I was making several edits to the Virginia Duathlon web site this afternoon and decided to sign up for the 2008 event at the end of March. I’m keen to incorporate biking into my training and one way to make sure I follow up with the good intentions is to actually sign up for a multi-sport race. I think the last time I took part in a duathlon was in 2004, so it will be interesting how the training goes.
The race comprises of a 5k run, followed by a 20 mile bike ride with another 5k run to finish it all off. There’s also a new venue for the event – Chippokes Plantation State Park – a scenic locale located between Petersburg and Smithfield on the southern banks of the James River, which is sure to be popular amongst the duathletes.
So, now the pressure is on. Not only do I have to train for a marathon on March 16th, but I have to fit in enough biking to compete in a duathlon 2 weeks later on March 30th. No doubt I’ll be doing a fair amount of indoor cycling during the week, but will be sure to get outside on the weekends to sharpen my bike handling skills 🙂 Should make for an interesting 3 or 4 months….
Hey Steve,
Good to see you back posting.
I was looking at this one a few days ago when I was plotting my 2008 schedule…If I can just get off my duff and get my bike to a bike shop to have them replace tires/brakes and set it up, it might be a go for me too.
Steve,
Great site! I’m trying to get ready for my first duathalon at the end of April (2m trail run – 12m mountain bike – 2m trail run). I turn 40 next week and have been running consistently since last June (12-15 miles/week)as well as weight training and some recent biking. Do you have any training regiment to recommend for my first duathalon?
Sounds like you’re doing all the right things. If you have access to the course, I would probably try to ride some or all of the bike course and check out where you’ll be running.
I would also practice biking after a run and/or running after a bike. It’s surprising how difficult it can be to transfer running muscles into biking and vice versa, but the more you do it, the easier it gets.
Good luck!
–Steve