TRIATHLON VIRGIN

[liza]

Hi. My name is Lisa, and new to all this. I'm seriously considering taking part in a triathlon. Kinda scared though as to whether I would just end up making a complete ass of myself. I'm living in Tullamore and not sure whether you have any training nights in the area. I'm currently a member of "The Court Hotel" and do a little training most nights. As for times, I no idea whether i'm slow or going backwords. 5k run..about 25mins.. 19k bike... about 35mins and can comfortably do 20lenghts. All my training is done inside so i'm bored. I notice that you train in Athlone and Mullingar but there is nothing posted on the Tullamore training section. Any information would be helpfull. Thanks

[bboyle]

Hi Lisa,

Your times you've given see pretty good do I don't think triathlon is going to be a problem for ya.
Yes alot of the training on the notice board is Mullingar based as the most active club members are from the area.... that aside there is a gang in Tullamore that are triathlon training (i think even in the same gym as you). If you want to start training outside (which I'd highly recommend), I suggest you pop over to the Tullamore Harriers Running Club, there is a great bunch of people over there who'd only be too happy to have you involved. Ask for a few names there and say I sent you.... look out for Mary Daly, Brendan Kennedy, Marie Triona Keane.

This Sunday morning (more details to follow when I get them) there will be a cross country race in Belvedere. It is the Westmeath Chapionships, but with very few numbers the race has in recent years attracted a growing number of Midland Tri Club..... all will be welcomed and encouraged to run. This would be a good opportunity to make contact with the club.

You can give me a call if you like.

Brian Boyle
Midland Tri Club Secretary
0863844045

[liza]

Those names sound familiar to me for sure. Harriers only around the corner from me so will start with that. This run on sunday morning, how long is it? I'll give it a go if its not too long. Thanks for info. L

[bboyle]

Its fairly short. I thinks its 3k. I'll find out and post here.

[paulmarsden]

Hi Lisa,

I’m just getting into triathlon myself with a hope of doing one or two next year. I would highly recommend going along to the Tullamore Harriers – Tues and Thurs at 18:30. Joined myself about a year ago just to try to keep fit and they are a very friendly bunch and all levels are catered for but if you are doing 5km in 25 minutes you’ll be grand. You’ll get plenty of training tips and there are usually a few club races over the winter that you can use to see how much fitter you are getting. It was talking to a few of the triathletes here that got me interested in doing one. Can’t swim yet but will work on that!

For the cycling, around Tullamore a group go out on a Sunday morning from the Ball Alley car park (across from the Sacred Heart School) and I think there is a beginners group. Buckley’s Bike shop would have details on it if you ask in there.

However, a cycle group organised by the Triathlon Club have started on Saturday mornings from the Park Hotel Mullingar and I went along for the first time last Saturday. I was nervous enough going over as I only had done about an hour a few times over the summer but it was grand. We cycled for over 2 hours and you’re doing so much chatting you don’t notice the time and distance flying by. Plus there was a stop after about an hour for some coffee and scones ;D It was only my first group spin but if you can travel to Mullingar it seems a good way to get into it.

[marydaly]

hi lisa, as you have been advised, there is training in tullamore harriers on tues and thurs . i will be there next tues before 6.30pm and i will make sure to welcome you aboard!! there are a few of us who compete in triathlon races. so hopefully see you then,
mary daly