I'll start...


I am in central NJ and have been an avid runner/cyclist for the past few years, no racing though. This will be my first season where I get thrown to the wolves. I swam back in college so that's not going to be a problem, I love cycling and really got into it over the past couple years and have been running for the past 6 years or so.

My biggest problem was my weight lifting, I was too big and bulky to be fast, I am now down over 25 lbs from my peak and everything is getting easier and faster. I want to lose another 10 by beginning of the season and should be good to go from there.

I am going to start with some spring triathlons and olympic distance and see where to go from there. I am thinking about a half Ironman later this year, but we shall see...

I am awaiting my first tri bike, I ordered a new Specialized Transition, hopefully it will get here by April!!!

 

Does eat, drink and f--k count?

 

not a triathlete but I have done some road races, centuries, and marathons. can't swim.
most people here do MTB rather than road bikes.

 

Signed up for my first tri a few months back - Nautica NYC on July 20th. Congrats with the bike and best of luck with your training.

 

Thanks Elroy...I love that avatar, haha. I saw the triathlon you did on tv I think if it was the same one, I think that would be fun to do this year.

Was the course crowded or was it ok, I am always leary of NYC events because of the sheer number of people...

 

I have competed in one sprint tri, the Long Beach Half Marathon and uncountable 5K, 10K, and other races. Unfortunately due to a motorcycle accident I may never be able to run again. I am working on my cycling now, I ride a Serotta CSI with full Campy components. I may upgrade if things go well.

Good luck with the Tri and the new bike, hopefully I'll be able to join in the fun again.

 

Sorry to hear that EJO, I absolutely love motorcycles, but living in NJ I am too scared to ride. I hope your recovery goes well, those Serottas are really nice bikes, my father has a steel one that he really likes to ride.

I went to the bike shop the other day to get some updates on when it would be in, they had no idea when it would be, hopefully next month...

 

I do tri - it's huge out here. I do olympic distance and this year will enter a 70.3 (half-iron) at season's end.

My bike commute is ~10 mi. each way so I pretty much used that as cycle training... When I would get home after the bike commute, I'd jump right into running shoes and take a 6 mile run. I was already a good swimmer so getting into tri seemed natural.

I say compete in a sprint the first time out, even if you're in tip top shape. It will help you plan for transitions better and the field will be weaker. You will be passing people and it'll get your morale up for the longer races.

Triathlon is exploding in popularity right now so the popular races all get sold out. I entered a lottery for Escape from Alcatraz and it looks like I didn't make it this year... Next year... If you're serious about doing a real Ironman event (as opposed to a non-official Ironman), be it full or half, apply early!

 

Oh yeah, this site is helpful for planning your tri season:

http://trifind.com/