To Du or Not To Du?

Posted on June 12, 2015

Friday, June 12, 2015

I'm thinking of signing up for a Duathlon. I can't believe I'm even considering this! It would be a 5K run, followed by a 15 mile bike ride, ending with another 5K run. There are two Duathlons coming up in my area: the Minneapolis Du in August and the Park Tool Du in September.

I can do each component separately. I biked 10 miles twice this week and could have done more easily. While I can't run 10K yet, I know I could finish if I'm willing to do walk/jog intervals. If I'm doing intervals, it seems like I should be able to finish the race, even if I"m slow compared to the more serious runners and cyclists.

One complicating factor is that I broke the 4th toe on my right foot on Sunday, so I can't start training right away - but I had been running before this and should be able to start interval work again in a week or so. I'm not going to register for anything until I'm able to run again, but I am thinking through the pros and cons.

Duathlon - pros:
* Definite focus for training
* Focus for nutrition/diet
* I'd get a medal! (it's ridiculous how motivating that is for me)
* Would be a huge physical accomplishment

Duathlon - cons:
* I might not be able to finish
* I might get injured if I'm not physically up to the challenge
* I might finish last
* I might have to walk my bike up a hill
* If I love it, it could become a very expensive hobby - I'd want a new bike, etc.

Today I'm going to scout out one of the bike routes (in my car, but still better than nothing). Then, I'm going to keep cycling while my toe heals. When it's healed, I will start "brick" training (run-bike or bike-run). Once I get a sense for how my body reacts to that training, I'll decide to Du or not to Du!

What do you think? Have you done an endurance event like this before (half marathon, marathon, duathlon, triathlon)? What was your experience like?

Comment Now!

Jocey

06/14/2015 6:03PM

If your toe is healing properly and won't be a factor - go for it!!! And don't worry about finishing last - odds are that you won't, but someone has to and it's better than not even trying. Really, we need to keep in mind that these sorts of things are about beating the clock (if you must "beat" something) and not the other participants. I haven't done anything longer than a 5K in a race environment and 11K on my own - so I can't give you any other pointers.

Suzanne B.

06/13/2015 4:29AM

I'm not a runner, so no I've never done anything like this. Sounds like a great challenge! I think that when it comes to exercise, we have to enjoy it. It makes you get up in the morning and not dread it. You are motivated, so you will do the training. Good luck, I'm sure you'll do great.

Yup

Ok, as far as your cons go (for me anyway), numbers 1/3/4 have no bearing unless they would impact you significantly personally. Someone has to come in last (you've beat everyone sitting on the couch), starting is a coup in and of itself, you (likely) won't be the only one getting off the bike and if you are -- that's ok. As for 2, it's the toe that concerns me the most -- especially with only 2 months to heal. It may impact 1/3/4. And 5, you can cross that bridge if/when it comes. I find it admirable that you are even considering it. Wish I had that kind of courage. Me, I'm still trying to ramp up for a 5k. I think it's cool you are jazzed for the medal. I'd be working for a really nice night out afterwards. :-) Regardless, best of luck and I love your mindset.