Getting started

[kronan]

Ok, I may as well start of with a bit of a introduction.

My name is Kevin Ronan Im 16 and have been swimming with Mullingar Jets SC for about fours years now, having previously swam with Tallaght Swim Team for about two years.

You most probably know me as one of the young fellas who does the lake swims on Wednesday and Friday nights "without a wet-suit"

Anyway, with some "gentle" persuasion from Doug Bates, he has geared me towards taking up two new disciplines of Cycling and Running (if i don't Doug will feel sad).

Before I forget best of luck in the Ironman! and any other Midland Triathletes participating! (Thats what counts isn't it?)

Anyway, I need some help as i haven't got a clue what equipment I need, how much it all costs?, how/where to train And anything else I need to know!

So hopefully with your support ill be out competing soon on the first wave of the junior swims (isn't that right Doug!)

Thanks again!

[bboyle]

Hi Kevin,

Brian Boyle here (Midland Tri Club Secretary).
It's great hearing from you and I hope we can look after you and help you on your way from swimmer to Triathlete.
We (midland tri) do not have a junior section of the club yet but we do have some junior members and it is something we hope to develop further in the near future (not only Midland Tri but Triathlon Ireland are hoping to aswell).

It is coming towards the end of the triathlon season so opportunity to race will be limited. As you are swimming at the lake you will have a good idea of who is involved already - presuming your the sociable type (if you are talking to Doug you probably are).

I wouldn't go buying a bike or wetsuit just quite yet, these are probably better to be begged/borrowed for the moment.

The club has about 80 members with different people training in different locations but some of the training sessions include;
Running with the Mullingar Harriers on a Tuesday and Thursday evening at 7pm and another session on Sunday morning in Belvedere at 11am
Swimming in the pool on wednesday evening (9ish) (lake in summer) with other popular sessions at 7am on Tuesday and Thursday morning. open water swims take place on Friday evening at the diving board (start 7.30pm).
Cycling: A group meet early on saturday morning, this time varies during the summer but should settle to a regular time during the winter (around 8.30ish).... other groups meet during the week and might get a spin in before a swim or run. Some of our members are members of the Lakeside Wheelers cycling club who hold a lot of races mid-week during the summer (they are holding an underage time trial this evening at 6.45pm at Lought Ennell Car Park near Cleaboym for 8-16years) this would be a good way of introducing you to cycling.... bring a few friends, it is a very friendly atmosphere and easy going (any bike is allowed, even if you have a banged up mountain bike!).

Its difficult to answer all your question here so it might be best giving me a call sometime, can expalin more then.

regards
Brian
0863844045

[Killian]

Hey Ronan
I have a supplement from 220 Triathlon magazine which gives a broad overview of what any newbie might need for a race, I'll bring it along for Friday's session out at the diving board.

But, as Brian says, hold off for now getting gear etc

[kronan]

Brian: Thanks will give you a ring sometime or you never know i might meet you out on the water sometime!

Killian: Cheers! Will see you tonight!

Now, Was looking around on the web(very big web it is too!) and came across www.cyclesuperstore.ie
On there they have a Tri starter pack with Bike,Tri Suit, 1 Year Wetsuit rental and numerous other Things, I was wondering whether someone would be able to advice on the quality of the product and value.

Or would i be better buying local or even second hand?

Cheers,
Kevin

[doug]

Hi kev,borrow whatever you can untill out of season you might pick up a bit of stuff cheaper out of season,will chat at lake tonight.

[kronan]

www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=35&idproduct=18165

Was looking at this bike in Coyne Cycles Kinnegad for €550 and its €539 in CycleSuperstore, Is it any good?

In Coynes there is a bike (not sure of brand) for €320 and it is the "bog standard" Road racer they have.

Would I be better off buying the cheaper bike or splashing out on the Giant model? when the time comes

Also, a wetsuit?, It's getting colder out on that lake every week!
Where would one be got? and how much?

[shanek]

I've a 501 Raleigh you could have, although not great it is enough to get you started. I've also got a wetsuit that didn't fit so only worn twice and you're welcome to that if it fits you. If you want them then the only charge will be..to use 'em. I'll bring them along to tomorrows swim if you wish.

[coadyguitar]

Hi, I'm really in the same boat as kronan. Im starting triathlon this September and im looking at buying a road bike to get me started. I have been looking around locally in Mullingar and have found two bikes that caught my eye. One is a Giant scr4 and the other is a Kelly bike. Since im new to this, i dont really know what make/price i should be looking for. If anyone could post the name of a decent starting bike, it would be great. Or, if anyone has a second hand bike that they would be interested in selling, it would be gratefully appreciated ;D ;D....thanks again,

P.S its Paul by the way

[faya]

Paul, first things first, get yourself measured up properly for a bike. If you dont, you will sorely regret it, literally! Send in your email to [e-mail] and he will circulate to all members of the Lakeside Wheelers as there is always someone thinking of selling a bike.

Hope that helps somewhat ad good luck with Triathlon training!

Andrew

[doug]

Kevin/paul i have a 52cm frame entry level bike ye are welcome to take a lend of it and go for a few spins if it suits one of ye we'll work something out,but i would definatly take heed to what andy said and get measured up and get the right size from the off.

[kronan]

www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewContent.asp?idpage=40

Isn't this just a great wealth of information this website!

It says take your inside leg (79cm) Multiplied by .67 leaves me with 52.93

So ill be looking for anything in the range of 51,52,53cm frame ?

Thanks for all the advice going around!

[faya]

53 seems to be your size Kevin or else you are into re-adjusting seat post/saddles, handle-bar stems etc! Stand up against the wall in your socks when doing all measurements. you should google the website of whatever bike you intend to get and it will have geometry specs attached re inside leg, reach, top tube length etc

A.F.