TechKnowGN

So, for the first month and half of the year, I was training for a half marathon. I that time I lost 9 lbs (There will probably be another 2 lbs off after my muscles stop holding in all the water). I won the walking division of the half marathon, and my fiancee completed her first marathon yesterday as well.

Now the focus turns to April 18th. I will be competing in a sprint triathlon with a swim distance of 400 M, a ride of 20k, and a run (or in my case walk probably) of 5k. It's about an hour away in Miami, Ohio. The race benefits the student foundation, and more importantly, my waistline.

I have a solid training/exercise plan in place that should allow me to lose weight, build strength and endurance, and prepare properly for the race.

I also have a friend I went to high school with who is competing at an international level in triathlons and will be representing the USA in Austrailia this fall at the world championships. I look to her as an inspiration, and I'll be bugging her for hints and tips too

Mazama

Good luck. You're a better man than me.

TechKnowGN

That's not true, you've put in 10k on a bike. I'm just a crazier man than you.

flip18436572

Make sure you are ready for an open water swim!!!! it is completely different than swimming in a very clear pool with lines in the bottom and people kicking and pulling at you trying to pass.

TechKnowGN

This first Tri in Miami Ohio is actually in a pool. Its 400M snaking back and forth through 8 lanes of a pool.

If I do the one in June, thats half a mile in open water.

flip18436572

That will be a short easy swim. Good luck.

TechKnowGN

Thanks, it's a good thing it's not until april, because right now it would NOT be a short easy swim.

flip18436572

Sorry, short easy swim for me. If it is in April, you will not have a problem with 8 lengths of the pool. If swimming is your weakest part. Get started on it!!!!

cohophysh

I am right with ya, I found this website to be helpful www.beginnertriathlete.com.

Good luck

TechKnowGN

Yep, my first swim should be sometime this week. Theres a community indoor pool that isnt too far from the house (saving for a wedding so joining a gym is currently out of the question). I'll find out tomorrow when i can start doing laps and may spend the $40 on lessons to tone up stroke. Im a big guy, and ill be competing with other clydes. I dont know that I have a weakest part, theyre all pretty weak right now! I mean I know I can walk the 5k in 42 minutes when that's all im doing, but Ive never combined workouts into a single thing like this.

But I know Im going to succeed at this. Finishing is victory.

TechKnowGN

You too. I got my workout plan from that site I believe, and Im reading slow fat triathlete for motivation.

cohophysh

I just finished When Big Boys Tri...it is an easy read.