Getting Started

If you don't plan on training with a team program (Tough Cookies, Rogue, Team in Training, etc) then here is a little advice on what to do to get started!

Always remember why you are doing this triathlon...whether you're planning to loose some weight, want to support a cause (Mark Felice Childhood Cancer Fund), or a friend convinced you to do it...always set a goal for yourself. My goal every year is to finish the race with a smile. I know thats super cheesy but seriously...If you aren't having fun while you are doing it then you will most likely be miserable!

There is a time commitment when training but if you put at least 5 hrs aside a week to focus on training you will be fine. It will be hard to fathom fitting swimming, biking, and running into your already busy life but it is doable and so worth it. It won't be easy at first since you will miss some workouts due to prior commitments but no need to worry; no one is perfect and you will still finish the race.

Start by taking it day by day and focus on just getting to the gym if you aren't already. Get in the flow of alternating what you do each day, for example, run for 20 mins on Monday, do a spin class on Tuesday, swim for 10 mins Wednesday, and continue to alternate until Saturday where you will put a harder workout in (do a brick workout: bike and run or swim and bike etc) taking a day off on Sunday.

Take it day by day and start slow as you ramp up the amount of time and effort you will add along the way. I will update the blog with a general workout plan throughout the weeks, but please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions.

5 'I Can't Do a Triathlon Because...' Myths Busted!

Everyone has their excuse for why they can't do a triathlon so instead of me trying to convince each and everyone of you that you're nuts and have to do it, I found this great article on Active.com! If you would like to read the entire article please click here, but if you just want a summary with some 2 cents keep reading!

Here is the summary:

Excuse #1: I Can't Swim
Everyone can learn how to swim and if you think otherwise I would love to hear it! Everyone isn't a great swimmer but you can get yourself from point A to B whether its to get you from one end of the pool to the other, from a float to the boat to get a beer, or to save someone's life (bit out there but still)!

The point is that you can swim and however you propel yourself through the water works just fine! If you're afraid you might drown (you probably won't)...no worries there are certified lifeguards at every race!

Excuse #2: I Can't Afford A Good Racing Bike
If you are looking to just finish the race then you can use any bike you choose (minus a tandem, unicycle, or a penny-farthing)! Clearly the catch is that some bikes are easier for a race.

The best advice is to go to a bike store to get your bike measurements and then search for one on craigslist etc. Have the seller meet you at a bike store to get the bike shops advice (most likely you'll have to get a tune up anyways). The other alternative is to rent a bike from a bike shop the week of the triathlon. If you know you are going to become obsessed with triathlons then I would recommend buying a road bike from the get go just be ready to spend quite a bit!

Excuse #3: I Don't Have Time To Train
Training can be integrated into your everyday life quite simply. You could bike to work, get friends together for a run or swim, or just adjust your focus of your weekly workouts you already do. Most people can train for a sprint triathlon in about 8-10 weeks with at least 5 hours dedicated to training, which most people already do!

Excuse #4: A Triathlon Is Too Confusing
Three sports, lots of equipment, where to train, how to train, what to bring- oh goodness! No worries its quite simple...the best advice is to join a team or have a group of people you plan to train with. There is a great site within Active.com that is all about helping newbies into the sport so click here for more information!

Excuse #5: I Can't Complete An Entire Triathlon
Many people hear triathlon and think -IRONMAN- but no worries I had no clue there were shorter distances starting out and we aren't that nuts. The sprint is truly my favorite and I don't plan to go far beyond that.

Sprint triathlon: 1/2 mile swim, 12 mile bike, 3 mile run
Olympic triathlon: 1 mile swim, 24 mile bike, 6 mile run
Full Ironman: 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run

So now that a few of your excuses have been answered make sure and sign up for the triathlon! If you have any other excuses I'd love to hear them!

Triathlon Season 2011 is HERE!

Some may find this blog welcoming as others may be thinking 'is it already that time of the year again'! Well...I am very excited about this years season and what it has in store! If you've read this blog before or just know why we tri then you know we raise money each year for the Mark Felice Childhood Cancer Fund! Last year we reached our goal of $5,000 and it was amazing! Thanks to everyone who competed, helped fundraise, or just supported us through the process; we couldn't have done it without you!

This year I'm going to be using the blog to provide more information about donating as well as training techniques to get you ready for the big day! Please share your feedback or if you have any input on great ideas to fundraise!