(Part 2) Top products from r/triathlon

Lots of good suggestions already. Here's my top 3.

1. Coaching. Like others said, just a few sessions should be a big help.
   
   
2. Total Immersion (Amazon Link). Great place to start with swimming technique. Also look at YouTube for related videos to demonstrate technique. Swim Smooth is also awesome.
   
   
3. Don't just swim straight distance. It's hard to maintain technique when you swim like this, especially as a beginner. Instead, split your workout into chunks.
   
   Example:
   

• Warm up // 4 X 50yd (30 sec rest between)
  
• Drills // 6 X 50 (6 different drills from above resources)
  
• Main set // 5 X 100 (15 sec rest between)
  
• Cool down // 2 X 100 (easy)
  
  That gives you 1200yds, but broken into chunks. Change up the main set between workouts; maybe one per week that still focuses on swimming 500 nonstop, but the other two days that break it into intervals of various sizes. See this example plan for an idea.
  
  And good luck! I was in a similar position when I first started swimming again as an adult. Getting my technique up to par was the hardest but most important thing. Now, after quite some time just getting comfortable and regaining proper technique, I'm finally able to focus on putting more power and stamina into my swim.
  
  One more bonus tip: I just picked up a pair of the Finis Agility Paddles. This might not be something you want to start using until you get your basic positioning, rotation, and catch technique dialed, but they have really helped me reinforce what true "high elbow" technique feels like in the water. They will quickly point out where your arm entry, catch, and pull technique has flaws. Again, might want to save those for after some coaching and basic technique work, but I've found some benefit from them as a continued technique reminder aide.
  
  Happy swimming!

> Any advice for a fellow chubby girl that so badly wants to participate in tris?

I'm a guy and was fairly large when I started triathlon (still large, but getting less so). The best advice I can give you is just go out and sign up for a local sprint and start training for it. You're not going to win that first one, so just focus on being able to finish it and have a good time. Slow is just fine.

Is there a race that's relatively flat? For example, here in the Portland, OR area, there are races out at Blue Lake and the course is so flat and calm - it's great for beginners who are less confident. Hagg Lake, on the other hand is really hilly - so it can be extra challenging when you're not in great shape and just getting started.

In my case, I had been a bike commuter (3 miles each way) and finally did a 5k. Steve, a friend of mine (and Ironman) said, "Zooby, you already bike, and now you run. You should do a triathlon.... anyone can do a triathlon!". After I finished my first sprint and it took more than 2 hours - he said, "time is irrelevant - you are a triathlete!"

I scoffed at the time, but I kept doing 5ks and then one weekend I went and swam* a half mile at the gym on Friday evening, then rode my bike 12 miles Saturday morning, then ran a 5k. I knew I could do the pieces so I signed up for a triathlon. Note: when I say "swam", my swimming was more of a dog-paddle and really slow. I'm still learning how to do a decent crawl stroke for the entire distance.

As for doing it at my weight... just train and do it carefully. "No Pain No Gain" is an idiot's creed. You really have to listen to your body, especially as an older and larger athlete. And you just can't let it bother you - you are what you are and it's not changing fast. Just turn out and do your thing. Everyone else there is doing their thing and nobody's going to give you a hard time for not being a 120 pound triathlon machine. Heck, I suspect a good portion of people at the event have had their own struggles with fitness and understand where you're coming from - if they notice at all, since most people are focused on their own race.

This book was really helpful and inspiring:
http://www.amazon.com/Slow-Fat-Triathlete-Athletic-Dreams/dp/1569244677

> Also, I've never done much swimming but with very little training I was able to swim 2000m in around 55 minutes a year ago

Get swimming and into competing. Swimming 2000m in a pool is one thing, but swimming 3800m in open water with about 300 gazillion people trying to get into the same direction while punching you with their hands and feets is something completely else. So try to go to the pool at least 3 times a week.

As for your training, you should focus on building a base in running, cycling and swimming for the first 3 or 4 months. Depending on where you live you might consider getting a bike trainer. Here is a great ressource on how to structure your base phase. In this phase throw in some short distance sprint and Olympic distance races to get your equipment and transition straight. Also, it is just pure fun to pin on a number and chase some chaps down instead of running alone. You might want to consider doing a 70.3 specific build/peak/taper period after that base to do a long distance race.

Then take a week or two off and jump into the 6-month ironman training plan. For plan recommendations, I find it best to pick up the Training Bible by Joe Friel. After reading this book you might not necessarily be able to design the perfect training plan for yourself but you'll be able to judge if the things written in a training plan are in line with your goals (or limiters).

If you want a more fine-grained answer please provide some additional information like age, current fitness (5k/10k pace, 60 - 100k Bike performance) and athletic background. Have you done triathlon races before? Also, how many hours of training do you have available a week? And what are your goals? Just want to finish? Any specific time in mind? Without it's hard to answer your question. A competitive runner transitioning into triathlon has to train differently from a college swimmer or somebody who hasn't been active in 5 years. Everybody has different weaknesses and with a year of training, you have the possibility to work on them.

Edit: Sorry for the long wall of text. Did not want to intimidate you.

The most important thing is figuring out your "why".

I used to be in the Army and was in great shape throughout my early 20s and then fell off the wagon for half a decade. At the start of 2017, I was 33 years old and 258 lbs, was eating like crap, was drinking far too much and hadn't exercised in over a year. My daughter was due in March and I decided I wanted to be a positive roll model in her life and wanted to actually be there to watch her grow up.

Since January of last year I have lost 50lbs, greatly decreased by drinking, completed 3 sprints and am signed up for an Olympic and half this year. During the training days I just focus on my 'why' and it gets me through it.

As far as how I did it:

1) Track calories on myfitnesspal and sync my gamin for calories burned from exercise. I've had my ups and downs, but overall it has been going well.

2) Set a goal race and start training. For my first sprints, I followed this plan, which really eases into everything: Tri Newbies 10 Week Plan. For the longer races, I've been using the Be IronFit Book and have been very happy with the progress.

I'd suggest springing for the HRM-TRI, regular HRMs are ~$40 on Amazon, HRM-TRI is ~$120, $80 difference and you get running dynamics and heart rate in the water.

As for the colors, man, it even seems inappropriate in casual attire, but I'll be ordering this Flat black strap on Amazon to try to subdue the watch, I'll try to upload/dm you pictures if/when I get it to give you a better idea of what it might look like.

I got mine yesterday, turns out it was $120 off, but if you don't want to drop $450, try the used ones on Amazon, then send it to garmin to have it refurbished for $110. The cheapest this moment Link is $280 with shipping, and it looks proper, but even if you get it refurbished, it'll still only run out to $390, saves you half as much as an HRM-TRI costs.

It has holes for one bottle, but I have a rear mounted cage: http://www.amazon.com/Minoura-Seat-Montsbh-300-Bottle-Holder/dp/B001B13J1E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1458167512&sr=8-2&keywords=Minoura

and a mount for an aero bottle between the bars. http://www.triboutique.ca/Profile-Design-Aero-Drink-Bottle-p/PDAERODRINKBOTTLE.htm?gclid=CMT5x9-hxssCFQktaQodR8cPCg

I really like having the bottle right in front of me vs. reaching down every time I need to drink. I can just keep sipping every 15 minutes or so and then refill from one of the rear bottles. The nice thing about the rear mounted cage is that it hangs nicely on the bar in transition with front facing out.

I read this book last year, I gave it a try to train with this method and I felt a positive difference in my season.

The book is all about training with a low heart rate (or your maximum aerobic function) and you will be able to go farther or faster with less effort. I really liked it because at the beginning you have to run or ride keeping your heart rate at certain beats and you feel that you're going very slow but at the end of the workout you feel fine and not super tired, of course as you train your times get better but you never feel exhausted.

Here's a couple of books I'd recommend.

1. Slow Fat Triathlete - This book is the beginner's book.
   amazon
   
   
2. Triathlete's Training Bible - This is the encyclopedia of triathlon. It can help you build a plan from an Olympic to an Ironman race.
   amazon
   
   You might check out the Minneapolis area for a tri club. I'm certain there is a good one up there. Some clubs have New Triathlete programs that can be really good.

Late to the game here but I would recommend [this] (https://www.amazon.com/FINIS-1-05-120-Tempo-Trainer-Pro/dp/B005TVYVI2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525976795&sr=8-1&keywords=finis+tempo). Slowly start to pick up your stroke rate. If you're gearing up for an Ironman than it's safe to say you have the cardio capabilities to swim sub 1hr, it truly is a matter of technique. Maybe dedicate more of your swim sessions to technique building as opposed to interval work

Be IronFit: Time-Efficient Training Secrets for Ultimate Fitness https://www.amazon.com/dp/1493017829/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_YBJXzbB9X3W4T

Not sure what your Triathlon goals are but still inspiring. Also, can easily skip around and read what interests you

Nice, I ride on a Kinetic trainer also

Got a good fan? I recommend this one, if you don’t have one: https://www.amazon.com/Lasko-4900-Pro-Performance-Velocity-Utility/dp/B001DNGSCM

I too practice TI from YouTube drills. So meditative. So enjoyable. Can now swim for what seems like forever.

As a matter of fact, the swim leg is now my strongest one! Too bad it’s such a relatively small part of the race.

Edit:
Meant to mention I also use earplugs and a metronome .

Bikehand Pro Mechanic Bicycle/Bike Repair Rack Stand :
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_RPJeAb27Z8MB0

It has really worked great for me, I highly recommend it. Can fold down to store away too.

Of course!

Most people have a tendency to overprepare for their first events. It's a
Natural thing, which is why it's a good idea to rehearse transitions a few times - you'll learn quickly what you need and what you don't.

A saddle bag will save you the time in fiddling with getting the stuff in your jersey, and you'll have to run a fair distance out of and into transition, and you'd risk something heavy like a co2/tire bundle popping out.

A race belt is an elastic belt for holding your race number that is easy to clip on:

https://www.amazon.com/VeloChampion-Triathlon-Race-Number-Belt/dp/B00AQ0TEL0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505413349&sr=8-1&keywords=Race+belt

I don't know anything about that one, but it should give you the right idea. I personally wear one with a magnetic clip.

Joel friels training bible is great. Everything you need to know about training for triathlon. Highly recommend.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1937715442/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_NtPFzbA19D93S

I really like Phil Maffetone's The Big Book of Endurance Training. I almost purchased the training bible, but I felt it was too technical for me right now (training for my first sprint). I purchased the 12 Week Triathlete instead. Very easy to read and understand. I am using the training plan (intermediate sprint) in the book for my first sprint.

Another good option: Swim Workouts for Triathletes: Practical Workouts to Build Speed, Strength, and Endurance (Workouts in a Binder) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1934030759/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_ZNy6xbPRZRBBQ

I have a Kurt Kinetic trainer and it's great. It's a bit pricey but worth it. Here is an Amazon link to it. Kurt Kinetic Road Machine

I don't think there's any substitute for training time. If you're really determined to make do with as little training as possible I'd still stick with something swimming/cycling/running based, like The Time Crunched Triathlete.

A few people mentioned race belts. I use this one. It holds like 8 or 10 gels (I only use a couple) plus your number. Strap it on after the swim and don't worry about pins or whatever.

I really liked "You are an Ironman" It is about normal people that complete an IM.

http://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Ironman-Warriors-Finishing/dp/014312207X

Thanks for the book recommendation! Do you worry about my lack of aerobic base? Does the book comment on this? Also, are the recommendations in the book dissimilar to CrossFit Endurance?

Here's an Amazon link for others interested in the book: https://www.amazon.com/Time-Crunched-Triathlete-Race-Winning-Fitness-Athlete/dp/1934030619

Total Immersion by Terry Laughlin. The other books are good too. Source: club/master's swim coach.

Yep.. You're looking for a BTA Bottle..

Check out Profile Design or XLab product. Both are good.
Example:
https://www.amazon.com/Profile-Design-Aero-System-Clear/dp/B00CXWNIBG/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1522976240&sr=8-7&keywords=bta+bottle

do you mean aerobars like these?

This is the one I’ve got strapped to my tri bike. Works well, though I had to cut the straw down a bit. Default was really high.

Profile Designs Aero HC System, Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CXWNIBG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_v5LmDb2WB4Z40

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AFLMJYY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_6QoQBbB6P7K14

Something like this will give you all of the adjustability that you need at a decent price

I've just finished reading this book. At one point the author talks about being totally naked during transition next to two naked women. no one cared, all about the race and focusing on the next leg.

One of these

Put your bib on it before the race and then at T2, you just pick it up, clip it on and you're done. Some have loops for gels, but since you're doing a sprint, you probably won't need a gel.

Alternatively, you can just get a new one for 200.

Bikehand Pro Mechanic Bicycle Repair Rack Stand https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00D9B7OKQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_nNB8kaNDX5Ewy

This bloke did something quite similar: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cant-Swim-Ride-Run-Triathlon/dp/1848187432

This Book gives some structured workouts

This -
http://www.amazon.com/Kinetic-Kurt-Machine-Bicycle-Trainer/dp/B000BNCA0Y

(purchased at your local bike shop. )

Lasko 4900 Pro-Performance High Velocity Utility Fan-Features Pivoting Blower and ... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DNGSCM/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_B09PDb836HR9B

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001B13J1E

your normal racebib and sometimes goo holders. with a belt you just pin it to the belt and then snap the belt on instead of fussing with pinning it to your trisuit or shirt before the bike. it was too uncomfortable to wear one under my wetsuit.

Climbing block. This one in particular is by CycleOps