Beginner Triathlon

Hi,
The Longmont rec center offers a few clinics that are good for beginner triathletes. The Longmont Triathlon is a great one to get you started (last weekend in May, I think). Have fun!

My husband is a triathlete and he recommends a swimming book called "Total Immersion" to learn how to swim faster. It takes practice, but definitely helped him improve his form without a class or trainer. Best of luck!

HI THERE J.!
Triathlons are a SUPER goal, congrats for just making that decision! I am on beginnertriathlete.com, has training plans (i.e. 8 weeks "couch to sprint"), nutritional info, injury, beginner forums---all sorts of forums really.
Anyway, if you get on there look me up I'm AdaBug. If you're in the area I am always looking for training buddies!
Keep up the good work!
A.

J.,

Hopefully you will get this.
I did talk to Ruston Southwick and he gave me some wonderful information for you.

Here are some websites:
www.trinewbies.com
www.active.com (search -- triathlons)

Best book to read:
Triathlon Training Bible by Joe Friel

Best wishes -- With my whole heart,
C.

I did my one and only sprint tri in August 2004 at the Cherry Creek Reservoir and loved it. It was the Tri for the Cure and it's women only. One thing I really liked were the free pre-race seminars. I attended several and it was great to be with so many other women who were doing their first. The presenters were always so motivating and made it fun. I loved doing the tri so much and wanted to do it every year but life got in the way! Good luck!

Hi Jamie,
My name is Elizabeth, and I am also a 33 year old full-time RN in labor & delivery in northern Colorado. I recently went to the sprint triathlon site and they provide several different options for various levels of training. I have not ran in many years and have decided to start out slow. I have already started on my treadmill. Would love to hear your progress.

Hey there, I am excited for you.
I love doing triathlons. My tip for you is to make sure you do not do it on a mountain bike.(unless you do the XTerra) I used one for my first triathlon and it was extremely frustrating because you just can't go as fast as you can on a road bike. I don't know how soon you are looking to do one, but the Women of Steel is a good one, and its all women. The Salem one is also a pretty good one that usually happens in May. You can look on active.com for upcoming triathlons and that's where you sign up for them too. Active.com also has articles and training programs if you want something like that. My husband and I trained with Keena Shaerrer. She's awesome!Here's her information if you want it:
Keena Schaerrer
> > USA Triathlon Certified Coach
> > NASM Certified Personal Trainer
> > ACE Certified Personal Trainer
> > BS Recreation Mgmt/Health: B.Y.U.
> > ____@____.com
> > ###-###-####
She teaches some group classes through Gold's GYm and at the Americam Fork REc center as well as private and I think she has some other options as well.
Make sure when you train that you do practice running (for at least 20 minutes) after you bike becasue that transition feels weird. My husband and I also got the books "The Triathlete's Training Bible" by Joel Friel and
"Traithlon Training" by Michael finch. Both of these books have good information and help with training programs that are especially good for a beginner, but we liked working with Keena the best. I would also reccommend that you do Yoga or really incorporate some stretching into your workouts. It helps a lot!
You could also look into joining the timpanogos tri-club. It's a fun group and you can do group workouts. Good luck and have fun! It's a fun sport.
M. kirton

Hi Jamie,

My mom (who is 53) is doing her first Olympic length triathlon this year and has done 3 sprint triathlon in 2 years. I asked her what was helpful and she emailed me this response....

Talk to people you know who have done them. Your aunt found a wonderful support group for the Danskin triathlon. She also found it useful to volunteer at a triathlon. I was inspired by watching one and paid attention to the ones who finished strong. I worked with a trainer and took a triathlon class at my fitness center. The most important tip is to make sure you do at least three open water swims before the event. You don't have to have a trainer, just make sure that 6 days a week you run, bike, or swim for at least an hour and increase training to include at least 2 back to back (bricks) for 1.5 - 3 hrs once a week.

Good for you! The first thing I really trained for was a sprint and I ended up doing about 6 of them. Since moved on to longer running (1 marathon and now halves). A spring triathlon is way easier than a marathon! I was "dragged" into it by co-workers, so that's where I got my training advice and information. I know Runner Traithlete News is good for the Southwest, but not sure if it covers CO. I'm sure there are local mags, though.

Jamie,

How exciting...I completed my first last year. Broomfield Rec. offers classes to help you train for their Mini Haha Tri, it is a great way to get started because the swimming is in the pool. Have fun.

J.

Hey Jamie,
That is such a fun commitment! I have made the decision to train for a sprint this year as well, it will be my 1st and then maybe do a marathon if I enjoy the triathlon. My best friend who lives in Alabama is also training and we are going to do it together. It is called the Grand Man and is in Alabama , but there are tons of options all over the U.S. I have been getting my info from friends and colleagues who have already done them ( I am a personal trainer at The YMCA) and also from beginnertriathlete.com. I hope that is helpful to you and good luck with your training. Maybe we could keep in touch and encourage each other along the way. L.