1/2 Marathon or Sprint Triathalon?

[Nennie]

Have you completed either? Or both?

Which do you think is harder to complete, and why?

The reason I ask, is that I'm currently doing the C25K, and my goal is to do a 5k first (of course!), but then I really want to try to do a Sprint Triathalon and 1/2 marathon someday too.

My goal is to finish, and I don't care if I come in last, but I want to do the whole event without having to walk, and also finish within the time limit of the course. Which one do you think would be the easier of the two to train for first?

I'm thinking the Sprint Tri b/c it's broken up more and is "only" a 5K at the end of doing the swimming and biking...but then again, I know I'll be so spent from the first 2 parts that the 5K will be a lot harder than a normal 5K.

Anyone done both? What do you think?

P.S. Yeah, I know I have to get through the 5K first! LOL!! Just thinking ahead, and trying to set goals!!

 

[lillygator]

for me the 1/2 would be harder....I like the sprint's - you get a change up, but then running isn't my favorite thing to do.
I started with 5k, a meek and might tri and then a few sprints. planning on the Mad Dog one next month!

 

[Deb in IA]

I'm a runner, but my husband has done several triathalons, including a 1/2 Ironman.

In his experience, it is MUCH harder to train for a triathalon.

You have to train in all 3 events. It is really tripling your training, and unless you can do at least 2 sessions a day (ie. run in the morning, bike in the evening, or swim in the morning and run at night), it is really difficult to be ready.

 

[FireDancer]

I've done 11 halves and will be doing a sprint in the future. I think the half is easier only because it involves one discipline and not 4 (swim, bike, run, and transition). Yes, the distance is longer for a half but you can get in a rhythm and go.

Also, the aerobic base you build up training for the half will be a good start for the sprint tri.

 

[mtemm]

I think around 3 years ago my sister started with sprint triathalons, then built up to longer ones. she just completed her first half marathon in march. for her, that was definitely harder, but then she is a stronger swimmer/cyclist than she is a runner.

 

[SAHDad]

For me, a sprint tri would be much harder. I could handle the bike without a problem, same for the running, and I could probably do a quick transition.

But I have the same hydrodynamic properties as your average brick. I do not float. Well, technically I do . . . .several inches below the surface at my highest point. (Even floating on my back is difficult - my legs drop if I don't actively try to hold them up. . . and then my torso follows, and then my face. )

I would much, much, much rather run a half than do a sprint tri.

 

[Nennie]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

Sounds like the good runners think the 1/2 marathon is easier, and not so good runners think a tri is easier.

Problem with me is I'm not good at running, but also not good at cycling either! LOL!!! Guess I will continue with my C25K, and start swimming and cycling for cross-training, and see which I "feel" ready for first! I think it will also depend on what opportunity comes up first too, once I feel I have the endurance to go for it!

Thanks again everyone!!!

 

[Buckalew11]

I'm a runner, but my husband has done several triathalons, including a 1/2 Ironman.

In his experience, it is MUCH harder to train for a triathalon.

You have to train in all 3 events. It is really tripling your training, and unless you can do at least 2 sessions a day (ie. run in the morning, bike in the evening, or swim in the morning and run at night), it is really difficult to be ready.

I've done 11 halves and will be doing a sprint in the future. I think the half is easier only because it involves one discipline and not 4 (swim, bike, run, and transition). Yes, the distance is longer for a half but you can get in a rhythm and go.

Also, the aerobic base you build up training for the half will be a good start for the sprint tri.

Both so true. The muscles you use to bike with are different than running so you really do have to train in all 3 PLUS transition. Transitioning is harder than it would seem. I saw people at DH's Ironman race falling off their bikes during transition.

I'd probably do a race where you do 2 things and build up to 3. Having done a half, I feel sure the tri-s are harder.