Wow. It’s been a while since my last triathlon training update at the start of March and I am just a couple weeks away from my first event, Eton Super Sprint on Sunday 17th May (join me?!).
I had some goals to meet such as swimming in a pool longer than 20m, swimming in a pool with a deep end and working on my endurance. The plan was also to get in an open water session in early May. May, it’s May now.
The Long and The Short. The Deep End.
It seems that pools with a deep end are not popular. But I did make it over to the Olympic Pool in Stratford a couple of times with Swim Dem Crew. I got to dip my toes in the Competition Pool which is 50m long and 3m deep.
The first time there, I basically crapped myself. But it meant that I was prepared and ready to try again. My second visit I was keen to see if I could swim 50m.
We spent around 60 minutes in the training pool before we could hit the competition pool by which time I was tired! I gave it a couple of goes having to stop around half way each time, but that was an extra 100m added to my session that evening.
To Do: complete the 400m swim at Eton Super Sprint on Sunday 17th May
Lasting The Distance.
Now this has been a stumbling point. I would say I haven’t 100% nailed the breathing thing; that or my body is so not used to swimming that 20m feels like a marathon. I’m working on it though by incorporating lots of breathing drills into my sessions and being persistent.
To Do: make one swim session per week just about fitness / endurance
The Plan.
Although the training plan I have is for beginner / novice level, I think it’s just a little above my current skill level. It does state that I should be able to swim 300m continuously… which I haven’t yet done to date.
Then the cycling and the running. Well, I took my bike out for the first time having moved house and it seems the front tyre has a slow punter of some sort. So I need to get my butt in gear and change the inner tube.
Running. I’ve been running 5km once a week, with Run Club. This hasn’t been a speedy session but its at least meant I’ve been getting a few miles in the bag each week. I have two races before Eton (one unspecified distance and one half marathon) so that will get me more than ready! If time permits, I’ll also add in a speed session or two.
To Do:
- order spare inner tubes
- replace inner tube of front tyre
- take bike out for test long ride
- learn / practice how to tread water
- ensure I recover and rest in the one week between half marathon and super sprint
Take It Outside.
I have a date organised for my first ever open water / outdoor swim. I’ll be over at Hyde Park joining the Swim For Tri Team at their technique focused session. I’ll get to try out swimming in my wetsuit, and get a feel for the water. I’ve been told its very cold and sometimes the cold can be a shock to your system!
Dress To Impress.
No matter what, I love planning an outfit! I’ve been picking everyone’s brains for advice and think I have the perfect outfit planned for the day. I still need to try it on and test it out though so I will share that in a separate post before the day.
To Do: finalise race day outfit
I’ve also started to think about how I will get to the event. It’s on a Sunday and the complete opposite end of London to where I live. Options are to rent a car, check if I’d be permitted to take my bike on public transport or rope in a friend to drive me there! This is probably the most crucial part as if I can’t get to the event I can’t take part!
Fuel wise, the plan in my head is to take onboard a snack and rehydrate after my swim / during my cycle. I also need to think about travelling with food to eat beforehand and post event (especially for recovery).
To Do: plan my fuelling methods on the day
Last But Not Least.
I’m also reading up around the topic of triathlon. I’m only one day into Tricurious, but I am LOVING it! I love the writing style; it actually makes me laugh out loud while on a packed commuter train.
At the same time though it’s packed with little gems of knowledge. I keep my pen handy so I can underline anything that I may need to come back to when I have finished the whole book!
Feel free to chime in right now with any advice, tips, other gems of wisdom in the comments below! And keep an eye out for my next updateโฆ
Elle
All the best with the rest of your training and your tri! I'm in the same boat: I've spent most of this year so far learning to swim and it's hard! I still don't have the breathing down that well. I need to get a wetsuit and tackle an OWS as well. Eeeek!
Hope you've made good progress in the last month?! and thank you for the good wishes! Must've helped ๐ x
You are well on your way and doing great! There are a lot of logistics to think about with triathlon but you are covering your bases. I'm so glad you have an OWS on the plan for testing the cold water and how you adjust, and your wetsuit! Let me know if you have any questions. I have a post from last week on training for the swim, and today we have Tri Talk Tuesday about the run portion of the triathlon if you want to go digging for more info!
Thanks Cynthia! Always looking for more information ๐ x
You're doing great, you're gonna smash that super-sprint!Remember your wetsuit keeps you buoyant so if you need to take a break to catch your breathe, you will be OK, you'll just float ๐
Thanks Lucy! Looking forward to trying out my wetsuit for the first time this week! I hope it's as buoyant as everyone tells me! haha! ๐ x
Sounds exciting! Good luck! ๐
Thanks Patricia! ๐