How to join the pirates? - Triathlon

Iron M.andel pirate

pirate

27/04/2009 at 12:29

Hi guys,

Am planning on doing my first triathlon this summer and someone said I should check out the Pirates website as it is a lot more relaxed than an official triathlon club (the phrase “bunch of jokers” was never used, honestly!) and would be a good place for info for someone who has never tried triathlons before.

I was wondering whether the Pirates are doing any smaller events this summer so I could come along and join in as it looks like a laugh. I know a lot of you are doing half-ironman and ironman but not quite sure I am ready to make that leap yet (although could be persuaded in the future!) as I tore my Achilles tendon a couple of years ago playing rugby and have only just got back to a level where I can run races again (did reading half marathon in March) and haven’t actually ridden a bike since uni. Was thinking about starting with a Sprint race to ease in gently – any ideas?

Lindi - Livin' the dream :-) pirate

pirate

27/04/2009 at 12:40

You'll find there are Pirates at lots of races, maybe even most by now - we get around a bit!!!!

There is no joining as such - you just need the kit, and it helps if you sign up for an Iroman too but we don't insit on that... well not to start with but you will be persuaded within 12 months..... if you can do a half marathon then of course you have ironman capabilities... in fact the Marshman in a couple of weeks time still has spaces! (or you could come and marshall to get a free place for their olympic distance race in September)

So first thign to do is dust off your bike and take it for a spin and then get looking for a race.

Where abouts do you live? someone will be able to suggest something local, or come out to support at IM Switzerland and do the olympic race whilst you are out there.....

The most important thing is to sign up to the Pirate philosophy - spend as much time eating pies as training

Stump

pirate

27/04/2009 at 13:16

Rugby?

Are you Welsh? Do you drink? Were you a prop forward?

I have a feeling that you bear all the hallmarks of Piratey greatness.

fat buddha

27/04/2009 at 13:17

"Are you Welsh? Do you drink? Were you a prop forward?"

does that mean me and Pebble are great???

Stump

pirate

27/04/2009 at 13:21

Absolutely Legendary

And given the size of you pair no one is gonna argue!

Iron M.andel pirate

pirate

27/04/2009 at 13:39

Ha ha ha.

No not Welsh, but do drink and was a front rower!

Thanks for the advice Lindi - am in Tooting in South London and can definitely follow a training regime that involves eating pies! Now just for the kit...

Dustboy

pirate

27/04/2009 at 13:43

Southwater sprint relays in September are very good and good pirate support. Brighton Marina is pretty good in September too. Both localish to you?

The Trickster pirate

pirate

27/04/2009 at 14:08

Stratford Sprint in 4 weeks (3 weeks?) will see a number of Pirates racing (that's Straford-upon-Avon!)

Bouncing Barlist pirate

pirate

27/04/2009 at 14:12

3 of the most popular Tri's amongst the pirates this year are:

10/05/2009 Stratford-Upon-Avon Sprint Tri

14/06/2009 Bala Middle Distance
05/09/2009 Vitruvian Middle Distance

The latter is full and it maybe a bit of a stretch to prepare for Bala with only 8 weeks till the event, you could always pop along and join other pirates supporting those racing.

seren nos

pirate

27/04/2009 at 14:38

bala is doable as long as you are aiming just to finish

Iron M.andel pirate

pirate

27/04/2009 at 15:00

Thanks for all the input everyone.

Am getting married in 4 weeks time so not sure the future Mrs Mandel will be thrilled if I enter a race just before or after the wedding (and am away on honeymoon for Bala so that one is definitely out anyway).

Southwater or Brighton sound a good bet though as it will give me enough time to get used to riding a bike again though and should be an easier intro than a half-ironman or something similar. Plus I know the area as well as grew up down that way.

What exactly does relay mean for Southwater? Does one person swim, one cycle and one run or does everyone do all three? If its all three that sounds fun and could be a winner! (alhough would need to find some teammates)

FerrousFerret

27/04/2009 at 15:36

Southwater relay is a team of three with each person completing the whole course (which is a bit unusual for a relay event)- keep an eye on this forum as there will probably be a thread for the event nearer to the time. http://www.a2tri.com/relay.aspx

Catchee Monkey

27/04/2009 at 15:39

My other half is doing Bala and Vitruvian, so I will be with dog by the sidelines. Be good to shout the pirates on. I shall dress the dog as a parrot.

Saw a few of you at the Marathon y'day too.

Pirates everywhere. . .

Catchee Monkey

27/04/2009 at 15:57

Is anyone doing the new forest one at the weekend (3rd May) it is an Olympic distance I think. Again, a cold dog and a cold monkey will be camping and supporting - but would be good if there were any other supporters about?

Edited: 27/04/2009 at 19:15

O.rangeCannon.... Extravalanza here I come! pirate

pirate

28/04/2009 at 11:04

how about the south coast triathlon - 15th Aug. Im doing the olympic and and mrs OC is doing a sprint.

http://www.fun2tri.co.uk/Southcoast-new/index.htm

never been to this before, but its a cheaper and hopefully nicer alternative to the london tri.

ps the pirates are a friendly bunch.....

Iron M.andel pirate

pirate

28/04/2009 at 14:32

Thanks OC - South Coast Tri looks a big possibility although may start with the Sprint one. Has anybody done this one before as I don't have a wettie yet and it says you don't need one unless you are doing the Olympic. Would I be a muppet if I didn't use one for the sprint or would this just be considered part of the Pirate spirit?!!!

Am also really keen to do Southwater relays later in the year so will keep my eye out for the Pirates thread in summer.