Third Try for a First Tri

Well, it's official. I have just registered for the Allendale Countryside Triathlon. I have been training Since January, so I have given myself enough time to develop my lungs and my swimming skills. This is the third year in a row training for a Tri, but I have not yet completed one. The first year, I did not give myself enough time to train. Three months was nowhere near enough for a guy like me. (At 205 lbs and 5'9", I am technically in the Clydesdale Division) I did not even register. The second year I trained for 6 months, yet my asthma proved to be the limiting factor on a unusually cold morning for a "summer" Tri. So, yes it's my third try for a "Tri" (Sorry-I couldn't help myself).

Much like my story last year the swimming is by far the hardest for me. While the training has been difficult, the experience has been priceless. It has been my intention to become better at identifying conditions related to this type of training. It also helps to know something about training schedules and equipment, as it relates to common problems.

One of the most common problems I see is running is TMTS or too much too soon. There should be no increase in mileage or pace by more than 10% per week. if you break this rule, expect to hurt. The pain can be anywhere, but most often seen is knees, feet and hips.

The second most common problem I see is neck pain from swimming. Any swim coach will tell you to breath every three strokes. This ensures that you alternate sides on which to turn your head to get above water. If you breath every two strokes, you will repeatedly rotate your head above the water on just one side. This will lead to overuse of the muscles on that one side, and the imbalance will create pain.

Bicycling has its own set of problems. The most common of which is the excessively rounded low back. The lumbar spine naturally curves a bit, and this is called lordosis. When this curvature is completely reversed, more pressure is created in the intervertebral discs. Some telltale signs are stiffness when you get off the bike, and stiffness and/or pain when you wake up the next morning. Considering that the discs are already loaded from being in the seated position, any additional load can prove to be very detrimental.

My other reason for completing a Tri is to help motivate my patients. Sharing with them my failures and successes helps them to realize it is not always the destination, but the journey that is important. Just get up and "Tri" ! (Last one, I promise.)