The group of people I work out (and work) with convinced me to compete in a local triathlon. Anyone have any first hand experience with competing in one?

It's a .5 mile swin, 12.5 mile ride, and 5k run. I've been practicing the ride/transition with run immediately after and am averaging ~38 mins on the bike and ~32 mins on the run. Not spectacular, but not terrible...! So does anyone have any tips on where I can save time?

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-Justin

91 560 SEC AMG - other dogs dd
01 Honda S2000 - dogs dd
07 MB ML320 CDI - dd
16 Lexus IS250 - wifes dd

it's automatic.

hell no

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1984 300SD Orient Red/ Palomino
1989 560SEC
2016 Mazda 6 6 speed manual
1995 Ford F-150 reg cab 4.9 5speed manual

I'm sorry, did you say something about sitting in my chair, watching a football game?

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1987 560SL
85,000 miles

The tricks to endurance sports are to practice on longer stretches than what is called for by the race competition and also to select a slightly slower pace than you may want.

Practicing on longer spans by about 20% or so builds better stamina and a slower pace makes a huge physical and psychological difference.

As long as the event isn't sanctioned, a good stimulant about 3/4ths of the way through will give you a nice boost.................if it doesn’t cause your heart to explode.

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Toyota is a leader only because their drivers block everyone behind them. Oh what a feeling.

Do far more swimming as training then running the second most. In my personal experience that worked great for me as the swimming helps with the cardio and all over body strength- you will get weak during the event. Don't worry about the transitions, and get as much of a team together to cheer you on- the mental aspect of continuing can be hard on first timers.

If I may....

Just go and have fun. Maybe you have competitive friends: F that noise - Don't worry about your time- just practice the events, go in there and have a good time, help other people, high five some bystanders, smile and crack jokes - life is too short to kill yourself looking for a better time (or further risk injuring knees/feet/ankles...which puts a stop to all of this real quick...)
Do this one, and if it feels that good to you, remember your time this year, sign up for next year ASAP and try to better yourself.

...

That being said, I'd think that with some practice you could get your 5k run time down a little bit at least. Practice sprints in the middle of your run ?

-John

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