Trying something new this summer



Every year our community hosts a summer triathlon.  There is a Sprint Tri and a kids Tri.  Last year I thought about signing up for the Sprint. I know nothing about Triathalons.  I can run. I can bike but don't like to go fast, and I am not a confident swimmer.  So why would I even think about doing this?

Because it was an event in my community and I wanted to take part, that's why! My friend Heather, who has done a few tris said she would do it with me and would stay at my pace. It wouldn't be about time, it would be about just completing it.  We tossed the idea around but when it came down to it, I felt like I just didn't have enough time to train so I pushed the idea aside.


I got an email last month advertising a triathalon in a different community (about an hour away from me).  As I read further into I became intrigued.  Earlier last week, I signed up!

Here are the main reasons I signed up for this Tri and not the one in my own community.

1. It is a Triathalon Mini (so a bit shorter distance than the Sprint).  I have never come across a "mini" before. This was important to me for the swim portion of the event only. I can totally handle the longer running and biking, but not certain about the swim.

2. The swim is in a HEATED pool!  That is a plus right there.

The only downside is that it is at the end of THIS MONTH!  I only have 20 some days to prepare.  Like I said, I'm good with the running and biking and probably won't spend too much time on those, I need to practice the swimming.  I do have a swimming pool at my house but I got a pass to the YMCA so I can practice swimming laps.

Besides the obvious, running shoes, bike, helmet, etc, what other gear should I have? I'm going to get a swim cap and goggles this week since that's something I don't already have.  What else do I need to get? What would be helpful? -M


                                         We will be linking up with the gals from TOTR.

29 comments:

  1. How exciting! Swimming would be my weak spot too, but the mini distance sounds perfect. And how great that its in a heated pool! Cant wait to hear how it goes for you!

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  2. Try the tri! It sounds like a lot of fun. I have done exactly ONE tri, and loved it. I don't even have a road bike. I did the 16 mile bike part of the race on a mountain bike. I am a fairly good swimmer, so biking was my weak spot. Maybe next time, I will have to borrow a friend's road bike.

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    1. I don't have the proper bike either but I'm not worried about that. My bike is comfortable though so I'm glad to have It!

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  3. I'd do a tri if I didn't have to swim! My doctor would like me to take up swimming. I'll be curious to see how you like it!

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  4. No advice since I've never done it. I'm the opposite of Wendy -- I'd do it if I didn't have to bike. Maybe some day I'll try an indoor one.

    You never know where trying something new will take you -- good luck!

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    1. Are there indoor triathlons? I've never heard of that.

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  5. That's exciting!! I'd have no clue for gear, though, other than the essentials you already mentioned. I hope to do a tri someday...but there will need to be LOTS of swimming lessons/training. UGH ;-) Best of luck!

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    1. I didn't ever think a tri was something I ever desired to do. Now I'm excited to try it!

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  6. Excited for you! I have done a bunch of them and I am currently training for another. It is really important to wear tri shorts or bike shorts for the swim so you are not uncomfortable on the bike and run bc you are wet. I have a number of posts on what to bring etc and a training plan if you are interested

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    1. I will definitely have to go back and read some of your posts!

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  7. I haven't heard of a mini tri distance before, but it sounds like the perfect way to try it out! I'd also want a pool if I did a triathlon - open water swimming makes me nervous.

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    1. Yes the mini distance is what sold me. I would never consider an open swim so glad it is in the pool.

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  8. I'm SO proud of you for signing up! I was in this exact boat 3 years ago except I couldn't swim a single stroke. Choosing a tri with a short, pool swim is so smart. It's the perfect "gateway" event for you. I'd get a pull buoy, or check if your YMCA has them. I'd also get a mesh "swim bag" where you can keep all your swim stuff and use as your transition bag when you do the tri. I'm excited for you. The swim part of triathlon terrified me but conquering that was rewarding beyond measure!

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    1. Thanks for the tips Marcia. At this point I am pretty clueless about all things tri. I don't even know what a pull buoy is but I will check it out!

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  9. I haven't biked since I was 12, and I'm definitely not a confident swimmer. I know people who've done swimming lessons when they started into tri's. Good luck with this, and have fun. Something new is always exciting.

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    1. I took swim lessons as a child but could definitely benefit from taking them again as an adult..lol!

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  10. You are BRAVE!!! I'd do a tri except for the swimming part. Oh, and can I do it on my beach cruiser bike? LOL. Obviously not for me, but I think you'll do excellent!

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    1. I do not have a tri bike. My bike is probably one step up from a beach cruiser..haha but I don't care. It's comfy and I feel confident on it and that's probably the most important thing. Right?

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  11. How fun! That's great that the swim is in a heated pool. The open water swim always wigs me out a bit.

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    1. Yea, I would not do an open swim so glad it is in a pool!

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  12. How cool! Triathlons intimidate the heck out of me, no matter the distance. I hope you have an awesome experience, I'm sure you'll do great!

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  13. Look at you! Good for you for pushing yourself to a fun goal!

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    1. Funny that this was never a goal of mine but here I am,training for my first Tri!

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  14. I'm glad you are trying something new! I admire people who do that. How long are the distances you must cover?

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  15. Kudos to you for stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying something new out. I'm a creature of habit, and find it difficult to push myself outside of that comfortable zone as much as I should.

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  16. Oh, how exciting! The swimming is what holds me back but a mini sounds do-able.

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