dodachacha

Hey everyone

The name's dodachacha and I live in Northwest Indiana.....half hour or so from chi-town

I like long walks on the beach and candlelight dinners....hahaha

Still in high school, unfortunately, so I'm looking for something to do this Summer

I've been on the xc/track teams since early middle school and just started swimming a few years ago....but I'm kinda getting burned out on the running and have been plagued by persistent stomach cramps and stress fractures in my shins, so I'm thinking I need a lifestyle change

Cycling has always fascinated me and it's always been something I wanted to get into, but now I think I'm actually going to take the plunge (got a Trek 1000 for the b-day)

I have no clue what I'm doing, however, so naturally I came across this amazing website and am hoping to get some advice from all of you

I'd really like to get into triathlons (I already do 2 of the sports after all) and have been eying some sprint ones in late august....but I really have no idea how to train for that kind of thing

I'll already be swimming around 1500-2000 yards and running 4-7 miles once a day almost every day this summer for pre-season stuff, but what kind of cycling should I be doing during that time period?? I'm pretty clueless, to say the least

(warning: mediocrity ahead) My 5k PR is 17:55 and I can swim the 500 in 5:40/100 in :55 (yards), so I feel like if I just get on my bike this summer I can do reasonably well in the fall

Thanks for any advice/looking forward to a bright future on this site

Michigander

If you want to get into cycling you sure came to the right place

You will find this site to be a great resourse, full of many friendly people.

For specific training advice, I'd head off to training and nutrition.

merider1

Michigander said it perfectly. You've definitely come to the right place. Welcome to the forums!

JimSchu

There is a bike racing club in the south suburbs that offers coaching to younger riders. go to www.southchicagowheelmen.com for more info.

dodachacha

do you have any personal experience with the wheelmen?

JimSchu

My only experience with the Wheelmen was looking at their website.

dodachacha

haha alright, I saw from your location that you also rep the region, so I figured it couldn't hurt

their site is so awful/hasn't been updated in a while

East Hill

Hello dodachacha, it looks as if you have settled in quite well! Just a suggestion, that you might look at Craigslist for your area if you are looking for a not too expensive bike for a beginner doing triathlons. I know the Seattle CL often has good bikes at a good price for someone in your position, and it's possible that ORD and surrounds may also offer some excellent possibilities.

Welcome to BF!

East Hill