Becoming a triathlete!

[paulmarsden]

Hi there,

I’ve taken part in a few relay triathlons and the odd duathlon over the past couple of years but the wife has told me I have to stop going on about how I “go to triathlons” when all I really do is a run or a cycle!

So it’s time to get stuck in and as Midland Tri is my local club I am hoping to join up over the winter. My initial goal is the Fingal Tri in May. My swimming is what has been holding me back as it consists of about 2 lengths before coughing up a lung but I’ve been talking to Yvonne and she assures me that a few sessions in the pool over the winter will sort that out, so I will be signing up for the next block of sessions.

Running will be fine, do a bit with Tullamore Harriers but I have very little cycling experience. I have a bike but not too keen on cycling alone for a couple of hours so is there a beginners group in the club or do people generally go with Lakeside Wheelers. I live roughly half way between Tullamore and Mullingar so either location would suit me for group spins but the more organised the better I suppose.

Any other advice much appreciated.
Thanks,
Paul.

[bboyle]

Hi Paul,

Well, your off to a good start. Once you get adjusted into the swimming routine it won't take too long to make improvements. This is the time of the year when things start to slow down a bit, less races etc. I would highly recommend joining the cycling club as this is where you will get regular spins with large groups (there are a lot of Midlanders in the Lakeside Wheelers) and a couple in the Tullamore Cycling Club. There is a group of Midlanders that leave the Park Hotel at 8.30am on Saturday morning and I would suggest going along to this. There is a wide range of ability so should find your level quite quickly. A lot of people are intimidated about starting out with a group thinking that they will be too slow, it'll be too far, blah, blah! - but i'd say give it a go, it wont be as bad as you think and there will be loads of people to help you out (well maybe the first week might be tough, but after that it'll be a breeze....)................ so my advice is get stuck in!

Regards
Brian
PS Look out for a woman called Vera, she may attempt to wear you out with her fast pace!
Good Luck

[paulmarsden]

Thanks for that Brian,
I'll definitely give the Sat morning group spin a go, probably Sat week. Looking forward to it. Will keep an eye out for this Vera lady you speak about and will stay well off her wheel for the first week at least

Do I need to pay any club membership to cover insurance to be out with the group?
Thanks,
Paul,