There is an Xterra race in Alabama this year and considering how close it is to my home, it seemed like a great first triathlon. I have never done a triathlon. I realize this race is long.
I did a first marathon in December and I'm decently fast at short distances, like a 10k (best race so far was a month back doing 10 miles at a 7:20 pace). I've recently cut my running down to under 20 mpw (basically all on road) and I'm doing a lot of stationary bike in my garage on a trainer (maybe 4 hours/week in 1 hour sessions), with intent to trail ride once a week (equal to the 30k of the actual race, and then I'll tag a little trail running on afterwards). My swimming background is just swimming as a kid, having some half-assed lessons as a kid, etc.
How terrible is a 1500 m swim? I don't plan on spending more than an hour/week practicing swimming (i know that's non-ideal, but getting to a pool is not convenient). I plan on doing the running in road shoes (not flats, but general trainers). Also, my bike is a $350 trek 4500. I'm 28 and weigh in the 170's with about 11% bodyfat, which I know i need to reduce.
So as I see it the negatives are 1) my bike is not great, but I am sure that 95% of this is the person, and a $2k bike wouldn't make me terribly faster. I can rent a bike if I absolutely must. 2) I am not going to take swimming as seriously as I ideally would.
Now, finishing the thing is not a concern. I know I can do that, but I don't want to be bottom of the pack. I'd like to be around mid-pack with other contestants. As I understand, there are pros that do this (who obviously I won't group myself with), but also "regular joes" and it's this group I'd like to be middle of packish in.
On the same day there is a road tri of similar length, but the xterra truly interests me a lot more.
[QUOTE=Skoorb]... My swimming background is just swimming as a kid, having some half-assed lessons as a kid, etc...
How terrible is a 1500 m swim? I don't plan on spending more than an hour/week practicing swimming (i know that's non-ideal, but getting to a pool is not convenient). [/QUOTE]
Not an issue doing an Xterra vs a road.
The bike itself - not an issue. Good that you are putting some time in and plan some good trail rides.
Sounds like the run is a strength for you.
However, I would strongly urge you to definitely spend time in the pool. 1500m is a good distance to swim. What stroke do you plan on using? What is your swim endurance now? You really need to put some time in the pool.
Entirely plausible. I would get swimming, though. If ya dont take it seriously enough, it'll effect the rest of your race. The run is a little longer than a standard sprint, plus its offroad, so it'll wear ya down a bit more. Sounds like a tough, fun race.
[QUOTE=RV]Not an issue doing an Xterra vs a road.
The bike itself - not an issue. Good that you are putting some time in and plan some good trail rides.
Sounds like the run is a strength for you.
However, I would strongly urge you to definitely spend time in the pool. 1500m is a good distance to swim. What stroke do you plan on using? What is your swim endurance now? You really need to put some time in the pool.[/QUOTE]My swim endurance now? heh, I am not sure. I have not even been in a pool in a year. I've never in my life swam more than probably 100 or 200 m in a stretch, but I'm far fitter and more determined than then. This race is in June and I plan on starting in the pool 3 months out. I may be able to fit more in, but they'll be in 30-40 minute spurts during lunch.
[QUOTE=Skoorb]My swim endurance now? heh, I am not sure. I have not even been in a pool in a year. I've never in my life swam more than probably 100 or 200 m in a stretch, but I'm far fitter and more determined than then. This race is in June and I plan on starting in the pool 3 months out. I may be able to fit more in, but they'll be in 30-40 minute spurts during lunch.[/QUOTE]
Swimming unlike biking and running can't really be muscled through. It is good to have that determination, tho. Getting 30 minutes a pop should be fine for working on your swim. Just start as soon as you ca. There are lots of threads here regarding technique and form and drills that you might want to use for your training. It is certainly doable - so good luck!
Thanks again! I see that on xterraplanet the message board there is dead. Is there a good place to find other people doing these events? I'd like to know the typical field composition, age, etc.?
[QUOTE=Skoorb]Thanks again! I see that on xterraplanet the message board there is dead. Is there a good place to find other people doing these events? I'd like to know the typical field composition, age, etc.?[/QUOTE]
The Xterra planet board isn't that dead, just post and you're garanteed to get an answer to your questions really quick. And it's the best board for Xterra discussion.
if you're looking for the typical field composition, check out last year's results for the race you're interrested in.
I would concur that the xterraplanet board is not dead. I check it about twice a week and there may not be a lot of chat posts, but questions always get answered thoroughly.
I have not done any regular triathlons. I started with an Xterra and completed 5 last year including the National Championships in Tahoe. I've got a few more on the schedule this year plus some road tri's.
You must be looking at the Southeast Championship race in Pelham Alabama. If you can run 7:20 pace for 10 miles, I wouldn't worry about finishing dead last. A mid-pack finish is reasonable provided that you get your swimming and biking in order. Of course you'll finish higher at a non-championship race. Every championship race attracts a sizeable pool of pros and hardcore age-groupers. All of the locals will still be there as well, so you should do just fine. At the Midwest Championship last year the fastest local finished 47th.
If you have the chance, I would recomend an easier race to get your feet wet. The Gator Terra is the first race I did. It is about half the length of a full championship race. I came from a mountain biking background and had only been running and biking for about two months before the race. To give you some perspective, I finished right in the middle of the pack in that race. I finished in the top 25% at my second race. In my 3rd race I was in the top 10%. At my first regional championship, I was in the top 25%, and then at the national championship, I was right in the middle again. I felt like a progressed steadily all season.