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A few questions before starting Triathlon


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Posted

Hi Guys

 

I want to start taking part in Triathlon event from Jan next year. I have searched the forums and got most of the info I require.

 

Little bit about me:

 

I have been training with cycling for 20KM and then running for 4KM. I will be adding the swimming from tomorrow. So from an exercise perspective I should be fine. I have the basics for swimming, running and cycling.

 

Questions:

 

1. I only have a mountain bike can I compete with that?

2. I'm trying to find a calendar of sprint events in Gauteng?

3. Do I need to register with TSA now or can I pay registration at every event?

4. Any advice on what to expect for my first race. Can I just show up and get started?

 

Thanks

TheGuy

Posted

1) Yes, you can compete in all triathlon events except for IM and 70.3 with a MTB as far as I know

2) Sprint triathlons are few and far between. After the BSG series, its only Joburg city tri's, Buffelspoort Xterra, BSG ultra that I know of have sprint distance options on the calendar for the second half of the season.

3) No, don't register unless you are serious about provincial champs

4) Just show up and don't get too stressed with all the people in the water. It's okay to get kicked or to get an arm in the face, just relax and swim your own pace!

 

Enjoy, its one hell of a sport, and be sure NOT to miss Xterra, seeing that you have a MTB. Its a seriously awesome event.

Posted

1. MTB should be fine for most sprint events - Although you should really try XTERRA ;)

2. Events; http://www.triathlonsa.co.za/Public/SearchEvent.aspx but then the tri season is in full swing, might even be winding down with the BSG Energade series completed, and SA champs etc coming up. Double check the year field when you do a search/filter!

3. You can pay the day license fee. Might be cheaper, depending on the number of events you want to do. TSA license calender is from 1 Sep to 31 Aug

4, Have fun!

 

NOTE: Duathlon season is starting up, you might want to consider doing that through the winter. National sprint series starts in April: www.duathlon.co.za. Alternates MTB/Road events

 

Test yourself with duathlon - it is tougher than triathlon (OK now all the tryahtelites will try and roast me!)

Posted

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

@rudi I have done a Midmar before so have an idea of the madness at the start :)

 

@Robox will definitely look at the Duathlon series.

 

Two more questions:

I only have cycling pants. Can I swim and run in those?

I have a wetsuit that was used for Body boarding. Can I use that if they require I use a wetsuit?

 

I entered for the Buffelspoort lite super excited

Posted (edited)

Thanks for the advice guys.

 

@rudi I have done a Midmar before so have an idea of the madness at the start smile.png

 

@Robox will definitely look at the Duathlon series.

 

Two more questions:

I only have cycling pants. Can I swim and run in those?

I have a wetsuit that was used for Body boarding. Can I use that if they require I use a wetsuit?

 

I entered for the Buffelspoort lite super excited

Pants:

run: yes, quite a few do that. Go to a tri shop (troisport, tribe multisport, etc) and get proper tri pants. They are expensive though. Some brand names: Orca / 2XU / TYR.My Orcas has a very thin shammy, nice to run in although I've ridden 70km in then with no side effects. My 2XUs has a thicker shammy - less than cycling sorts, but quite comfy. I've not been impressed with the TYRs. In the end it is about fit. so fit them and decide for yourself. Look out for extra pockets for gels, etc. Back, above bum, on legs etc.

 

Shirts/singlets do not generally have pockets. That said, on the sprints the distances are short, you can tape a gel or 2 to the bike. and get water at the support stations. Cycling shorts might feel like a wet nappy after a swim? (I only do the run & bike thing for fun - swimming for me is a survival skill, not a sport)

 

wetsuit: cannot answer

 

Do not get taken by the glitz and glamour of some triathletes. In the end you do the distance, not your equipment!

Edited by robox
Posted

Thankx Robox, some very useful info.

 

One question - where should I go look for the tri suits/wetsuits? Good brands, competitive prices, etc? And how much can one expect to spend on a good quality product, that will last (obviously not the best in the range, etc)?

 

Thanks again

Posted

Thankx Robox, some very useful info.

 

One question - where should I go look for the tri suits/wetsuits? Good brands, competitive prices, etc? And how much can one expect to spend on a good quality product, that will last (obviously not the best in the range, etc)?

 

Thanks again

 

For swimsuits I can only recommend Terry from Xterra wetsuits. His service is great, and they offer a trade-in option that no-one else has. I will soon trade in my first Xterra suit for an upgrade which will set me back about R900. If I didn't have that option it would've been R3000+...

 

Here's a tread that will give you some reference on Xterra with Terry's details:

 

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/119530-wetsuits-complicated-or-not/page__hl__wetsuits

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