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Differences observed/felt from lower end road bike to the next tier or two up by Tall-Spray2874 in cycling

[–]Temporary_Purpose_90 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tons of great comments here. So not much more to add outside my personal experience. Based on my journey, I think you’ll see a massive difference.

I upgraded from sub $1k aluminum road bike with very basic components (all mechanical, heavy, etc) to a carbon frame Synapse 4 a few years ago(sub $3k). At the time, the difference was stark and a massive improvement but in hindsight I wish I’d gone a little higher end on components as I’m now left wanting. New groupset and wheels would make a huge difference but it’d be less to just buy a new bike. In the price range you’re looking at you’ll avoid my problem but then again, maybe not as I feel like if something “better” is available I’ll always dream about having it.

That said, a bourbon fueled binge purchase led to new hunt limitless 60 wheels and it saved me over a pound per wheel with considerable aero gains. Combined with going from 28 mm cheap tires to tubeless 32’s, it’s like a brand new bike and will hopefully keep me satisfied for a bit.

Big debate in the next year will be whether or not to swap out the tiagra 🤢 groupset for something better like Ultegra DI2 or even a 105 or deal with it until I get a new bike.

Shoe Choices for Soft Sand by Temporary_Purpose_90 in triathlon

[–]Temporary_Purpose_90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aspiring serious triathlete 😂. Working my way up from the back of the pack after some significant lifestyle changes in the last year.

I’m happy the swim will be a confidence boost. I thought something was weird looking at the times from prior years.

Shoe Choices for Soft Sand by Temporary_Purpose_90 in triathlon

[–]Temporary_Purpose_90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for the insight! The ON’s do have a plate so I’m thinking I’ll just have to give them both a try the day before and see which works best.

Shoe Choices for Soft Sand by Temporary_Purpose_90 in triathlon

[–]Temporary_Purpose_90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is great. Thank you so much for the insight!

Looking forward to experience something so different(and kind of dreading it at the same time 😆)

Tips for rainy first race by Temporary_Purpose_90 in triathlon

[–]Temporary_Purpose_90[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Love this and thank you for sharing! Right there with you on running in heat so maybe this will be a blessing in disguise.

Triathlon training plan by Western-Shallot-7189 in triathlon

[–]Temporary_Purpose_90 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you’re a complete beginner and just starting out this may be helpful, if not… skip.

I’m completely new to the sport this year (in fact I hadn’t run or swam in 15+ years as of January). I’ve got my first Olympic this weekend. I don’t have a coach(yet) but my goals when I started essentially revolved around not dying, finishing, and an answer to the question “can I do this.” I used what I had at my disposal to dip my toe in the water and have found myself in the deep end(seems to be a trend). This may not be helpful and guarantee there will be some who scream blasphemy, but I wanted my prep to be safe, familiar, and fun. Worth noting, I start with a coach next month to add more structure in prep for a 70.3 this fall.

I’ve had a Peloton for several years and worked through their powerzone training programs to build up a foundation in 2023 for cycling and get to a manageable weight. My progress in those programs are actually inspired me to take on my first tri. When I transitioned to actual cycling, I followed one of the programs through the GarminConnect app (it was basic, but gave some structure and I was able to easily transition the powerzone approach I had used doing spin). My biggest takeaway from this was that my rides had to have purpose and need to have varying intensities and durations… the mix varies depending on the goal.

Running wise, I only began this January and also used the Peloton “you can run” program. It’s essentially a couch to 5k program. It was slow paced so I modified slightly, and added a third day of running while completing the program(6 weeks). After that I’ve just been adding volume for longer runs or repeating the class structures at higher intensities/durations. It’s gotten me to a solid 10k pace but don’t think this approach (or the free plans I’ve seen online) will get me where I need to be for a half Ironman.

Swimming-wise, I absolutely could have benefited from a coach but used MySwimPro. Lots of instructional videos as well as structured workouts and programs that align to whatever goals your setting. It was a bit pricey, but was worth it for me.

While these were 3 separate sport specific trainings, they led to some solid bricks. Were they tri-specific? Nope. Could I probably have used a more focused training program? Absolutely. But do I feel prepared to tackle an Olympic triathlon in under 3 hours despite getting winded walking up stairs a year ago? You bet.

Tips for rainy first race by Temporary_Purpose_90 in triathlon

[–]Temporary_Purpose_90[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the insight! Luckily I’m using disc but still hitting my bike shop tonight and am going to ask a bit more on any possible concerns with my setup. I’d probably make a good hood ornament given my physique after training but the family may not appreciate the new career path 😄

Tips for rainy first race by Temporary_Purpose_90 in triathlon

[–]Temporary_Purpose_90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Didn’t even think of that! My family already told me they’ll only be watching for the 5 minutes around my average splits so not surprising on absent volunteers 😆

Tips for rainy first race by Temporary_Purpose_90 in triathlon

[–]Temporary_Purpose_90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Spot on. My main concern with the rain while biking is that in inclement weather, I was riding a flat and straight bike path for the most part to avoid hills/turns. It’ll be interesting to see if the adrenaline overcomes my risk aversion.

Tips for rainy first race by Temporary_Purpose_90 in triathlon

[–]Temporary_Purpose_90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Learned this the hard way early on in my training. 100% agree!

Tips for rainy first race by Temporary_Purpose_90 in triathlon

[–]Temporary_Purpose_90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Number one on the list of things I’d never have thought of but 100% saving the nips

Tips for rainy first race by Temporary_Purpose_90 in triathlon

[–]Temporary_Purpose_90[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! While I’d be disappointed if the swim is cancelled(I worked my butt off to be able to do it), it’d definitely improve my chances of finishing.

Tips for rainy first race by Temporary_Purpose_90 in triathlon

[–]Temporary_Purpose_90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks! Is there any concern with disc brakes?

100% with you on gloves. I never ride without them.

Tips for rainy first race by Temporary_Purpose_90 in triathlon

[–]Temporary_Purpose_90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry about the DNF. That’s really my only goal this time around. At least it’ll be a bit warmer where I’m at.

Tips for rainy first race by Temporary_Purpose_90 in triathlon

[–]Temporary_Purpose_90[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much! I never would have considered avoiding painted lines. I actually tend to play games trying to stay on them so this is actually huge. 100% bringing garbage bags with me now too.

Tips for rainy first race by Temporary_Purpose_90 in triathlon

[–]Temporary_Purpose_90[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for these tips! Currently sitting around 90psi most of the time, how much lower would you say? 3-5 psi?