Friday, August 20, 2010

how NOT to train for a sprint tri

As you may recall, I am registered for the Pink Power Sprint Tri on Sunday. I have been registered for this event since March or April, with full intention to train for the race (unlike the other two triathlons I competed in). I had a plan and I was going to stick with it. But I didn't. And now, I am two days away from the race and I have not sat on my bike or swam a single lap in over two years.

Obviously, this is going to be a stellar event for me. So, to help you in your triathlon adventures, here are my tips for training for a sprint tri ...

If you are training for a sprint tri, do not ignore that there are three different disciplines on race day. Running 40 miles a week will build your endurance, but it is not going to teach you how to freestyle or do flip turns.

If you are training for a sprint tri, do not ignore the fact that riding a bike is different than running. Sure, they are both cardio activities, but they are not the same.

If you are training for a sprint tri, do not ignore the fact that although it might be hard to get your workouts in, it can be done. Take the bike for instance. Sure, you can't bring three kids on training rides with you, but stop pretending you don't own an indoor trainer. It's not that you don't have time, it's that you're not making time.

If you are training for a sprint tri, do not shift your focus to marathon training. That poor tri that you so wanted to crush will only suffer.

If you are training for a sprint tri, do not let your bike sit in a shed for two years with flat tires. have your bike tuned up. Or at least put air in the tires. That way, you could train if you wanted to.

If you are training for a sprint tri, do not let time slip away. If you are going to use an eight week training program, start it eight weeks out. An eight week training plan will do you no good two days before the race.

If you are training for a sprint tri, do not ignore the fact that you will have to transition from the swim to the bike and the bike to the run. Sure, you have a vague memory of what transitions are like, but someone came up with brick workouts for a reason.

If you are training for a sprint tri, do not rely on the fact that you can "get through it." Yes, you probably can. But, it's likely to be painful or embarrassing or flat out laughable.

If you are training for a sprint tri, do not finish the race thinking you are invincible. You are not. And you most definitely can NOT finish a half Ironman. Even if you promise yourself that you will train, because you won't. And you can't fake your way through that ...

(disclaimer - these tips may actually be less helpful tips, and more a stark realization of how poorly prepared TMB may or may not be for her upcoming sprint tri. It might be best if you do the exact opposite of her when you attempt to train for a triathlon.)

25 comments:

Relentless Forward Commotion said...

I'm sprint tri-ing on Sunday too! (I did my time on the bike and in the pool....but no open water, so I'm winging that one!) Good luck and just have fun ! Your tri training sounds like my marathon training. I never seem to make it to the long runs, LOL!

Marlene said...

Good luck on Sunday! Your endurance will get you through it... just be careful in the water and on the bike!

Michelle said...

Good luck Sunday! You're in terrific shape and hopefully that will help to carry you through!

Silly Girl Running said...

Good luck! You're gonna rock; my guess it that you just trained enough to PR on this one. ;) What you lack in the swimming and biking, you will make up for in the running part; just believe in the Sprint Tri! :) ;)

Rene' said...

Good luck! I can't wait to hear about it on Monday:)

Anonymous said...

This makes me giggle for the simple fact that I'm doing a duathlon on Saturday (ulp - tomorrow!) that I haven't really trained for either.

Whoops.

wendy said...

Good Luck on your tri! You're right, biking and running, not the same thing (one gives you a sore tushie, the other, well doesn't...) You'll do fine, just remember to breathe in the water. Have fun : )

Trish said...

Oh, that made me laugh out loud!!! I trained my guts out for my tri last year, and it's coming up in 3 weeks and I've only swam once this summer. Too focused on the half marathon for next week to worry about it.

Well, at least I'll have two weeks after to "train"

Good luck and have FUN!

Becka said...

You're hilarious! Good luck this weekend :D

RunToTheFinish said...

and this is why though everyone wants me to do a tri, I have not signed up!!

Anonymous said...

You crack me up, T! Good luck on Sunday. At least you know you will kill the run. :)

Katie said...

Good luck on Sunday! This was so much fun to read . . . . I am thinking of doing a sprint tri and am sure that my attempt would be laughable!

kat said...

Very funny post, I am sure you will get through come hell or high water, good luck.

kat said...

Very funny post, I am sure you will get through come hell or high water, good luck.

kat said...

Very funny post, I am sure you will get through come hell or high water, good luck.

ajh said...

Ha! You will probably do great! Have fun!

MCM Mama said...

That's why I only do the kind of tri I talked about in my blog today...

Good luck!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

As always a great post! I love the disclaimer.

But "knowing" your competitive nature and great fitness level you will still have a great race. It is great that you are going to do it even with your lack of tri training! You are one confident chick. Have fun with it.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tips.
Go out there this weekend and just have fun with it! At least now you'll finally get that bike and swim time in!

Carly said...

Oh boy, good luck! Haha... My preperation for my first tri of the season was kind of like this. I won't torture you with the details... :-)

jamie@sweatyhugs said...

This post cracks me up! Best of luck to you and thank you for the tips. ;)

racing dawn said...

Ha ha ha. Love the list. I'll be sure to refer to it if I ever try a tri! You'll do great Sunday! I'm looking forward to the race recap! :)

Joanne @ mostlyfitmom said...

SO funny. Good luck! Do your best to rock it!

gv said...

Yeah, I just did a team sprint tri this past weekend. I was the swimming leg and while I was training for a marathon at the same time, I "crammed" my swim training into 2 weeks. We didn't do too shabby but could have done better had I swam a little more. Good luck this weekend!

Karen Seal said...

Oh wow! Good luck with the Tri! I know you will do great!! :0)