Made the decision to get off that chair and get active? Someone you know doing a 5K and you think, "I could do that," but not sure how to start? Here's some places to read up and get started, for free, of course.
Running
Couch to 5K - I have to admit I didn't use this when I started. I'm not disciplined enough to keep to a schedule, but I know countless people who have had great success with it.
Landrunners - This group is a great way to keep yourself accountable. They have training groups in the spring and fall leading up to the two oklahoma marathons, you do not have to run the marathons or be a member to participate. They also have a 5K program and they keep tabs on other free training runs sponsored by local running shops and other businesses.
My tips to a beginner:
Be patient with yourself. It takes time for your body to adjust to running. Don't get frustrated (or at least try to be less frustrated) when you have to walk. The most important thing is to listen to your body, when your body says walk, it's saying it for a reason. Listen.
Cycling
Oklahoma Bicycle Society - A great organization. You don't have to be a member to ride with them, you just have to show up. They have rides that cater to all speeds. In my opinion the only way to become a better cyclist is to learn from other cyclists.
My tips to a beginner:
Don't worry about what you are riding, just find a bike for cheap (think garage sale, pawn shop or borrow from a friend) and show up. As a rule of thumb the skinnier the tires the better. Ask for help from a local bike shop or cycling club on adjusting the bike to fit you. This is important, if you do not have the right fit, your knee, back and shoulders will hurt. I hear this complaint a lot, all it takes is some minor adjustments to ride in comfort. Once you find you are hooked and ready to take a step up, then look at buying the right bike for you. The only other necessity starting out is a helmet, seriously, no you don't look like a dork. You look like you care about your brains staying in your skull.
Swimming
Total Immersion - Okay, so if you choose to buy this book or dvd it's not free, but you can find videos of this method on youtube. This is where I started.
My tips to a beginner:
Find a pool that has swim lanes. It's a pain to try and swim in a summer pool, there are too many people meandering. If you have no clue how to swim, seek help, either a coach or a knowledgeable triathlete from a local club. While any stroke will get you through your first sprint, if you want to do triathlons regularly nothing beats good form, even if you are slow (and if you have good form, you'll at least be a faster slow).
The only way to be a better swimmer is to get in the pool regularly. If you are in the OKC area I cannot rave enough about Mike and Marleen at OCCC tri club. They are happy to train anyone at any level. The group meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:00pm.
Triathlon
TriNewbies - I've heard great things about and have printed off a training schedule, we'll see if I can keep to it!
Beginner Triathlete - Another site for training schedules and brimming with information.
Triathlon Club of Oklahoma City - I just joined this group and don't know a whole lot about them yet. I do know they draw people from beginners to experts. I've only attended one event, so far they are pretty friendly.
USAT - Believe it or not there are rules to triathlons! And they aren't cover your ass rules, like no headphones during a foot race (seriously? Who shows up to a road race without their mp3 player?). Did you know there has to be plugs on the ends of your handlebars? Yeah, things like that. Definitely worth a read before you sign up for your first race.
