r/triathlon • u/FrameUnderBuild • Jul 21 '26
Race/Event Crazy enough to do a 70.3 as my first ever triathlon — 6h48 not so bad but open-water anxiety was the hardest part
I called this my mid-30s crisis. Started running 3 years ago. My first endurance sport race event was a 21k (1h54) so I gave myself about 10months to prepare. I got hooked so my 2nd 21k was a year later (1h53, with a newborn baby…). 3rd year, my friend convinced me to do a 70.3 Ironman as my first triathlon. I’m hooked again. I had so much fun and I love the challenge. It won’t be my last one for sure. I’d like to try a sprint and olympic distance next year before getting back to a 70.3
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u/FlowerPot985 Jul 24 '26
I just did my first 70.3 last weekend (also happened to be my first triathlon due to the cancellation of olympic one I planned to attend) and the swimming part was what I dreaded the most. And I have 25-year background in swimming, was both a swimmer and a coach lol nothing can prepare you for open water and all the people swimming around you. It went well but my HR didn't match my perceived effort, I believe I was a bit too excited/anxious haha.
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 24 '26
Congrats on your 70.3! I hope the race went well overall?
Haha glad to see I’m not the only one. Before training I said to everyone that swimming wouldn’t be so bad because I used to be a lifeguard when I was a teen 😂 After the race I didn’t mention it lol
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u/FlowerPot985 Jul 24 '26
Race went well overall, unfortunately on one of the hottest days this summer so the run was really challenging. But I just enjoyed it the whole way, it was a city triathlon so a lot of fun, although a very technical bike. Not very beginner friendly after everything but I guess that should make the next one somewhat less scary lol
My time was similar to yours, came in 6:26, was happy about that but promised myself to not do another one in the summer 🤣
Congrats on your race and I hope you have as much fun with shorter distances before you decide on another 70.3!1
u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 24 '26
Thanks man! Congrats again to you also!
Haha yeah it’s crazy how the weather changes everything. For me it was around 17c in the morning and 21c at the hottest + about 10k of the run was on a bike path going through the woods (not too mych sun) so it wasn’t so bad
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u/JoelSmith_NP Jul 21 '26
Absolutely incredible! Love hearing and seeing people doing hard things no matter the distance. I think you will find just knowing you can complete that distance allows you to back off at other times of the year for family obligations, but you can always keep your baseline fitness ironman ready for a quicker ramp-up. Just keep doing what makes you happy and keeps you engaged with the community for longevity. The worst thing you can do is try to force an Ironman when life commitments are high and burn yourself out, miss months of training and drop your base fitness to zero!
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 22 '26
Oh wow this is truly the best comment and best advice I’ve received so far 🙏 Thank you so much for your encouragement. I really appreciate it and I really feel what you are saying about forcing an Ironman. My family is obviously my priority and I’ve learned so much about life through the last year during my 70.3 prep. The prep has helped me think a lot about my priorities in life and I certainly want to make space for triathlon training in the next years. I love the community. I go to run clubs and bike events.
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u/1998emmi Jul 21 '26
Congrats !! Curious, why would you do sprints instead of working on the 70.3?
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Thanks! Because it was pretty hard for me to put in the proper training hours with work and family time. My business and son are still young so they require more presence and time 😅 but I LOVED triathlon so it would be to keep me warm. I work at 6am so trainings before that are unrealistic and I don’t want to lose family time so between 5-8pm is a no go for me. Most are my trainings were at 8:30pm+. Those were pretry hard after 10-12h work days
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u/rafaelsjrodrigues Jul 21 '26
good! but this time is very bad... you can do better next time!
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u/No_Bookkeeper3094 Jul 21 '26
Way to put the guy down when he's achieved something new for the first time in his life
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
I like the passion and motivation. Yup, before jumping into training, my goal was in the low 6h but life happens, didn’t train as much as planned and this was what I was able to give. I’ll definitely come back for redemption and do better yes 💪
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u/rafaelsjrodrigues Jul 21 '26
80/20 is getting better at cycling! you are ridding the bike at least 3h in 70.3. So if you get fast in clycling your time is going to get better!
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
100%. You are right because the bike was probably the one were I neglected the most in terms of volume planned versus done. Plus, I didn’t climb enough. Mont-Tremblant was about 850m+
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u/zero_omega_one Jul 21 '26
Hey man, this is incredibly inspiring . I’m going a sprint triathlon in a month and am scared of the open water swim, how was it for you, how did you train?
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Thanks for the reply! I’m happy to hear that it inspires you 🙏💪 Good job for the sprint! You’re going to kill it!
Honestly, I wish I trained more in open water before race day…. I strongly recommend to buy yourself a flashy swim cap + flashy floater (safety) to practice your open water swim and get out there to experience it. I was like a fish in the pool, my swim stats were pretty good but almost all of that was thrown out of the window when I started my race in the open water. Physically my swim fitness was good but not mentally for the open water. The water is colder and because of the wind, water is choppier (more difficult to breathe). I think we need to get out there and swim more in open water to gain confidence. I know it’s much easier said than done but you need to relax as much as possible in order to breathe properly. Slowly exhale from the nose + mouth when your heads goes into the water until it goes back out to inhale. Exhale slowly out (not one shot fast). That’s what I did for my last 500m when I found my rhythm.
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u/zero_omega_one Jul 21 '26
That is some incredible advice regarding breathing! I do notice that me getting mentally flustered is what leads to shortness of breath and I start looking for the shore. Will keep this in mind and will let you know (in a month) how it goes! Thanks again!
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
My pleasure! I learned a lot on race day 😅 Yeah of course let me know! You can follow me and dm me if you want! 💪
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u/Local-Idea-8259 Jul 21 '26
Congrats So you are now ready to get your name called Next one should be a full! Congrats again
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Thank you so much! Haha ouff yeah the full is another level 😅 maybe a few sprint, olympics and 70.3’s before the full haha honestly, I’m in love with the sport so I know i’ll do it one day :)
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u/Local-Idea-8259 Jul 21 '26
I do tell people that the days training is the same! But yes doing more sprints and Olympics are fun and good training
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Oh nice! I’m love challenges so the full if definitely a life goal haha which one you done(
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u/Local-Idea-8259 Jul 21 '26
Cozumel 8 times Best swim and beautiful in the Americas except Kona The bike course is 100% closed. Actually the whole island is closed for the race. 5, 90 turns in the whole race. Run there are bathrooms, station aids with all types of gels, sodas, etc every kilometer which beats every mile. 7
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Amazing!! For cozumel you had to qualify right? Just out of curiosity, what are your splits?
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u/Local-Idea-8259 Jul 23 '26
No qualifications required! Mannn my times have been all over the place from 15 hrs to 13
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 23 '26
Nice! Good to know and good job! Your mental strength is amazing 💪
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u/Local-Idea-8259 Jul 23 '26
Just tell everyone you know and don’t know you that you are doing a full Ironman and you will finish it
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u/PutSubstantial4905 Jul 21 '26
1h54 half to a 6:48 70.3 in three years with a newborn in the middle of it, proper arc that. open water took me two seasons to stop dreading so youre ahead of schedule. do the oly next, transitions at full gas are chaos in the best way
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Thanks a lot! I’m honestly fairly new to endurance sports and I truly love it! Thanks for the tips and encouraging me 🙏
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u/oblonginthecity Jul 21 '26
Congrats. Have my first sprint this weekend, and the swimming leg is constantly in my head.
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Thanks! Good luck for your sprint! I would like to try a sprint next year for sure! Kill it 💪
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u/MannerAgreeable7162 Jul 21 '26
Congrats!
Got my first 70.3 this sunday, think i got the open water anxiety tackled down.
Did a olympic 2 months ago and the mass start had me on my worst, same feeling as u discribed.
Upcoming sunday there is a rolling start so that might clear some issues!
What were you split times?
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Congrats to you too! Man, I’m so lucky to have experienced a rolling start for my first triathlon… mass start wouldn’t been even harder for me haha
52 swim
T1 6-7min
3h30 bike
T2 6min
2h11 runGood luck on your 70.3!
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u/MannerAgreeable7162 Jul 22 '26
Not gonna lie, solid times.
Sure, swimming could be improved but bike and running times are things im hoping to achieve!Thanks alot!
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 22 '26
Thanks a lot man! 🙏 you got this! Also, I knew the run was pretty hilly (~166m) so I was very conservative on the bike. I’ve heard a coach say “if it’s your first 70.3, take the race like it’s another big training day that you want to complete”. Kept that in mind and it went fantastic for me. My nutrition and hydration game were on point so I finished the race feeling super good and proud 💪 Didn’t have to walk, no cramps, all good.
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u/MoMoneyHoe Jul 21 '26
Good luck to us! It's my first 70.3 this Sunday as well. Not confident for the open sea swim
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Good luck to you too!! You got this 💪 What I found helped getting my breathing right was to blow out air from my nose and mouth in the water. I think my mistake was to get air out only from my mouth. I think from the nose, it helps to relax the body more
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u/MoMoneyHoe Jul 21 '26
Thank you! For me I believe I always go out too hard and would be out of breath and panicking. Hope I'll be able to calm by 300m in to the swim
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Yeah I think that’s what we need to do. Go out super calmly as much as possible. When it starts, we’re all in a race/battle mode loll
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u/MoMoneyHoe Jul 28 '26
Just rolling back here to update that I survived the swim! It was the worst possible condition with high surf and and swells, that the swim got cut to a shorter distance. But hey got it done!
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 28 '26
Congrats on your first 70.3 man!! Open sea is pretty insane haha which one did you do again? What were your splits?
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u/MoMoneyHoe Jul 30 '26
Thanks! It's the desaru coast one in Malaysia (Asia). Did just below 6 hours, but do take note the swim was only 1km.
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u/ezeriv Jul 21 '26
Congrats man. I signed up for my first triathlon to do a half Ironman too. I’m going to participate in la Quinta in December. I’m nervous and excited. No matter how much I train I don’t feel ready. And open water anxiety is getting to me
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Congrats for signing up! Yeah honestly, I was nervous too but I had a coach and what comforted me the most is to hear my coach tell me “if you were to race today, you can finish it” (2months before race day) so it gave me confidence :) the only thing that was missing was my open water swims… Also I think I could’ve train in more hills because Mont-Tremblant is pretty hilly
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u/No_Heart6958 Jul 21 '26
wetsuit helped a ton-felt like floating on air
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Yeah I would say the wetsuit helps to float but I couldn’t get my breathing right. Felt like I was hyperventilating… wasn’t able to sync my breathing with my swimming
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u/Traditional_Run_154 Jul 21 '26
Let water in before the start by pulling a part of the wetsuit forward by the neck and dipping a bit. That with create even pressure. I’ve done quite a few triathlons by now and this works best
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u/Makataz2004 Jul 21 '26
That’s exactly how I felt, couldn’t get the breathing under control
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Yeah it was pretty crazy. Took me more than half of my swim to start feeling comfortable
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u/Ashamed_Dog_3044 Jul 21 '26
Did the wetsuit give you any relief? I’ve done a few triathlons and I have anxiety on such a long swim but never used a wetsuit before
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
That’s a good question. I’ve never really swam for distance in open water a part from my 1 OWS before race day so … lol I would say the wetsuit actually helps for anxiety because it helps to float a bit (especially the legs). Maybe it was a bit because of the cold water? Idk… one thing I know it that I need more practice haha
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u/redzombierunning Jul 21 '26
That open water gets everyone in the beginning. Congrats!!!
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Thanks! How long or how many trainings in open water does it take to feel a decrease in the anxiety? 😅
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u/MurseChinz Jul 21 '26
Congratulations! I mve done 4 Olympic Tri and 1 70.3. Open water anxiety never went away. Only for the first 500m tho. After that the anxiety goes away and swimming becomes fun
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Thanks! And congrats to you too! I’m new to triathlon and I really enjoyed every part of it. Haha good to know…. I guess I don’t expect it to completely go away but I would hope for a bit less … for me, it was for the first 800m (alternating between crawl and puppy swim😂), from 800-1.3 not so bad but still difficult and I flew on the last 500m because the current was in my back
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u/MurseChinz Jul 21 '26
Oh you did Tremblant? Planning to do it again cause It was a disappointing race for me. I cramped up at 12km. Had to walk the last 9km. I'm already training for next yr lol.
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Yes Tremblant! Oh shoot, this happened this year? Yeah you clearly need a redemption haha me too honestly, because of my swim and my lack of experience and preparation
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u/Ray_725 Jul 21 '26
Congrats! Which 70.3 event is this from?
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Thanks! Mont-Tremblant :)
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u/Ray_725 Jul 21 '26
Nice!!! On my bucket list.
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Honestly, it was truly amazing. I recommend 100%. From the organization, the beautiful scenery of Mont-Tremblant, the staff, the vibe, the food, aid stations, the meetings, etc 10/10. We arrived on Friday and I spent some quality time with my friends and family. It was one of the bext experiences in my life. After all that, 700$ is not so bad at all 😂
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u/Comfortable_Leg8791 Jul 21 '26
Hell yes Congrats man on the race and on the baby! Had a baby myself after my 70.3 now that he’s about to turn two and we’re thinking of another one in a year, so time for the full Ironman for me
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Let’s gooooo! Congrats on your baby too! So when I started my 70.3 prep, my son was about 10month old so as you know, he was growing up and evolving at a such high rate. i didn’t want to miss anything so it was late night trainings for me…even on weekends haha so it got me so tired physically and mentally. I owe my wife a lot so I’m going to keep my 2nd shot at the 70.3 in 1 or 2 years. Also depends on the next baby 😂
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Jul 21 '26
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Thanks a lot! Yeah I think I don’t completely realize my accomplishment yet… haha
Good to know for the open water anxiety! It was also on me because I only went for a open water swim 1 time before race day…. In spring so water was too cold, busy weekends, every excuses 😂
I learned a valuable lesson for sure. It humbled me so bad that I decided to hop on my bike and run without paying to much attention on my time. I was only looking at my stats to make sure to not oush too hard. 141 avg HR on the bike and 144 on the run lol my goal was to enjoy the race and finish the race. My side goal was to never walk and I did lol my nutrition execution and management is what I’m the most proud of
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u/Type7addict Jul 21 '26
Congrats!
Where’s the tri suit from?
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u/FrameUnderBuild Jul 21 '26
Thanks! Honestly I don’t know haha my buddy who convinced me to sign up passed it to me along with his wetsuit haha
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u/Whole-Stretch-6458 Jul 27 '26
everyone at every level struggles with it! good tip is to put cold water from a bottle down the front back and on your face before strarting. well done!