Originally Posted by
ZIPP2001
Hey guy !
Been a cyclist for over 37 years who came from a running background. Sneakers weren't what they are now, and stopped running early in high school because of knee issues. Fast forward to 2 months ago when I was asked to marshal the run course for a triathlon series. After marshaling my second tri I decided to look into any duo-athlons that this series runs. They do a duo-athlon in early May of next year so I set my sights on training for it. Went to a local running shoe store, and they spend almost an hour with me picking out the right shoes. Went for my first run in 40 years three weeks ago 2.5 miles with the goal not to stop. My stride was choppy, and breathing out of control but I didn't stop. I completed it with an 8:37 pace, and went the next three days with pain in the front of my thighs that hindered my walking. But was real happy that I had no knee pain, and was still able to ride every day. Run number two same course at an 8:25 pace, finished off my third run this week at an 8:05 pace and my stride and breathing are getting better. Right now I will keep it a 1 run a week with some treadmill work thrown in, and of course the bike 6 days a week. I'm happy with the early stages of the running and have my winter plan already planned out, can't wait until next May. Will also be signing up for swim lessons at our local YMCA this winter so I can try a sprint tri in August of next year. Any advice would be welcomed as to what to expect.
If you have access to a treadmill - do you also have access to an elliptical machine?
You are off to a great start on your training. But if you have concerns re: knee pain, I would do one run a week, one elliptical session, and then 5 bikes vs. 6. This will help build a base of run muscles but take stress off the knees. In a month or so, switch the elliptical session to a run session, for a total of two a week. Just my two cents.
Keep at the bike, run and as you said, mix in some swim. Look into the 12/16/20 week triathlon training programs available online (or go check out a book at the library) and then choose one that fits your "goals". Work backwards from the triathlon date and kick your training in when the date arrives to begin your training session.
But most of all have fun! I just did my first tri (Olympic) last weekend and it was a blast!