Thinking of doing a tri

[Paul L.]

I am thinking of doing a tri in October that has 12 miles of mountain biking, 3 miles of running, and a moderate swim (can't remember specifics, think it is 800M). I am not that fast on any three of these events (and my MTB has no suspension at all, although 12 miles is something I have done before) but I am sure I could finish. Are these events where people who might finish middle of the pack on bicycle centuries or 5k runs, are welcome? As far as swimming, I would probably be pretty slow, I can swim a mile in under an hour but I can't do it all freestyle. I guess if I got to where I could, I would swim it much faster. Also, what is the best way to deal with having a swimsuit you can ride and run in? Are the Tri' Shorts the best solution? Thanks for any replies!

[travis200]

Every tri I have seen has fast and slow people so don't worry about your time. It's all about you doing it. I swam 1.2 miles in a little over an hour at my first tri and I wasn't last I did every stroke you could imagine and made up a few new ones to stay moving foward. Didn't want to stop or I would sink but I was wearing a sleeveless wetsuit it helped me out a ton!!! I would suggest getting a pair of tri shorts they are great and most important no need to change shorts with each event.

[TriDevil]

There is also a glendale community college tri in october where the swim is only 400m with the same biking and running lengths. I did my first tri in a speedo jammer swimsuit. Didnt have too many problems with it. I did end up buying a tri short and the padding is nice to have but in shorts tri's and before you know if you want to continue doing it I say find somehting else because the shorts arent cheap. Dont worry about being slow in the swim or on any leg. There will always be someone slower than you. The sprint tri's are where almost anyone can come out and complete it with little/no specific training.

[cindy]

Paul,

If you are really worried about the swim may I suggest starting out with a sprint that has a little less than an 800M swim? There are a ton of Tris that have about a 300M swim, 13-16mile bike and 5K run. The sprints are great for newbies...especially if the swim is in a pool. I have seen quite a few people even walking out the pool portion!

You might want to check with the race director for any time limitations. When you start getting into swims that are 800M and up you will find that most have time limits where administrators will either yank you or no longer time you. No harm in checking b/f you sign up.

Also, your post stated that the Tri had 12 miles of mountain biking. Is the Tri really mountain bike trails or are you planning just to use a MTB? If the course is made for road bikes you might want to think about renting a road bike for the race. You will be amazed how easy the road bike course seems to you if you have been working on a MTB.

Sorry to have run on so much. I just get really excited when talking about Tri stuff. Good luck.

[Paul L.]

I have a nice road bike (well not high end nice but not low end either it wieghs about 20 lbs and is all 105 components) The coarse is all on single track so the MTB is essential. I can swim the distance just not fast. I guess I have 2 months to train though so maybe I will see some improvement before then. I will check with the race officials and see if they stop timing at a certain point. Thanks for all the input!
(I am not too concerned about the biking as I ride more than 100 miles a week on a road bike with some mountain biking thrown in once in awhile).