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Original poster

Triathlon tips please!

27 replies

Wallace · 27/08/2009 21:44

I am doing a "try-tri" next Sunday and really need help with what to wear/how to handle the transistions.

It is a 300m pool swim, 10m road cycle, 3m run.

Any advice appreciated!

OP posts:
DidEinsteinsMum · 27/08/2009 21:55

Right now, ltes see if my memory of watching endless tris serve me right:

I would before sunday spend half an hour doing 5 mins bike swap to run for 2 mins rest 10 min repeat to get used to the jelly legs you will have during T2.

Dont go out completely blazing in the pool and remember to pace yourself and drink fluids, depending on how you are energy gels are good.

A lot of the more experienced triathlete use suits that do for all but when ex was starting out he pick swimming shorts would double up when on bike or shoved some over top of trunks (he was ex swimmer though)

Most people dont worry so much about transitions when they are doing their first tri and focus on not burning out during the other stages. Make sure you can do quick fixes if necesaary on tyres etc. it happens

But most of all enjoy killig yourself I still think all triathletes are mad [mad]

DidEinsteinsMum · 27/08/2009 21:57

shove some shorts over trunks

Does any of that make sense of have i completely lost my marbles.

I think the mag 660 triathlon (?) was good for tips and training stuff if you get into it.

Original poster
Wallace · 28/08/2009 13:38

Fantastic, thank you. II will definitely do that bike/run thing.

I was umming and ahhing over a trisuit.

I will need padding on the bike, I find it excrutiating [ouch emoticon]

dh bought me 220 triathlon (?!) mag but it is reallly technical.

OP posts:
NinjaRain · 28/08/2009 17:52

Yes it is but if you dont read page to page and pick out basic training routine bits even a non triathlete like me can pick it up. The point that the mag is trying to make that basic fitness is all good and well but it is the technique to your training and your stroke etc that makes the most improvement when you want to get really good.

COuld you just stick some padded shorts over cossy in T1? The transistions arent going to be the worst bit time wise in a try-a-tri but you dont want to hang about too much either so taking 30 secs to stick pair of shorts on will allow head to balance and you to center before off on bike, as apposed to those mad fouls whos body's have gone through more hell during training and actually the race is a walk in the park....

... I have also spent hours holding a bike whilst ex swan in a pond and got out straight to his bike. He is offically mad in my opinion but then he thinks i was mad for my on ice trining routine so ew're even

Good luck for sunday. Let me know how it went

NinjaRain · 28/08/2009 17:53

Opps -sorry DidEinsteins has a new name today forgot the namechange back so you knew who it was

WingCommanderDragonButter · 28/08/2009 18:01

Practise.

Remember to take your helmet off for the run or you will look mad.

Good luck.

NinjaRain · 28/08/2009 18:25

Actually you can get disqualified for touching your bike before puting your helemt on and taking your helemt off before racking your bike and i think for running with it on but not sure about the running with helmet though. Have people get disqualed for other bits though.

WingCommanderDragonButter · 28/08/2009 18:27

You get disqualified for swearing, so even if you're transition is a complete fuck up, do not swear about it.

mimsum · 28/08/2009 19:29

put talc in your shoes, makes it easier to put them on, put a towel down on floor in your transition area, smear vaseline on the back of your trainers if you're going sockless, if you ARE going sockless make sure your trainers won't give you blisters

if you're not wearing a trisuit (which don't have padding in the bum area so might not help you there) wear a loose running vest over your swimsuit rather than trying to put a t-shirt on

make sure you eat plenty of carbs in the couple of days leading up to the race and keep sipping water all day beforehand as well so your body's really well hydrated

pace yourself in the swim and bike legs so you've got something left for the run (I'm presuming it's a 10km bike and 3km run rather than 10 and 3 metres )

and enjoy yourself - you get all shapes and sizes doing triathlons, it's by no means all superfit superbeings!

ps I've never done a triathlon, but have watched ds - he does all the above and does pretty well

Original poster
Wallace · 28/08/2009 20:01

Thanks. Oops meant 10 mile bike and 3 mile run

I have just been lent a padded seat for my bike so I will try it out without padded shorts.

I did think about putting padded shorts on but hten would need to take them off for the run.

If I can manage with just the padded seat I think I might swim in my running shorts (will try it out first)

Talc is a good tip, I will wear my socks - I guess I could put talc in them too?

Will remember energy gels. I use them on long runs anyway.

So for the swim I will wear swimming cossie & bra and maybe running shorts.

Bike: put on vest and helmet. Not forgetting socks and shoes. Will I need a lightweight jacket if it is cold?

Run: helmet off

I'll try to remember not to swear

OP posts:
NinjaRain · 31/08/2009 22:18

How did it go?

gallery · 01/09/2009 13:12

have you done it or is it next Sunday? I did one last year and would have done again this year apart from illness and stuff.
Things I noticed

  1. People had plastic crates with their changes in it to protect from rain
  2. Depends whether you are wearing cycle shoes or running shoes (i wore runnign shoes so no change there) but have laces ready etc
  3. Take time drying feet make sure as dry as can be
  4. I wore swimsuit and wiggled out of it under towel- honest. I have since bought a trisuit but not got to use it because of illness. My friend wore her swimsuit and put clothes on top. She suffereed badly on cycle with swim suit cutting in. I would do as you are doing but make sure bra is the one you are going to then run and cycle in
  5. Cycle to run is hardest part, take it slow, let your leg muscles remember how they all work and you will be fine
  6. Bring your own snacks and water- don;t rely on anyone else
  7. Pins for your numbers make sure they are ready on top you are putting on for cycle run
Original poster
Wallace · 01/09/2009 15:45

Thanks

Sorry I meant this coming Sunday

I think I am going to wear a pair of running shorts and the knickers I usually wear for running to swim and cycle (and of course run) and the top of my tankini + sports bra

Will the wet knickers and shorts chafe do you think?

I will whip off tankini top and replace with running vest and lightweight jacket.

OP posts:
fishie · 01/09/2009 15:53

ooh how exciting.

will you really need a jacket? and if you swim in pants then you'd have dry shorts.

when i read the haruki murakani running book i was really shocked that they hit each other at the start of the swimming. i hope nobody thumps you!

gallery · 01/09/2009 20:05

Hi Wallace, I really would recommend that you keep clothes minimal- so if you are wearing a bra, can you just wear the bran and not tankini? Also, I never wear knickers for run and cycle but suspect you will get the syndrome my friend faced with the cutting in thing. Honestly, the faffing around taking tight wet clothes off and putting more tight clothes on that are dry on a not very dry body is just not worht it, Do you have a sports bra that you don;t mind being seen in the pool in? No one is going to point and go look at her anyway, everyone is self focussed. I did the taking wet swimsuit off and putting dry clothes on and I was comfortable but it took time. Another girl we met on the day just did tankini and shorts for swim, cycle and run. People say the shorts dry out dead quick. The one I did,was same date as yours (but slighly longer cycle 13 miles) and I didn;t have a jacket. Really look forward to hearing how you do- so envious, I am cooking lunch for inlaws instead of competing
ps there is no whipping off, everything clings coming out of the water. But I did get my togs off under my towel!

gallery · 01/09/2009 20:09

oh yeah, bike, get someone to pump up your tyres - I bought a rack pump since last time and it really makes a difference. THere will be some real die hards there who will have stuff with them and if you look all beginnerish and nervous and ask for help, they will. Everyone is very supportive at things like this.

NinjaRain · 01/09/2009 20:17

Having a box for shoving your stuff in can help to. Cant remember why and cant be bother to ask ex but maybe someone can explain that ones logic.

Original poster
Wallace · 01/09/2009 20:38

Thanks. I did buy a plastic box, I must have seen it somewhere..

I can't swim in just my sports bra as it is a bit old and see through when wet

My running vest isn't very tight but I will practice putting it on when I'm wet. Or I could see if I can run in my tankini top.

I've been umming and ahhing about the jacket. The thought of being on my bike with just a vest makes me shiver, but I know I will probably need to take it off along the way anyway (the jacket not the vest!)

OP posts:
NinjaRain · 01/09/2009 21:10

the box was in a post a few up i hadnt looked properally.

Original poster
Wallace · 05/09/2009 11:36

I have come down with a rotten cold But I will "tri" to keep going...

OP posts:
gallery · 05/09/2009 14:56

good luck, will be thinking of you while i am cooking turkey- have some friends doing one around my area tomorrow too
But have been out for a 6mile plus off road ruun today so at least feel exercised

Original poster
Wallace · 06/09/2009 18:38

Hope your turkey was nice

I really enjoyed it, my time was 1h 22m 26s I am really chuffed - much better than I expected even with the rotten cold!

The first bit of the run was hardest.

OP posts:
gallery · 06/09/2009 22:01

well done, that sounds like an excellent time. Bet you are knackered but on a high. Next one is.....?

Original poster
Wallace · 07/09/2009 06:38

Thank you - what a feeling, isn't it

There will definitely be another one, but I don't know how many there are in this neck of the woods. I might have missed the boat for this season.

I think I will try an open water one next year.

OP posts:
gallery · 07/09/2009 11:23

Wallace it is a fab feeling, was trying not to resent the turkey cooking yesterday rather than being out doors. I have considered open water and really feel I need to get my swimming upgraded before I can attempt. Am curious what distance the open water part of your swim would be? Around me, there are people who go out regularly that I could swim with but think I need to increase my swim stamina first. Have no goal for next year as yet [glum].
So will wait with interest to see what others plan to do