I want to be a triathlete/lifter (age 17)

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iloveher55

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Hello guys!!! Its my senior year of highschool and I just want to get in the best shape of my entire life. I figured being both a triathlete and lifter (and b-ball on the side) would be a great way to make this achievement. The thing about me though is... I am very injury prone. It sucks, and I hate it very much. During track season and cross country I would always run with my knees killing me and my shins always felt like someone was shooting at them.

I'm sure by now you are like "okay? Why do we give a damn? Whats yo ****ing question biaatch?" Well, one of them was should I be lifting before or after I do my bike/swim/run? Also, how often would you recommend to do each profession? I would thinking lifting 6days a week, running 5days a week, biking 4days a week and swimming 3 days a week (bc I hate swimming). Or maybe even doing it at two seperate times in the day? I would generally have time to do this, but I dont think I would have the time to work out twice a day almost every day... but ya the biggest thing about me is making it through this without destroying my knees and shins.

(also, one more thing I don't do lifting with my legs, because I dont want big legs, I really dont like how those look. I also do about 10sets of abs a day, if that is relevant at all...)

I am looking forward to your replies. :D
 
Before anyone can answer your question, you have to ask yourself what level of triathlete would you like to be, i.e, distance: sprint (typically 400 - 800m swim, 10 - 15mile bike, and 5k run), olympic length (1500m swim, 40k bike, 10k run), half Ironman (1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 run) or full Ironman (2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.4 run) and what level of athlete: able to complete, competitive in age group, or elite (e.g., professional or olympic team).

Tell us what distance and what level and we can tell you how much sweat and hours / week you are looking at to become a triathlete.

With the schedule you proposed, that should be sufficient to complete an olympic length or a half Ironman, maybe even a full Ironman if you trained long enough.
 
Tri

Congrats!! Less than 1% of athletes even attempt a triathlon. I agree with the other post. Give a sprint tri out to see what the feeling is like. For one thing just being around this type of athlete will inspire you. I gained so much just from the energy and spirit that permeates these event. Even though this is tough competition you'll find a real connection with people that are going for it. Very willing to share their training and race experiences these athletes are great motivational sources. I saw over weight people struggling up the hills but never quitting. People swam right over me, but I caught them later on the bike. Finishing under the banner without puking and hearing cheers was unbelievable.
Training will take up all your spare time, but somehow once you get into it you'll be surprised to see how you are able to manage the load. Read a good tri training book or check out experienced vets. Training splits are complicated so I don't feel qualified to comment on yours or recommend others. Keep up the weights and work the hardest on your weak events. Swimming is tough for me to train at especially cold open water, but this part is what sets elite participants from others.
I like off road events, because that's where I train. Actually I like training more than competing. Basketball is great but the risk of injury is high and there is nothing worse than training for months and some rookie stomping on your ankle the day before your event.
Your leg pain should be watched and don't worry about big legs. Swim, bike and running will give you just what you want for leg development. Eat right and often. Rest more than you think or want. Get really good shoes and a bike that fits your event and budget. Keep asking training questions and train like never before. Read what was mentioned in a previous thread about over training. Listen to your body. Swim bike run and have fun.
One added benefit is that women triathletes are awesome.
 
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