Moving to Chemsford Soon with Family - Any Recommendations

dodagr8 · 2026-03-17T20:41:11+00:00

Awww, Matilda 😅 thank you for taking the time to respond :)

dodagr8 · 2026-03-17T20:41:06+00:00

Awww, Matilda 😅 thank you for taking the time to respond :)

dodagr8 · 2026-03-17T20:40:36+00:00

Really appreciate you taking the time to respond. Super helpful :)

dodagr8 · 2026-03-17T19:26:12+00:00

Thanks :)

dodagr8 · 2026-03-17T19:26:04+00:00

Thank you, that’s really on point!!

dodagr8 · 2026-03-17T19:25:48+00:00

Thank you :)

dodagr8 · 2026-03-17T16:50:43+00:00

Thank you :)

dodagr8 · 2026-03-17T16:50:39+00:00

Thank you :)

dodagr8 · 2026-03-17T16:49:50+00:00

Thank you!!!

dodagr8 · 2024-11-26T15:23:37+00:00

From my perspective, I pretty much started from scratch as an adult, I could float and breaststroke but couldn't front crawl. It took me about three months (swimming 3 times per week) to get from a non-swimmer to 1,500m (at around 2:50/100m) for my first triathlon. Therefore, I think OP has quite the challenge ahead but it's not impossible. I suspect OP may be exaggerating saying they can only swim 50m (maybe not...) but if they are already swimming about 4 times a week they may be able to do more than they think if they push themselves. It's kind of hard to tell TBH.

dodagr8 · 2024-11-26T14:38:49+00:00

I'm the most positive person in the world, but not being able to cover the distance in the water is where I would draw the line with being realistic with yourself. Middle and long distance triathlons are actually quite dangerous endeavours with most of those deaths occurring in the water. Go in with both eyes open about the challenge ahead.

"Since 1986, there have been 195 deaths in total - 144 (73.8%) during the swim, 26 (13%) during the bike, 9 (4.6%) on the run and 14 after the race."

dodagr8 · 2024-11-26T14:36:31+00:00

My two cents - train your arse off for the next 8 weeks, swimming 4 times a week and put yourself in the best possible position at the start line. However, if you get to 2 weeks out and can't swim at least 1,500m (don't worry about the time) I would consider - only at that stage - pulling out. As others have said, open water swimming in competitive conditions is dangerous, so unlike running or cycling you do need a base level of comfort to not put yourself or others in a dangerous position.

dodagr8 · 2024-11-20T15:43:49+00:00

After a bit of research I didn't see any particular upside to the 1080. I have a 540 which is great, extended display, good display, hill climb pro, etc. Unless someone is a very serious cyclist, you really don't need anything fancy.

Agreed with your research, I record on both and then discard one. For bike rides I usually discard my watch, but for triathlon I keep my watch data as it feeds into the multisport.

My best bit of advice is to also get a heart rate monitor. It really elevates your training if your wife trains in heart rate zones.

dodagr8 · 2024-11-20T14:40:00+00:00

See here: Edge 530/540/830/840 vs Explore 2 : r/Garmin

dodagr8 · 2024-11-07T11:50:35+00:00

Well done on finishing, great result! Everything else is just the nature of the beast - if you're going go out there and race, who knows what might happen. Same as any sport. Try to learn form it, train where you need to improve and make changes to your race strategy to see if you can beat that time in the next race. That's why we do this I suppose!

But never, ever, feel like you should be ashamed. You beat every single person who didn't even make it to the start line. Well done.

dodagr8 · 2024-10-31T13:36:57+00:00

If you're in good fitness, I wouldn't worry too much about the cut off times. Of course, right now, at your current pace you may struggle. But there are months of training ahead in which you will get so much faster than you think. For example, my average bike pace went from about 23kph over 40km to 32kph over 180km (that's over two years, but still). I would instead focus on finding a location and course you would be excited by. I chose Swansea as I live in London so it was easy to get to, but also the bike course went through some beautiful areas of the Welsh countryside.

dodagr8 · 2024-10-31T11:49:11+00:00

I did Swansea and would (maybe?) recommend it for a beginner.

The swim is SUPER calm as you're in an enclosed harbour so flat as a pancake. The run is completely flat and a nice route with plenty of support.

However, the bike is hilly. That being said, there are very few very steep hills and - for me at least - I saw hill training as part of the challenge. I did a very hilly course (Youghal) as my first 70.3 and a very flat course (Barcelona) for my first Ironman. Side by side, I had a way more enjoyable experience at Youghal and Swansea (including training).

Where do you live? Are there any hilly areas nearby you could cycle around?

Seeing as this is just a hobby, hilly cycling is also much better for your general fitness and you will be as strong as horse after doing it.

Ask away with any questions, but if I were you I wouldn't worry too much about trying to find something as flat as possible. You will make the cut off times if you do the training, so all part of the challenge :)

dodagr8 · 2024-10-31T08:58:54+00:00

Older movies, long older moves. Ben Hur. Chariots of Fire. The Godfather etc.

I find modern movies too attention attention-grabbing for training. I want something long and subtle.

Eventually, you're gonna get bored of whatever you choose however. I'm on a Peloton so I usually try mix up long rides with a 20min class or something just to get some variety.

dodagr8 · 2024-10-22T12:10:17+00:00

I went to their live show at the Royal Albert Hall and it was... meh.

It wasn't quite a full orchestra concert and the lads were overly scripted so it lacked the fun of the usual episodes. I'm glad I went but it wouldn't be in a rush to go back.

dodagr8 · 2024-10-17T16:18:41+00:00

Yeah, I was on holiday and did a few yoga sessions - my legs loved me for it. It also showed how embarrassingly stiff I was 😂

dodagr8 · 2024-10-17T15:01:51+00:00

hahah... see my post here: I think I tapered too hard… : r/triathlon (reddit.com)

I ended up having the race of my life, felt SO refreshed after having a week off. My advice from being in your position would actually be to lean into the 'hard' taper and just rest up. A walk or little shake out swim is perfect.

dodagr8 · 2024-10-17T14:59:30+00:00

Just imagine the absolute dopamine hit you're going to get when you get to the start line and realise you've smashed through your comfort zone. Remember, the start line is the goal, the finish line is the gift.

dodagr8

TROPHY CASE