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sharsell119 · 07-24-2008, 01:15 PM

I'm thinking I'd like to start training for a triathlon next year and would some input from those of you who've been there. Be brutal... after adding up all of my info below, do you think I should still go for it, or not?

Me: I'm turning 40 in November. I'm in good shape, workout 6 days a week, 1/2 strength, 1/2 cardio. I'm 5'10", 147, 20% BF. I do have some permanent numbness in my left leg/foot from a herniated L5/S1 and subsequent surgeries.

Swimming: As a kid I was a top-notch competitive swimmer (freestyle was always my best stroke.) I have a pool at my gym and can train in the pool regularly. I don't have a clue right now where I might possibly train outdoors.

Biking: I've always loved Mountain Biking but haven't done it since my back surgeries. I have a sweet GT MTB that I can dust off and ride for training, but don't have a road bike (yet). I can train on the bikes at the gym and in spin classes as well. This will be my hardest training point because I have two small kids and while I can take them to the gym I just don't envision being able to get outside a LOT to train on a real bike on real terrain. I'm also a little nervous about how long I'll be able to sit on a bike with my back/leg issues. It may not be an issue... I just don't know yet because I haven't tried!

Running: I've never been particularly good at or fond of running. I can do cardio machines (or swim) until the cows come home so I have the cardio 'ability' there, just will have to learn to love (or like better) running.

Goals: My goals would simply be to finish. I don't have any illusions that I'll come anywhere near to the top 10 and that's fine. Obviously I need to start small and then who knows, maybe before I turn FIFTY I will make it to Hawaii!

So... what advice would you give me? Go for it? Or since I may have difficulty training "properly" (meaning outdoors often) that I probably won't make it very far?

07-24-2008, 01:15 PM	#1 (permalink)
sharsell119 Susan the Triathlete Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: DC Posts: 214	Triathlon: should I or not? I'm thinking I'd like to start training for a triathlon next year and would some input from those of you who've been there. Be brutal... after adding up all of my info below, do you think I should still go for it, or not? Me: I'm turning 40 in November. I'm in good shape, workout 6 days a week, 1/2 strength, 1/2 cardio. I'm 5'10", 147, 20% BF. I do have some permanent numbness in my left leg/foot from a herniated L5/S1 and subsequent surgeries. Swimming: As a kid I was a top-notch competitive swimmer (freestyle was always my best stroke.) I have a pool at my gym and can train in the pool regularly. I don't have a clue right now where I might possibly train outdoors. Biking: I've always loved Mountain Biking but haven't done it since my back surgeries. I have a sweet GT MTB that I can dust off and ride for training, but don't have a road bike (yet). I can train on the bikes at the gym and in spin classes as well. This will be my hardest training point because I have two small kids and while I can take them to the gym I just don't envision being able to get outside a LOT to train on a real bike on real terrain. I'm also a little nervous about how long I'll be able to sit on a bike with my back/leg issues. It may not be an issue... I just don't know yet because I haven't tried! Running: I've never been particularly good at or fond of running. I can do cardio machines (or swim) until the cows come home so I have the cardio 'ability' there, just will have to learn to love (or like better) running. Goals: My goals would simply be to finish. I don't have any illusions that I'll come anywhere near to the top 10 and that's fine. Obviously I need to start small and then who knows, maybe before I turn FIFTY I will make it to Hawaii! So... what advice would you give me? Go for it? Or since I may have difficulty training "properly" (meaning outdoors often) that I probably won't make it very far?