Triathlon - First Triathlon

My very first triathlon will be on June 7th on Oshima island just south of Tokyo. It is an Olympic distance tri with the swim in the ocean. I'm borrowing a bike from a friend, a road bike with aero bars, Giant . I think it is pretty old. I've recently purchased a a 2XU wetsuit mostly because I have a friend that sells them and was able to get me a discount. Wow, those wetsuits are tight! I've never worn one before and will do my first open water swim this weekend. I'm interested to see how that will go. I started swimming 3 months ago when I could barely flounder for 100 meters before I had to stop and gasp for air. Now I can comfortable to 2k+. I only get out on the bike a couple times a week for less than an hour and a half at a time so I'll be able to get through the triathlon comfortably if not quickly. I'm a seasoned runner with several marathons under my belt so that won't be a problem.

I just hope to finish comfortably in under 3 hours and should be able to do so easily. I'm thinking I'll be able to go under 2:50 if I encounter no unforeseen problems. That will set a benchmark anyway for future triathlons. I'm not asking for any advice or comments but any and all are welcome.

The bike is a Giant Cadex 990C. Anybody know anything about this model?

i suggest you try doin a couple run throughs, like swimming the distance then right after get to your bike then run, pretty much practice for the situation. while you do that test out your nutrition plan and figure out what works best for you. im new also, but ive been reading allot of articles on tri's and it seems the strategies are pretty similer to most other sports.

Sounds like you'll be fine. :D As long as you don't drown on the swim, the rest is easy. :lol:

Practice a couple bricks if you still have time. Ride 20-25 then immediately run 4-6 after. That will show you how ready you are. I'm also an accomplished marathon runner but the bricks early in the season are always an eye opener.

Good luck, have fun.

Good idea on the brick. I always run a little after I ride but it is usually a mile or so. I'll have to do a longer run after riding this weekend.

I could barely flounder for 100 meters before I had to stop and gasp for air. Now I can comfortable to 2k+.


What did you change to do so much better on the swim?

I'm not exactly sure what made the swim come around so quickly. After about six weeks I was up to about 200 meters without stopping but 1000 meters overall. Then suddenly I could go 800-1000 meters straight. I think a few things might have contributed to this. 1) I quit kicking so furiously, almost not at all. Initially I slowed down quite a bit but have regained much of that speed. 2) Swimming 3-4 times a week, just keeping at it without giving up. 3) Breathing on both sides. Took me a bit to get used to it but now it is like second nature. It provides a good rhythm and I like every 3 breaths better than 2 or 4.

Also considering reason #1 above, I thought I was going so slow and if I slowed down even more I would sink. That didn't happen though and slowing down really helped. Your legs are big engines and take lots of oxygen but aren't so efficient for swimming. Using them less = better in my opinion.

any books you would recommend on beginner tri.I just bought a bike the guy who sold me the bike said beginner road user ,and triathlete.I never thought of doing a triatlon until then.just curious how would my new bike ,a giant scr 2 (i live in Ireland so models might vary from usa models) would this bike be a ok on a trianthlon.I know i am not going to be fast on this bike compared to other bikes.Can i at least be well not disgrace myself on the bike.I dont seem to be see much user information about this bike

I don't know of any tri books but there are a lot of resources on the web if you just search a little bit. That's what I've done. These forums are very helpful. Also see if there are any clubs in your area, check your local bike and running stores.

I don't know much about bikes and biking but from what I've read people use all different kinds of bikes for sprint tris and their first triathlons, even mountain and hybrid bikes. I think you'll be fine.

chequeing out book shop today good luck on the 7 june.

.....just curious how would my new bike ,a giant scr 2 (i live in Ireland so models might vary from usa models) would this bike be a ok on a trianthlon.I know i am not going to be fast on this bike compared to other bikes.Can i at least be well not disgrace myself on the bike.I dont seem to be see much user information about this bike
I ride a '06 Giant OCR Limited, the carbon frame USA equivelent with upgraded components and my brother-in-law rides a '05 Giant OCR 2 the USA equivelent of the SCR 2. We have ridden english centuries (100 mi.) on them but no tris. They are reasonably fast and comfortable for long distance road rides. Obviously, they are not as fast as time trial bikes but the OCR (SCR) will not be a great hinderance. Adding clip-on aerobars (Syntace C2 or Profile Design) and a good set race tires will definatly help with your speed. Also, get a good bike fitting to prevent any discomfort/injuries. I'm planning on my 1st Tri in Sept on my Giant OCR.

Don't worry about a less than "top 10" finish on your 1st Tri. Everyone must start somewhere. At least you would have done somthing that many people could only dream of attempting. Best of Luck!

good call b think is quiet fast, but what do i know first road bike in a very long time.Sold my hybrid to my brother giant crs 3.0 he thinks hybrid is very fast.Any way i enjoy it and thants what matters.Best of luck in your triathlon