I'm doing my first sprint triathlon in July and I have never done a lot of cycling or swimming. I have a decent road bike and I've just started cycling to work, which is just over 10k each way (it took me about 40 minutes each way yesterday, including stops at lights). I'm planning on doing this twice a week, weather dependent. With the cycle part of the race being 20k, how important is it that I do a longer ride at the weekend too? If I really *should* be doing it, then I can, but it just takes up a lot of my weekend... I think my boyfriend was hoping that now I'm done with the marathon, I'd have a bit more time free at the weekends.
During my rides to/from work, should I include some speed intervals and stuff? If so... what? I'm commuting in London, but there are a few long-ish stretches where I could pick up the pace.
I'm sure this is an issue that a lot of triathletes have... I have no idea how anyone finds the time to train for an Ironman!
Comments
Have a look at www.beginnertriathlete.com for some plans that will help you work out where you are and where you need to be
As a beginner, just ride as much as you can - once you feel ok riding twice a week, move up to 3 times, then 4.......
A longer ride at the weekend is nice to do, but does not have to be every weekend - how about 2 weeks out of every 4?
I do think you need to be spending a decent amount of time on the bike, and that will include longer rides, when you do them is up to you. One option is to extend your commute route by going a wiggly way, rather than extra rides. As has been said, another option is to get up and go early at the weekend- it is light from about 5:30 at the moment!
Basically up to a point that you don't have to worry about reaching the heavier your training load - which can mean more hours or higher intensity - the better you will be.
I am sure you will be able to complete the bike distance, even if you don't go for longer rides. However I would say that your biking is significantly weaker than your running, and that if you want to make the biggest impact on your overall time, that is a good place to put some work in. Actually your biking is not THAT much faster than your running. More time on the bike, and some longer rides (don't have to go silly distances) should see your bike speed increase markedly.
I did another bike commute today, and definitely feeling it in my quads!
A few people on here ride Richmond Park some evenings. A fine fellow called Dustboy usually initiates them. He also does a Beginners Ride of The Surrey Hills.
Hang around here and I am sure a thread will start re Richmond Park
Thanks for the tip, M...eldy