Triathlon - 2008 NJ State Triathlon

http://www.cgievents.com/cgiracing/njst/index.html (should work now)

Is there anyone here doing this event? This is going to be my first attempt doing a triathlon. I recently started working out again (it's been a long time). I just want to know if I'm jumping in way over my head. Also the bike I’m riding right now is a 1970’s or 80’s Raleigh Super Grand Prix.

what is the event? that link doesn't work

Sounds great. I suggest the Sprint. Then, depending on how you do, try the Oly. if you've never done a Tri before, the sprint is a lot easier. Probably the key thing is your conditioning program. What kind of condition are you in now? What's your swimming like?

I like to think I'm in relatively good condition, but not race condition. I can swim, that's about it, never really practiced swimming for sport. Also I signed up for the sprint distance. As of now I can do the bike into the run and survive. No times yet, but I'm guessing they are under the hour and a half mark.

Sounds like you are on the right track. You have plenty of prep time. A sprint is a great way to see if you even like it. If your bike is in good working condition it will be fine. A bike shop tune up would be advised before you start putting a lot of mileage on it if it's been sitting dormat for a long time. There are a lot of training programs on the internet that you can find. I would use the winter to build your swimming base since you say you haven't swam a lot. Swim lessons are always helpful too so you are practicing the right technique. Some local pools have adult programs. Good luck with your training.

Thanks, I had the LBS put new tires on it as soon as i got it. They looked over the whole bike and said it's in great condition for it's age. I've only done about 75 miles since I picked it up a week ago but hope I can really put some miles in at a decent pace after vacation. As of now i can run about 16.8 - 18.4 mph steedy speed (or what ever you want to call it) over 16 miles.

a great site for information is www.beginnertriathlete.com (http://www.beginnertriathlete.com) they have tons of training plans and commonly asked questions. for instance if you followed one of these workouts: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=28 you would definitley be prepared and would (almost) insure your first tri is a successful one!

also I just realized what tri it was. Ill see ya there!

I need to get into a better training plan. Right now I try to run 3 miles after work during the week and on the weekend do a 16 mile+ bike followed by the 3 mile run. Today I got home early so I did my bike and my run was 24 min. I didn't take the bike time but it was some where between 55 min - 1 hour 10 min. I need to find a local cheap place to swim.

I did it this year as my first Olympic tri (after doing my first Sprint about a month earlier). It's a great race, I enjoyed it a lot! If your goal is just to finish, you can do it!

You have plenty of time to train... Where are you in NJ? I only started training for a triathlon in February and did 3 already (plus a duathlon). Sounds like you mainly have to work on your swim. I use the pool at my gym, there are many gyms with pools around here (shore area).

I live in Jersey about a half hour from Philly.

We have a Tri club in the shore area, which had a big presence at the 2007 NJ State, and there are lots of training groups swims and rides. Check out jstriclub.org if interested.