I am contemplating duathon, set me straight or something

[SuziSaysDa]

I have this crazy idea that I want to sign up for a duathlon at the end of September and another one at the end of October.  Both are actually a week after a half marathon, that is not a concern, but considering my current training/fitness level, will I be ready and what should I do differently to train while still prepping for my half?

Here is where I am currently:
Run 3 x a week (2x ~4mi, and a long run)
Spin 3 x a week (2x 30-40 min, 1x 60 min)
lifting/bootcamp and yoga thrown in for good measure a few times a week
~I have one off day planned every week, but allow myself to take an unplanned day off if I am feeling overly tired - this works for me.

The kicker, I have not actually been on my road bike in over a year.  I plan to get it to the shop this week to get it tuned up, then I can start riding again.  Last time I rode my bike I was doing 30-50 mile tours no problem.  I am hoping the spinning will help me get up to speed quickly on the road.

The races:
Sept 29 dist 2/9.5/2
Oct 27 2/10/2 or 3.1/18/3.1

I feel like this is nothing and I can easily be ready, but those in the know am I kidding myself? Is this crazy?  Do you think I could handle the longer distance on the second race (I have to register before I do the first, so don't know how I will feel at that distance)?

Also, any advice or training plans you recommend?

[Deleted]

I think your training is fine for those distances. As long as you take your road bike out for at least a couple 1.5 hour rides, you'll be prepared enough to finish. Your runs are fine to complete two sets of 2 to 3.1 mile runs. Not saying you'll podium or anything, but you'll be fine.

[Susie]

Yeah, I think you're fine. You'll want to get some longer rides in if you want to do the 3.1/18/3.1, but you could do it if you plan & prepare for it. It's still 2 months away. Try to do some bike-run bricks in the intervening weeks, just so you get a little used to how it feels to get off the bike and run. You don't have to run far, but after your ride, run a mile or so. Jello legs can throw people if they are not expecting it.

[Deleted]

I'm not sure if it's the same in your area as it is in mine, but duathlons are far less popular than triathlons. 

I've actually placed top three in my age group and gotten a medal in races where there were no more than three people in my age group. That can be a nice benefit. 

[emilyj]

I think you would be fine. Get a few long rides under your belt before the October race, but I think given your current level of training, you would be fine with these.

[So_Fetch]

You've totally got this! You have plenty of time to spend more time on your bike and you'll be super solid. Have fun!

[finallykrisb]

Aug 28, 2013 14:04:43 GMT -5 @canadiandrone said:

I'm not sure if it's the same in your area as it is in mine, but duathlons are far less popular than triathlons. 

I've actually placed top three in my age group and gotten a medal in races where there were no more than three people in my age group. That can be a nice benefit. 

This. I got second in my AG and qualified for the USAT nationals. It's an ego boost for sure!

[SuziSaysDa]

Ha, if I placed it would be a Christmas miracle. I am just looking to have a little fun. My ultimate goal is triathlon, but until I have time to work on the swimming I asked myself why is that beautiful bike hanging on the wall and not being used?

So I am doing something about it.

I am excited, the races seem so short that I was concerned I was overestimating what it will take. Thanks for the confidence boost. I am excited to get my bike off the wall and on the road again, once I get it to the shop for a once-over.

The race in October is giving tank jerseys from Moxie Cycling - and I am a sucker for swag.

[patches31709]

Aug 28, 2013 14:04:43 GMT -5 @canadiandrone said:

I'm not sure if it's the same in your area as it is in mine, but duathlons are far less popular than triathlons. 

I've actually placed top three in my age group and gotten a medal in races where there were no more than three people in my age group. That can be a nice benefit. 

I fully admit that this is a reason I do duathlons. Want a trophy? Do a du where you're the only person in your age group! (Although I do have to say, in my first du there were 4 people in my age group and I was second).

[katinthehat]

totally good to go! just do some practices where you run then bike so you're use to starting the bike with a higher heart rate

[kams]

Fun! Do it!

Definitely get some brick workouts in, and some riding on your bike. I find dus to be particularly tough, so for me it is always a good bet to be really conservative on the first run. BUT, I'm not a strong runner, so you may not find that to be a problem.

[blndsnbrdr]

I think you're fine with your current training. Mix in some brick work and time in the saddle and you'll do great.

Those distances on a bike are completely do-able without a ton of training, depending upon how competitive you want to be. Actually, the only duathlon I've done was a relay with DH and he rode 15 miles on a mtn bike with no training and we both survived.

Do it...it'll be fun!