Triathlon - Cyclist and Swimmer Interested in Tri's

Hi everyone,

seeing as this is "bikeforums," I've rarely ventured into this specific sub-forum, and always before as a lurker. I like the idea of triathlons as a form of cross-training. After all, it's not a good idea to do just one type of sport/exercise 100% of the time, right? Well, as I mentioned in the title, I come from a mostly cycling and swimming based background. I was a competitive swimmer in high school, doing mostly freestyle and some breast stroke. I rediscovered the joy of cycling as an adult (otherwise, I wouldn't have a username like fat_bike_nut!), and I love to ride super-duper-speedy road bikes. 2 out of 3 sports already, so I figured why not go for the whole thing and train for triathlon races? It ought to be a good way to whip myself back into shape (see my username; I'm not in-shape right now, obviously), in addition to keeping myself competitive in something :D

My main problem is that I absolutely hate running. I'm on a "Couch-to-5K" running program right now from beginnertriathlete.com :), but I still don't like running. Does anybody here have any ideas on how to make running more enjoyable? I thought I was ok with it, but my last running workout left me hating it almost as much as I hated running when I was in junior high and high school (where they force the students to run a mile, and my time was in the 16 minute range). I really don't want to give it up, because I really want to be able to do triathlons and call myself a triathlete, but I am so close to just saying bye-bye to running from the frustration I'm getting. Running sucks. It requires such a lengthy warm-up and cool-down, I tend to feel pain in my joints, I've pulled muscles on the anterior portion of my tibia, and the last time out, the sole of my left foot became numb, possibly from all the pavement stomping.

Sorry for venting. I just wanted to ask for pointers on running. PLEASE tell me that it gets better.

Of the 3 sports, running used to be my least favorite, but I've grown to like it a little more. Here are a few things that helped make running easier for me:

1. Get an iPod. Running with a good playlist makes training so much more enjoyable. Get the Shuffle or the Nano for running.

2. Don't be cheap about shoes. I used to buy shoes on sale at Sports Authority (the kind that are <$50) and I kept having knee pains and tightness in my calves. However, I bought a pair of fairly expensive New Balance shoes (approx $120) and found it made a huge difference. Now whenever my shoes wear out, I'll buy the same model because although they're expensive, they work for me.

3. I have two massagers. One is an electric one that "thumps" the muscle and provides heat. The other is called "The Stick" and it's kind of like a rolling pin, but a lot thinner. They really help relax the muscles and speed recovery.

4. Build gradually. Increase mileage no more than 10% a week and don't do any speedwork until you've built up a solid base.

I used to really dislike running. I'm still not a very good runner, but I enjoy it a lot more than I used to.

Thanks, Sprocket Man. You're right, I shouldn't skimp on the shoes... :o

I just figured I could jump into running with any old pair of sneakers or tennis shoes, but today, I went to the local running store and got fitted for running shoes...dang, it's like going to the LBS to size and fit a bicycle all over again! :eek:

I just thought to get sized and then that was that. It took over an hour to get the right shoes! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Oh well...my new shoes (which also happen to be NEW BALANCE shoes!) feel a lot more comfortable to run in than my old reliable tennis shoes are...maybe I've been complaining because of the shoes, and not because of the sport itself...

Be damned careful with running...it's really easy to get injured from it.

Last fall, I was feeling pretty good after starting a run program during the summer. I thought I had done adequate base training, and stupidly scheduled two races in the same weekend. The first race, a duathlon, went great - I was third in my age group, and 20th male overall.

The next day, however, at about the halfway point in a 10K race, my left leg/ankle started to hurt really bad (it was an "out of the blue", and "stop right now" pain). It turns out I had suffered a stress fracture of my fibula. It took me nearly 4 months to recover from it, and kept me off the bike for about a month.

I'm now 2 months back into building run base, but being very careful with training volume, and not doing any intensity training yet.

FWIW, I have yet to find the "Joy of Running", but I do feel much more complete as an athlete and look forward to some duathlons and tri's later this year.

i was in your exact position in january - being a lifetime swimmer and cyclist but detesting running. since then i've really grown to enjoy running. i think the most essential element of this has been taking it slow like sprocket mentioned. i started off doing a lot of run/walk/run/walk workouts and gradually increased the amount of time i was running. since it was winter i was on a treadmill i was also able to closely monitor and increase my speed. if you build like this it helps slowly strengthen and prepare your body for more runnning. going out and trying to force yourself to run nonstop for 3 miles on your first day is a sure bet to get discouraged and develop injuries.

another thing that i've found essential is variation. i never do the same workout twice in a row. do speed one day, endurance the next... change routes, change running surfaces.

also, reading Runner's World has helped a lot too. it has a lot of good practical info but also has a lot of inspirational sorts of stories. this month has 100 kickstarters to help ya keep running.

since building up to doing 3 miles in one workout i've gone from taking roughly 40 minutes w/ a lot of walking down to 27 minutes w/ maybe one or two one minute walking breaks. still not great, but i feel good about it

Thanks, Sprocket Man. You're right, I shouldn't skimp on the shoes... :o

I just figured I could jump into running with any old pair of sneakers or tennis shoes, but today, I went to the local running store and got fitted for running shoes...dang, it's like going to the LBS to size and fit a bicycle all over again! :eek:

I just thought to get sized and then that was that. It took over an hour to get the right shoes! :eek: :eek: :eek:

Oh well...my new shoes (which also happen to be NEW BALANCE shoes!) feel a lot more comfortable to run in than my old reliable tennis shoes are...maybe I've been complaining because of the shoes, and not because of the sport itself...Good for you! Sounds like you went to a very good running store - they took the time to make sure that you got exactly the size and type of shoe you needed - that kind of service is invaluable and it's rare to find that in an all-purpose sporting goods store.

Good luck with your running - believe me, it will get better!

Just a couple things about running that may make you want to give it a chance after all. Running-along with cycling and swimming- releases endorphins ( a chemical in the body that essentally blocks feelings of pain and has a sensation of euphoria). This effect is pretty commonly reffered to as a "Natural High". This sensation may not come in shorter forms such as running short sprint distances, and so If you can get motivated enough and work your way up to running longer distances it may make running more enjoyable.


Of coarse, these endorphins don't minimize your risk of injury, but they may make your running experience a little more enjoyable.

On the downside, some scientists believe that this "Runners High" may only exist if the person is motivated and feels good about running.

check out this article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endorphin

FBN,
I come from the same background of swimmer who discovered cycling, cycled for the last 2 years lost 25kg (down to 100kg now) and gradually eased into the running. I set IMNZ 07 as my goal (first IM and marthon)and achieved it this year in 11hrs 20.
I have to take the running real easy due to 5 previous knee surgeries,I used the cycle for gaining a lot of my fitness and built up my running k's on the road slowly but surely and the running fitness came as i progressed.
I found that warming up and stretching post run helped a lot with enjoying the run and recovering.
good shoes are a must,
gradually increase mileage, dont overdo it too early,
Enjoy where you run, take in the surroundings, say hello to people,
enter a few "fun run" events to run with others.

Just a couple things about running that may make you want to give it a chance after all. Running-along with cycling and swimming- releases endorphins ( a chemical in the body that essentally blocks feelings of pain and has a sensation of euphoria). This effect is pretty commonly reffered to as a "Natural High". This sensation may not come in shorter forms such as running short sprint distances, and so If you can get motivated enough and work your way up to running longer distances it may make running more enjoyable.


Of coarse, these endorphins don't minimize your risk of injury, but they may make your running experience a little more enjoyable.

On the downside, some scientists believe that this "Runners High" may only exist if the person is motivated and feels good about running.

check out this article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endorphin

I've yet to experience the fabled "runner's high," even with the new shoes. Nor have I experienced it in swimming.

But I have experienced the endorphin release when cycling long distances. I guess that's why cycling is my #1 fav out of the tri-sports :D