Choosing a bicycle is one of the more stressful, yet exhilarating parts of getting into serious triathlon training. Although many a good race can be won on lesser of a bike (it has been told to me that a bike is only as fast as its rider is strong), there is a certain rite of passage that comes with the purchase of that first "real" bike. But with that purchase comes many decisions ~ will it be aluminum or carbon? Will it be strictly a road bike or a more sport-specific tri bike? Will you spend your money on a quality frame and lesser components for the time being, or will you spend less now and just upgrade the entire bike in five years if you "really" get into the sport? There are so many options that it becomes very confusing as you delve into the decision making process. I will attempt to break down the pros and cons of the different bikes and components to help the newbie make sense of it all.Sunday, November 29, 2009
It's Not Your Average Bicycle...Part I: Before the Purchase
Tri-Newbie Tutorial
Choosing a bicycle is one of the more stressful, yet exhilarating parts of getting into serious triathlon training. Although many a good race can be won on lesser of a bike (it has been told to me that a bike is only as fast as its rider is strong), there is a certain rite of passage that comes with the purchase of that first "real" bike. But with that purchase comes many decisions ~ will it be aluminum or carbon? Will it be strictly a road bike or a more sport-specific tri bike? Will you spend your money on a quality frame and lesser components for the time being, or will you spend less now and just upgrade the entire bike in five years if you "really" get into the sport? There are so many options that it becomes very confusing as you delve into the decision making process. I will attempt to break down the pros and cons of the different bikes and components to help the newbie make sense of it all.
Choosing a bicycle is one of the more stressful, yet exhilarating parts of getting into serious triathlon training. Although many a good race can be won on lesser of a bike (it has been told to me that a bike is only as fast as its rider is strong), there is a certain rite of passage that comes with the purchase of that first "real" bike. But with that purchase comes many decisions ~ will it be aluminum or carbon? Will it be strictly a road bike or a more sport-specific tri bike? Will you spend your money on a quality frame and lesser components for the time being, or will you spend less now and just upgrade the entire bike in five years if you "really" get into the sport? There are so many options that it becomes very confusing as you delve into the decision making process. I will attempt to break down the pros and cons of the different bikes and components to help the newbie make sense of it all.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Twenty Weeks of Training Begins
I have embarked on another round of intense training and this one I expect to be more trying and challenging than previous efforts. Twenty weeks of building technique and speed in three different disciplines ~ swimming, biking, and running. The past few weeks I have been on a bit of a hiatus in mental preparation for what I expect to be quite an undertaking. Over the next few months I hope to complete at least one half marathon, continue to face down my fear of open water, and improve my speed and endurance in cycling. I'll need to learn to swim in a wetsuit, run a long distance without my music, and condition my butt for long distance rides on my bike.
I hope to be able to relay through my journaling more than just the day-to-day training that will go into my half-Ironman experience, but also the things that inspire me...the people, the stories, and the research that goes into making me a better athlete.
I hope that when I'm a "senior" having just won my age group in the full Ironman competition, that I can look back at this blog and laugh at how it all began. In the meantime, I hope I can bring a few laughs to anyone who is interested enough in me or in triathlons, to follow along with me. Welcome!
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