Originally Posted by merlinextraligh
Tangential question. I'm getting ready to do my first Triathlon. I ride a lot, but am a poor swimmer, and runner. What's a reasonable goal pace for the 13 mile (flat) leg of a sprint triathlon. I did the 40k State time trial championship in one hour flat (25mph).
My thought is 25 mph would be a reasonable goal, with the assumption that the shorter distance would offset the fact that I'm swimming and running also. Is this realistic?
I don't think so. 2 reasons why you probably won't be able to average 25 mph on the bike: 1) the swim; and 2) the run. You'll be tired from the swim and you'll need to save something for the run. Seems like 22-23 would be a more realistic goal.
edit: Which is still pretty darn good. I would think that would put you in the top half or even top third in the bike leg. And you should probably do well during the swim. Most triathletes (myself included) are terrible swimmers. So you'll fine.