Should I try the triathlon sprint?

Hi there. I have been mixing my physical exercise with running/bicycling for a little while now and
sometimes will do both consecutively. I am interested in trying a triathlon, but honestly haven't
conditioned for swimming at all. I really want to try the tri to see what I am getting into, but
would like some advice if this is ill-advised until I have had swimming training. Placement isn't an
issue for me, I really just want the experience for a frame of reference.

Thanks for your help.

Chris

indymtb@go.com (C. Lupton) wrote in news:67c0cbba.0307241541.71a92b3a@posting.google.com:

> Hi there. I have been mixing my physical exercise with running/bicycling for a little while now
> and sometimes will do both consecutively. I am interested in trying a triathlon, but honestly
> haven't conditioned for swimming at all. I really want to try the tri to see what I am getting
> into, but would like some advice if this is ill-advised until I have had swimming training.
> Placement isn't an issue for me, I really just want the experience for a frame of reference.
>
> Thanks for your help.
>
> Chris
>

How far can you swim without stopping?

If you've picked out a race to try for, how far is the swim in that race?

You don't have to be super fast in the water, but you do have to complete the swim distance in the
race without ruining yourself for the bike and run.

Tom

In article <67c0cbba.0307241541.71a92b3a@posting.google.com>, indymtb@go.com (C. Lupton) wrote:

> Hi there. I have been mixing my physical exercise with running/bicycling for a little while now
> and sometimes will do both consecutively. I am interested in trying a triathlon, but honestly
> haven't conditioned for swimming at all. I really want to try the tri to see what I am getting
> into, but would like some advice if this is ill-advised until I have had swimming training.
> Placement isn't an issue for me, I really just want the experience for a frame of reference.
>
> Thanks for your help.
>
> Chris

If you are even a half decent swimmer, then you could likely do this. If you can swim 400-500m, bike
about 20K and run 5K, then go for it. I just did my first sprint this past weekend, and it was a
blast. I come from a running background, did the bare minimum training for cycling, and worked like
a dog to learn to swim and build the endurance for the distance. The swim was my major challenge,
and the rest went like clockwork.

OR you could go for a duathlon - run, bike and run. Work on swimming later.

Cam

--
Not every race can be a perfect experience, but every race can be a learning experience.

Hi Chris!
I'd say definitely go for it! As long as you are reasonably fit and can swim a bit, you can complete the Sprint distance without a worry. Just take it steady.
Ideally find an event where the swim is in a smallish pool where you can stop occassionally if you need a breather, and give a realistic estimate of your swim time.
I completed my first event doing breaststroke only and took nearly a half hour for the 30 lengths, but it was great, and I've never looked back!

All the best - and let us know how you do!

Alastair

I presume that you are comfortable with completing the bike and run. Do you know that you will be able to finish the swim? If so, then no question, off you go and have fun!

Regards,
Harrow.