Triathlon??

Anyone finished one?

I used to be a long distance runner (but never more than 15 mi, def not a marathoner) but injured my knees a couple years ago. I've stayed off the running since (and its been bad for my wardrobe) but I'm getting the itch to get back to it and my knees have felt fine the past few short runs I've done. I'm tempted to try at least a mini-triathlon... has anyone done these?

Was just reading http://www.triathanewbie.com/ and it seems very do-able. Anyone want to do one too? This may be the unanswered post that disappears because of that question, haha. Hopefully it will help dress fittings more than a little Crisco...

I've never done one, but I swim with a lot of folks who do, and also have the goal of doing one somewhere on the horizon.

My FSIL is training for one at the moment--I'll have to ask her about her training guide (I think she's following training routines from a book?).

I don't know if there are any in your area, but in the bay area, there's a summer series called Tri For Fun--shorter distance triathlons for newbies. There's also women-only triathlons and training groups.

Definitely give it a go! If there's a masters swim team around, I imagine you'll be able to find a few triathletes in the bunch, and it's a great way to build up the swim leg of the race.

Good luck! If I were anywhere near you, I'd absolutely do one with you :)

I don't know about a triathalon...but I'd try doing a half marathon...maybe? Im not really a runner, usually, Im more of a circuits girl when working out (e.g., elipitcal for 20, stairs for 20, treadmill for 20) but I really would like to slim down my bottom half and Im sure running would do the trick!

Yeah!!! I love that you posted this champ. I am doing the wildflower triathlon this weekend, my second time doing this distance. Acutally doing the Olympic distance. 1 mile swim, 24.8 miles bike and 6 mile run. Its so much fun, and you really feel like you accomplish something. Plus since our wedding was only a little over 2 weeks ago it kept me working out before the wedding and allowed me to eat a double double from in and out on the day of the wedding for lunch :-)

If you are a newbie, I would suggest a sprint distance. 1/4 mile swim, 13 or so mile bike and 3 mile run. I know you are here in CA so check out www.tricalifornia.com for a list of races. I belong to Golden Gate Tri Club and joining a group is also a good idea. My goal is within the next 5 years to do escape from Alcatraz!!!

If you want more info send me an email.

Kohler, want to do it with me? We can update e/o on training haha
Bella, I sent you a mssg a little earlier today, I would love to know what your training has been like and I was actually thinking of doing the women's tri's first! Since we're always in military towns though, the people who do them are all super fit military men and I'm a little intimidated honestly!
Chow, I would love to hear what your FSIL is doing too, the more info the better without a doubt!
EMSSK8S! I completely forgot you had an April wedding, where can I see pics firstly?! And secondly, go you for doing the full length, I'm thinking baby steps for me. I actually used to be a long distance runner and injured myself on 8 mi daily runs. After taking some time off from running I would really like to find something to get me back into the swing of things. And I used to swim competitively as a child so I'm really just VERY worried about the cycling bit. Good luck this weekend!

Thanks ladies!

FSIL is on vacation at the moment, but she'll be back next Mon. I'll pick her brains about her triathlon training and get back to you for sure!

If you're in/near Oakland or SF, check out the See Jane Run shops--they host the See Jane Tri and a couple other events, and also have training clubs/sessions:
http://www.seejanerun.com/t-Training.aspx

There's also a triathlon in Santa Cruz that's women's only (Mermaid Tri?)

You can do it!

I think you just might love a mini-Tri.  Usually called a Tri-Express I think.  Two of my friends and I just finished one for the first time and it was AWESOME!  Felt like an amazing accomplishment and the running portion was very tame - 2.5 miles I think.  They have them several times a year in San Dimas at Bonelli Park.  If you live in or around the area, or don't mind the drive, I recommend trying one.  

And one of my friends who did it and loved it also has some knee problems when running and she did just fine.  We can't wait for our next one!

I was in the same boat. I have been a runner since high school basketball years, I loved it. But two years ago I noticed my knee pain getting worse and never better. I finally went to the doctor and he said NO MORE RUNNING. I am just worried that if you do start running you may get injured again. My phy therapist told me that knee injuries never completely heal so there is a chance to make it worse, even after many years. I decided to take up dancing for a work out and I ride my bike every evening to run errands. Low impact things are the best, maybe you should wait a little longer before strapping on those running shoes.

I did a "tri for fun." Except that I did the running part and my two other friends did the swim and bike. It was a lot of fun and is a lot easier. :)

Triatholons are GREAT!!! I am a swimmer, and I've never owned one of those speed bikes, and I finished in under 2 hours.  It was one of the greatest experiences of my life.  It wasn't that hard...think of it as 30 minutes each swimming, biking, running.  And it's not like a marathon where you can have someone next to you to talk to....I didn't see anyone till I crossed the finish line!

My one recommendation is that you practice the switches...go to a pool somewhere, swim a few laps, and then get out and put on a shirt and shorts and bike for a bit.  It takes some time to get used to biking in wet underwear!