Getting ready for My 2nd Triathlon Season

[MarkU]

My first triathlon of the year is in just over three weeks (yes, I do love living in FL). I've spent most of the "off season" since my last race in October working on my running, which was definitely my weakness last year. I've mainly just been logging as many miles as I can at a "comfortable" pace. Some days it's 10 minute miles and others it's 12 minute miles. I'll probably throw in some interval training later in the spring to work on my speed, but at this point I'm more concerned about conditioning rather than pace - I'm never going to be that fast, but I want to make sure I can make it to the finish.
I've also been doing some longer bike rides and have picked up 2-3 mph through better technique and conditioning, so I'm excited (actually I think it's due to my Lance Armstrong LIVESTRONG bracelet).
I plan to do four races this year. All are sprints triathlons, generally a 0.25 mi swim, 13 mi bike and 5K run. Depending on how things go, I might try a longer Olympic distance race later in season (I'd be okay with the swim & bike legs, but I'm not up to doing a 10K run at this point).
I still expect to be in the back of the pack for my age group, but hope to improve significantly on my personal times from last year.
In the grand scheme of things, I just feel lucky & blessed to be here and able to do the things I am doing - and that my main limitations are due to my fifty-one year old legs rather than my heart...

Mark

 

[Les]

and that my main limitations are due to my fifty-one year old legs rather than my heart...

Man...I hear that! 1953 babies keepin' on! The best to you!

 

[tommy]

Mark,

Go for it. I think that tri's are in my future as well. I'm anxious to follow your progress.

 

[Alex]

Mark,

Keep up the good work. Consistency is the key to improving and you're doing that. Before you get into intervals you might want to consider doing a few pick ups at the end of your runs (telephone pole to telephone pole or 20-30 seconds) I.E. Gradually increase your speed to 80-85% then slow back down to your easy pace. This will make the transition into speedwork alot easier. You will also recover faster as it will be less of a shock and stress to your body.

PB - go for it, but if you don't make it, that's OK too. I always pick 3 goals for a race, if I attain one, I consider the race a sucess. Kind of like baseball, a lifetime .333 batting average puts you into the hall of fame.

And remember - Modest race goals often lead to supperior results.

Just my 2 cents for what it's worth.
Alex

 

[BillCobit]

Go Mark!

Go Mark!

Glad to hear you are still with the sport, Mark! Sounds like you and I are in the same general performance category. I'll be rooting for you from way up north (5 more months 'til the season starts up here).

Like Alex, I set 3 goals for each race. They are:

1) don't sink!
2) don't walk (olympic or shorter - I've walked liberally on 0.5 & 0.75 iron)
3) finish

I've never done worse than 2 out of 3

Tom - I think you'll find it's great fun...we're looking forward to that first race report!

 

[hensylee]

You go, Mark. We are paying attention and wishing you well.

Don't know about your 51 y.o. legs, but your 51 y.o. arms look pretty ok.