[1Topodope]

Hi Kicksters!<br><br>
I think I am ready to sign up for my first triathlon (gulp)!<br><br>
Since my first post here I have been working with a swim coach and trying out triathlon-like workouts, i.e. swim for 30 min, spin class and then run for 1 hour.<br><br>
Now it is time to put my money where my mouth is - so to speak. I am looking at the Cincinnati Triathlon in July.<br><br>
So, here's my question. Does a "sprint" also describe the speed of the race? Is this a beginner distance or more for those who want to see how fast they can go?<br><br>
This triathlon newbie appreciates any help she can get! <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Very Happy">

 

[slow_n_steady]

It is both! There are always loads of newbies and first timers doing sprints, you will definitely not be the only one by a long shot. And yes, there are also triathlon veterans looking to see how fast they can go. Don't worry about those guys, just go out and do your thing.

 

[Stitcher]

One of the things I remember thinking during my first sprint distance race was that it didn't FEEL much like I thought a sprint would feel.<br><br>
That being said, yes, each of the individual portions of a sprint might be considered a sprint distance (except maybe the swim, if you come from a swimming background)...<br>
But, the sum total of the race is still anywhere from 1-3 hrs long, depending on your particular pace.

 

[kburnell]

A sprint has its name because you're pretty much redlining the entire event. Though that's probably not the best way to approach your first-ever race, once you've got a few under your belt you'll find that you can go nearly all-out in all three portions of the race.<br><br>
And yes, a sprint is the most common place for first-timers, but at the same time it isn't a beginners-only distance. It's very similar to the road race circut - Just like there are often many new runners at a 5k, there are also very serious short distance specialists who show up to race. Same thing goes for short course triathlons.<br><br>
Good luck and have fun!

 

[4boysmom]

Yep! Sprint is just the distance. My first was a sprint, because it seemed like a manageable distance. I usually open my season with a sprint, just to get back into the groove. Then, I move into longer races, where I tend to do better. Last year, I capped off the season with one last sprint, just because son1 wanted to do it.<br><br>
Son1 plans on doing only sprints this season. I think he would do better with longer races, but whatever. He wants to stick with sprints because there is healthy competition in the 19& under sprint, while there is nothing in the Oly or half iron.

 

[1Topodope]

Thanks for the input! This is all very new to me. I feel like I could handle the bike and run portion of an Oly. The swim...that is another matter!<br><br>
The sprint sounds like a good place to start!

 

[AdCo]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>1Topodope</strong> <a href="/forum/post/1870075"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Thanks for the input! This is all very new to me. I feel like I could handle the bike and run portion of an Oly. The swim...that is another matter!<br><br>
The sprint sounds like a good place to start!</div>
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A sprint is the best way to get your feet wet.. Why put in all that effort for an OLY if you are going to hate it. Also, remember, even though it is a sprint, you don't want to blow your self up on the swim. I did that, first sprint, basically went as hard as possible on the swim. BAD idea!

 

[mrscoby78]

Hi!<br><br>
I did my first last summer, which was a sprint. Like Adco said, I didn't want to train for something longer if I was going to hate it. Turns out, I loved it! The hardest part was the swim for me. I have been a runner my whole life. My focus was don't drown, push through the bike, and really nail the run. You must must must get some open water swimming before hand. I couldn't believe what a tremendous difference the lake was vs. the pool.<br><br>
Are you near Cincy? I'm in the Louisville area. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

 

[1Topodope]

I am just outside of Cincy on the KY side!<br><br>
My swim coach has offered to put together an open water swim with all of her students before the Cincinnati Tri in late July. I am hoping that will ease some of my fears!

 

[MBannon]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>mrscoby78</strong> <a href="/forum/post/1872554"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">You must must must get some open water swimming before hand. I couldn't believe what a tremendous difference the lake was vs. the pool.</div>
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x100!! Probably the single biggest mistake a new triathlete can make is not hitting the open water before race day. It's two completely different sports - like spin class vs. actual road riding. Night and day. Get in the open water well before race day - if all goes well, you're golden. If you freak out, well, you better either drop this whole silly idea or (preferably) hit the open water workouts every week. It's worth it!!<br><br>
p.s. - I'm not calling you silly, I'm calling the sport silly. Because it is. And I love it.

 

[mrscoby78]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>MBannon</strong> <a href="/forum/post/1874420"><img alt="View Post" class="inlineimg" src="/img/forum/go_quote.gif" style="border:0px solid;"></a></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">I'm calling the sport silly. Because it is. And I love it.</div>
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Amen brother.