Riding to Conquer Cancer

Okay, I just signed up to participate in a bike ride to help conquer cancer. I am riding about 160 miles over two days (June 20-21) from Vancouver, BC to Seattle, WA (back to where I live) to raise money for cancer research and treatment. All funds raised by myself and other US riders will go (after expenses) to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, the world-renowned research center where I have had the privilege to work over the past 5+ years.

Won’t you please consider helping to cure cancer by becoming a sponsor? You can check out my progress at raising $2500 and donate by clicking on My Ride to Conquer Cancer Donation Page.

Thank you!

Paul

So You Want to Do a Triathlon. Part 5: Tips for Success

Here are some tips that may help you in your quest to do a triathlon.

• Start with a sprint tri. Train at least 3 months before your first race.
• Get shoes at quality running store with knowledgeable salespeople.
• Unless you are a great swimmer, get swim lessons and consider doing at least a couple of outdoor swims before your first race.
• Unless you are a great swimmer or you are swimming in very warm water, get or rent a wetsuit.
• Consider attending a triathlon clinic or camp.
• Get a decent road bike, bike shoes and clipless pedals. Only the super competitive need a "tri bike".
• Read up on the sport, especially on the transitions. Get a book or check out the many web sites including http://www.beginnertriathlete.com
• Find a training plan (check out books and online plans such as those found at http://www.beginnertriathlete.com) and go slow. Start training in the winter or spring for a summer sprint race.
• Do several brick workouts prior to your first race. A brick workout is when you do 2 of the three events in a race-like setting. This means swimming and then quickly jumping on your bike or biking followed by a run or a swim followed by a run. This will help condition your body for what to expect. It's especially important to do the bike/run brick workout. Also consider doing at least one tri workout where you do all three events back to back.
• Set goals early in the season and space out your races. Get lessons in which ever event you are weakest.
• Get a tri buddy or join a triathlon, running, biking or swimming group.
• If you develop running or biking injuries, see a sports doctor, podiatrist, or a sports physical therapist. In Seattle, I’ve had good success with Real Rehab physical therapy (http://www.realrehab.com). Many of Real Rehab therapists are competitive athletes.

So You Want to Do a Triathlon. Part 4: Finding a Race

So You Want to Do a Triathlon. Part 4: Finding a Race

Most triathlons are run outside with the swim portion of the race done in a lake. Occasionally, the swim will be in a river or the ocean. For a few races in the beginning of the season (typically, during May or June in the Northwest), the swim may be conducted in a pool. Most races in the Northwest will occur between July and September.

During the summer months, you can find one or more triathlons each weekend between Vancouver and Portland.

Popular races

• Nationally, for women, the Danskin Sprint Triathlon used to be the women’s triathlon series. http://www.danskinwomenstri.com
  These races tend to sell out very quickly, so if you are interested in one of these races (and you are a woman), you’ll want to check out their sites to see when they open for registration.
• Gaining popularity is another all-women race series sponsored by Trek. http://www.trekwomenstriathlonseries.com/
• For men and those women who either don't register in time or who prefer a smaller race, there are numerous other races from which to choose.
• Some of my favorites in the Seattle area include:
  • Seafair Sprint Tri. Seattle. July. http://www.seafair.com/events/triathlon
  • Federal Escape Tri. Federal Way. July Sprint and Olympic events. http://www.trifreak.com/federal_escape.htm
  • Escape from the Rock Sprint Tri. Mercer Island. September. http://www.envirosports.com/events/event.php?eventid=2329
  • Kirkland Sprint Tri. Kirkland. September. http://www.racecenter.com/kirklandtri

Race information can be found at:

• Running and cycling stores, triathlon stores and health clubs
• Most triathlon clubs will post local races on their web site.
• Online national racing sites:
  • http://trifind.com
  • http://racecenter.com
  • http://www.active.com

Cost of Races

Race fees range from $40-$60 for a Sprint to $500+ for an Ironman race.

So You Want to Do a Triathlon: Part 3: Equipment and Where to Get It