It's time to push and make this happen. Anyone want to volunteer to help push me, keep me accountable and call me out???? Com eon....here is your chance, i know you want too.
BTW, thanks for checking out my blog. As for your question, I'd recommend reading a bit about forefoot and mid-foot running. I'm not advocating 'natural running' like you're seeing in all the magazines. You don't have to go Kenyan or get the newest 'minimalist' shoes. It's more about technique than anything.
I found that the Newton Running site had good content about forefoot and midfoot running. Of course they're trying to sell shoes but the technique of striking on the forefoot/midfoot has been the one thing that has changed my running/triathlon experience.
I suffered from plantar faciitis for about 2 years before changing my technique. Zero pain/problems since.
We would be more than happy to keep you accountable. I did my first 60 mile bike ride, including riding up Mount Baldy road, on a hybrid bike. Dawn did her first tri on a hybrid. Lots (and lots) of people do tri's on hybrids or mountain bikes. It is very doable. Swimming is the least return for your investment. Running is the greatest. Believe it or not, we are actaully enjoying running a bit more. We still don't like it but it is getting easier. You can totally do this! Look for more posts from us!
I'm with Leigh Anne. There are folks in any triathlon with $6,000 bikes and fancy outfits and shoes... and then there are people who are just out there having fun (and still being competitive!) on hybrid bikes, no bike shoes, no spandex... But they're having a blast! What it really boils down to is this: what are your goals? Do you want to do one just to do one and cross it off your Bucket List? Or do you want to be really competitive, shoot for a particular finish time, etc? Once you answer that question, you'll have a better idea of how to proceed.
And Leigh Anne is also right about running. Biking and running are where you spend the majority of your time in a triathlon. The first swimmer out of the water RARELY wins the race. But the fastest bike split has a good chance. The more you run, the more efficient you will be at running, and the more you will enjoy it. Some days will still be hellacious, but for the most part you will start to enjoy it more often than not. I promise! I hated running for YEARS until I did it regularly. Now I can't imagine not running at least a few times a week.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. When I first got into triathlon I pulled my training programs from www.beginnertriathlete.com. They worked really well. When I stepped up to the Ironman distance I hunted around for the right program for me based on my fitness and time available (I have two kids and a wife that need me as a Dad/Husband). I ended up using a training plan from the book "Be IronFit". As you start to plan your race season or even for one race, keep in mind that there isn't just one plan that works for everyone. I also recently picked up a book by Gale Bernhardt, "Training Plans for Multisport Athletes" that covers a bunch of different distances.
Really quick comment about biking and running, definitely spend the time on the bike, it will help to make you a better runner. This from my sports doc who is a two time qualifier for Kona. Also, try to end all of your rides with a run off of the bike, even it it is 10 - 15 minutes. It will pay off huge when it comes to racing.
I'll keep you honest. What's holding you back?
ReplyDeleteBTW, thanks for checking out my blog. As for your question, I'd recommend reading a bit about forefoot and mid-foot running. I'm not advocating 'natural running' like you're seeing in all the magazines. You don't have to go Kenyan or get the newest 'minimalist' shoes. It's more about technique than anything.
ReplyDeleteI found that the Newton Running site had good content about forefoot and midfoot running. Of course they're trying to sell shoes but the technique of striking on the forefoot/midfoot has been the one thing that has changed my running/triathlon experience.
I suffered from plantar faciitis for about 2 years before changing my technique. Zero pain/problems since.
Hope that helps. Check in with you later.
We would be more than happy to keep you accountable. I did my first 60 mile bike ride, including riding up Mount Baldy road, on a hybrid bike. Dawn did her first tri on a hybrid. Lots (and lots) of people do tri's on hybrids or mountain bikes. It is very doable. Swimming is the least return for your investment. Running is the greatest. Believe it or not, we are actaully enjoying running a bit more. We still don't like it but it is getting easier. You can totally do this! Look for more posts from us!
ReplyDeleteI'm with Leigh Anne. There are folks in any triathlon with $6,000 bikes and fancy outfits and shoes... and then there are people who are just out there having fun (and still being competitive!) on hybrid bikes, no bike shoes, no spandex... But they're having a blast! What it really boils down to is this: what are your goals? Do you want to do one just to do one and cross it off your Bucket List? Or do you want to be really competitive, shoot for a particular finish time, etc? Once you answer that question, you'll have a better idea of how to proceed.
ReplyDeleteAnd Leigh Anne is also right about running. Biking and running are where you spend the majority of your time in a triathlon. The first swimmer out of the water RARELY wins the race. But the fastest bike split has a good chance. The more you run, the more efficient you will be at running, and the more you will enjoy it. Some days will still be hellacious, but for the most part you will start to enjoy it more often than not. I promise! I hated running for YEARS until I did it regularly. Now I can't imagine not running at least a few times a week.
OK, novel over!
Thanks for stopping by my blog. When I first got into triathlon I pulled my training programs from www.beginnertriathlete.com. They worked really well. When I stepped up to the Ironman distance I hunted around for the right program for me based on my fitness and time available (I have two kids and a wife that need me as a Dad/Husband). I ended up using a training plan from the book "Be IronFit". As you start to plan your race season or even for one race, keep in mind that there isn't just one plan that works for everyone. I also recently picked up a book by Gale Bernhardt, "Training Plans for Multisport Athletes" that covers a bunch of different distances.
ReplyDeleteReally quick comment about biking and running, definitely spend the time on the bike, it will help to make you a better runner. This from my sports doc who is a two time qualifier for Kona. Also, try to end all of your rides with a run off of the bike, even it it is 10 - 15 minutes. It will pay off huge when it comes to racing.
Good luck with your training.