Slow Poke

[PrinceVlad]

Hi Guys

 

My first triathlon is next week (the 5150 Bela Bela) and I've sorted out other questions in my previous post.

 

I just want to find out now what your heart rate should be during the race. During my training I always use the heart rate monitor to train in the different zones. I also tried to google this, but most websites only talk about the heartrate during training.

In my previous running races and cycling races this year I could just not keep my heart rate down to the levels it was in training. The result is that I just slow down more and more to keep my HR down. Should I just forget about the heartrate monitor and go like I stole something or should I pace myself according to HR as mentioned above.

 

I also want to know how to program my Suunto Ambit 2S for the triathlon. I know it has a triathlon mode but does not make provision for the transitions, which I would prefer.

 

Thanks

[kingalton]

5150 is short enough to pretty much smash it all the way... that said, save a little for the run of course.. but smash it none the less..

[cobus3000]

Hey! Well done on entering your first triathlon!

 

During the race I never look at my HR, because then I would probably just stop...

I would suggest to only glance at it every now and then, but it is more about how you feel. If you feel you are struggling take it easy. No need to hurt yourself, unless you are aiming for a podium finish...

 

I have a Suunto Ambit. All I did was to set-up 3 different screens for the Tri: 1 for swimming, 1 for bike and 1 for running - each having the views I prefer when doing these individual legs. I then used the "Lap" function when I entered transition and when I exited transition. I also switched to the different screen view on my way out. That way you can see your times afterward for the different legs (or laps).

 

Just remember to enjoy it!!

[JanJan]

Lactate threshold is just a stepping stone to the next level.

 

I would recommend that you leave the heart rate monitor and 'training zones'.

 

It is your first triathalon, so rather focus on the scenery, energy and atmosphere of the race.

 

Pacing Guideline:

 

If you are able to small-talk with the people next to you: you are going to slow.

If you feel the arteries in your head pumping; you are going to fast.

[Jigghead]

What a lekker race that is. Not sure what your HR should be, but make sure you keep enough gas in the tank for the run. You're not going to make too much time up in the swim, but if you push to hard on the bike, you'll k~k off on the run.

 

That's what happened to me for my first tri.

[travisza]

Take it easier than you think on the bike. You'd probably be in zone 4 for most of the race I'd guess but it depends on your training.

 

Just remember you're going to be racing for anywhere from 2 hours to 4 hours depending on how fast you are. So remember that when you get onto the bike....can I hold this effort level for another x hours?

[travisza]

Take it easier than you think on the bike. You'd probably be in zone 4 for most of the race I'd guess but it depends on your training.

 

Just remember you're going to be racing for anywhere from 2 hours to 4 hours depending on how fast you are. So remember that when you get onto the bike....can I hold this effort level for another x hours?

Also I'd have to point out that "smash it" is a very loose term. If you go out at 100% on the bike during an OLY I guarantee you will have the worst 10km run of your life. You need to go as hard as you can on the bike without making your run suffer.

[kingalton]

Also I'd have to point out that "smash it" is a very loose term. If you go out at 100% on the bike during an OLY I guarantee you will have the worst 10km run of your life. You need to go as hard as you can on the bike without making your run suffer.

Agree - Smash it is very loose indeed - if you have done a few brick sessions in training, you should know how you feel coming off the bike onto the run.. take it easy when you start running, I always feel super strong when I start the run and realised very quickly that the strength drains very fast... rather start slow and build the pace if you can.. on the bike give it a good go, but don't kill yourself! For your first tri, rather finish thinking I should have pushed it a bit harder, better than blowing up on the run and hurting all the way home... remember to stretch the legs in the last few kms of the bike, stand up, drop your heels, stretch the legs out as much as possible, will really help the transition to the run... enjoy the first one, its a super experience...

[travisza]

Agree - Smash it is very loose indeed - if you have done a few brick sessions in training, you should know how you feel coming off the bike onto the run.. take it easy when you start running, I always feel super strong when I start the run and realised very quickly that the strength drains very fast... rather start slow and build the pace if you can.. on the bike give it a good go, but don't kill yourself! For your first tri, rather finish thinking I should have pushed it a bit harder, better than blowing up on the run and hurting all the way home... remember to stretch the legs in the last few kms of the bike, stand up, drop your heels, stretch the legs out as much as possible, will really help the transition to the run... enjoy the first one, its a super experience...

I had this image of Vlad swimming as hard as could, then getting onto the bike thinking "40km time trial", followed promptly by 10km of walking......the whole time thinking "kingalton said smash it"

[DJ84]

In a race the only time HR matters is when it is stopped.

 

Focus on how you feel as adrenaline and all the others around you help in dragging you further and faster.

 

like everyone else, save yourself for the run, you will lose or can gain the most time there.

[kingalton]

I had this image of Vlad swimming as hard as could, then getting onto the bike thinking "40km time trial", followed promptly by 10km of walking......the whole time thinking "kingalton said smash it"

hahahaha - glad we cleared it up then...

[kingalton]

In a race the only time HR matters is when it is stopped.

 

Focus on how you feel as adrenaline and all the others around you help in dragging you further and faster.

 

like everyone else, save yourself for the run, you will lose or can gain the most time there.

LIKE - Tri is often about NOT losing time, push too hard and the 5 minutes you make up on the bike, can add 40 minutes to your run.. last year on the Rockman I smashed the bike pretty hard, was lying top 10, then got such a spasm in my back that I pretty much walked the run and ended WAY back..

[IceCreamMan]

ideally for endurance events your HR should be in zone 2.... 5150 is not really enduarance though as its short enough to go all out.....not sure things like cardiac drift will even come into play as it sounds like you have been training nicely . so just go for it , as others have said leave the HR monitor at home and just enjoy the experience....

[SwissVan]

Hi Guys

 

My first triathlon is next week (the 5150 Bela Bela) and I've sorted out other questions in my previous post.

 

I just want to find out now what your heart rate should be during the race. During my training I always use the heart rate monitor to train in the different zones. I also tried to google this, but most websites only talk about the heartrate during training.

In my previous running races and cycling races this year I could just not keep my heart rate down to the levels it was in training. The result is that I just slow down more and more to keep my HR down. Should I just forget about the heartrate monitor and go like I stole something or should I pace myself according to HR as mentioned above.

 

I also want to know how to program my Suunto Ambit 2S for the triathlon. I know it has a triathlon mode but does not make provision for the transitions, which I would prefer.

 

Thanks

Pace yourself so that you can enjoy the whole event, after all it is your first tri and there will be others that you can smash once you have a bit more race experience. Wear the HR monitor so you can analyze the data afterwards, but don't be afraid to exceed your normal training zones....aim to finish strong on the run. Enjoy

[Rocket-Boy]

Leave the HR monitor at home, that is the best advice I can give.

Race at a pace you can sustain comfortably for 3/4 then go hard for the last bit.

[DJ84]

LIKE - Tri is often about NOT losing time, push too hard and the 5 minutes you make up on the bike, can add 40 minutes to your run.. last year on the Rockman I smashed the bike pretty hard, was lying top 10, then got such a spasm in my back that I pretty much walked the run and ended WAY back..

 

Im a horrible runner so i know i need to save my energy for that.

Also have a bad knee so need to be strong, as soon as i get lazy it starts to hurt and i start to walk/limp.

 

Never nice to see the field getting away when you have fought so hard to stay up there.