.

I'd recommend doing some "BRicks" on weekends, which are the bike immediately followed by the run, simulating your tri and transitions.

Here is a website I woudl recommend as well: www.trinewbies.com