2010 Tri Thread

[wtpclc]

BigEeyore - Drinking adn eating on teh bike just take practice. I used to stop pedaling altogether and panic a bit. As you get more comfortable on the bike, it will come. Just follow Charles' advice adn grin a bear it for a bit. Good luck!

mgsmom - You will do great this weekend! Less is more for work out's this week. Your dh is right!

socks - One of the best tips I got from this thread. WHen you take your socks off before the swim. Roll tehm down. Then, all you have to do isslip your toes in and slide the socks up/. Much easier than trying to slide them all teh way on wet feet.

Had my 40-mile ride this weekend! Am feeling evry confident in my ability to do 56 in July. However, I tried to run 8 miles last night and my body informed me that it would prefer to rbike for than run 8. I had done soem physical housework in teh am, though, adn lots of carrying stuff up adn down the stairs. Hoping a few more bricks and a few less missed runs will get them back in gear.

 

[El&Asmom]

Just wondering if I could join in? I signed up for my first mini Tri in August. It is the Danskin in WI. I have wanted to do a tri for years, but between a medical problem while in vet school and three babies since, I have never had time. I started training about 3 weeks ago. I can easily do all the distances+, but it should be interesting putting them all together. My main goal is to not drown, and to finish.

A couple of silly questions:
1. Can I do a breast stroke for the swim? I have issues with vertigo, and CANNOT do any other stroke. I would assume you can use any stroke, but wanted to make sure.
2. I keep reading about the transition. How much space do you typically have in the area? Can I bring a full size towel to dry off on? I have a two piece swim suit since I am tall, (6'), and have hard time finding a suit long enough unless I order online. Can I change during transition by putting my sports bra on over the swim top, then take that off, and put on my shirt and shorts over my swim bottom. I didn't know if most people just swim, run and bike all in the same outfit. I've never seen a tri, so have no idea how things proceed. It would be nice to not be all soggy during the bike and run.

I'm sure I will have more questions. It has been fun training so far. We'll have to see how race day goes. If I get through, I'll sign up for the Danskin at WDW next May.

 

[hoosmi]

Hey kids-

I'm back from a week off. We went to the beach (well, we went once for about an hour until the boys got some sort of welts- possible jellyfish encounter?? Stupid ocean mocking me again!). I took both boys in the jogging stroller for a couple of runs, but at 4 and almost 2 they weigh a ton. My "Coach Harry" who did every long run with me in training for the Goofy in 2008 seems to have hit his retirement age. He used to be content to ride for miles with a bag of Skittles and some chit chat; now he wants convenience store and park stops, my iPhone, my water, my hat... and that's in the first 3 miles or so. Did a few rides too, again dragging boys. Yep, common theme.

We also went to a water park with a lazy river. I spent at least the first 10 minutes marveling at the idea of the current actually taking you with it (as opposed to my ocean tri). That was fun, but the baby kept grabbing my hands and saying "Let go!" As if I was going to let the munchkin take off down the river in his swim float thing! The worst part was that he could kick his legs and put his face in the water better than me...

Nothing much happening now. Emma is at camp 400 miles away, so I spend most of my time stalking their website- they post pictures. After finding her picture in a sea of little girls, I have to analyze if her smile looks real or forced.I ran today and yesterday, both times under 4 miles. I've complained about the heat in the past, but it is really bad now!

OK, so that's enough about me.

Al&Esmom- welcome! I've done 2 sprints, so I'm no expert, but here are my opinions.

First, yes, you can do the breast stroke. You can swim anyway you want that will get you to the end!

Second, I wouldn't try the changing clothes thing just because it's way too hard and involves too much thinking. I went with the tri shirt and shorts with the sports bra underneath for my first tri. I do know some people who will just wear a bathing suit throughout. I'd rather have a sports bra than just a bathing suit, but maybe if you threw on a baggy technical shirt??

As far as being soggy, it doesn't bother me in the context of a tri. It should; I'm completely OCD about my shoelaces being tied exactly right! That's where the tri shorts are nice- they have a little pad for the bike, but then are ok for the run too.

Transition- picture two bikes next to each other with enough space that their handlebars aren't hitting each other. (ideally they are facing different directions but that gives you an idea of the space). You have maybe half the space in between (with the rest of it going to the other bike) and some space in front of or in back of your bike. I think you'd have plenty of room for an extra towel folded up.

BigEeyore- I was totally excited on one of my rides with the boys because I got my water bottle out while moving! (It's a mountain bike with a stroller attachment- I don't think I could fall over...) My problem was that I dropped it putting it back in and it totally exploded! We'll get there someday... I have yet to drink on the bike in a tri and I've survived. Start hydrating now!

mgsmom- you'll do great! I can't wait to hear all the details!

Carrie- look at you riding 40 miles! I still haven't done over 15!

Jen in GA

 

[mgsmom]

Al&E'sMom - welcome! I am only on my second sprint tri (this weekend) but I can tell you that any stroke is acceptable. I used side stroke for one lap last time when I got a little overwhelmed with all the people around me. Also, the less you change I think is better. Not that the transition time will reeeeeally make or break your time (unless it's the Olympics) but it just gets you siked out to be sitting there doing a bunch of stuff and people flying in and out of the transition area much faster. This year, I am trying putting on shorts and sports bra (I wear 2pc suit too) over my suit and that's it. I'll let you know how it goes - I have been practicing that way the last couple of weeks.

Carrie - I can't believe you rode 40 miles! Wow! Good for you!

Coach Charles - Thanks for the transition notes! What you said about walking the transition area is so true - I needed that reminder. I didn't do that last time and actually got "lost" trying to get from my bike rack to the start of the run course. Totally freaked me out. Oh, and I did the baby powder in the socks thing today and it worked great! I also powdered my sports bra and that made it easier to get that on, too.

BigEeyore - my water strategy is going to be to buy a plastic bottle of water from the convenience store with the "sports top" that you just squeeze into your mouth. I'm going to put it in the rack open so I can grab, squeeze, replace. Hopefully without falling over...

Did a little mini-workout today. Swam 300yd then ran outside and rode the bike 4miles on open highway (hadn't done that yet, prob big mistake). But, I just don't live where there aren't terribly congested roads. DH was a doll and drove to the pool with my bike in the car and waited for me to swim. At least on race day, the roads will be marked off and I won't have to deal with all the traffic.

 

[cewait]

Removed...

Having computer issues and my photos disappeared

 

[wtpclc]

EI&A'sMom - Welcome! Nothing to add to Maura's advice.

Jen - lol. I think I go for quantity while you go for quality mmiles.

mgsmom - Glad things went so well yesterday!

Off night fro me. Had yoga in he am. SOre, though. She msut have snuck a workout in on me. 60 min ride/10-25 min run brick tonight. Somethign I have not done anywhere near often enough.

 

[El&Asmom]

Finished my first brick today. 12m on the bike, 3m run. Now I know why they call it a brick. That's exactly how my legs felt for the first 1/4m of the run.
Feel great now though.
Plus the kids are at the grandparents for the night. It will be dh and my first night alone at the house for over 3 years. We'll go for a ride in the am since there will be no kids to watch. Hopefully, there will be no calls at 11p tonight saying dd3 won't sleep at grandma's and we have to come get her!

 

[wtpclc]

Finished my first brick today. 12m on the bike, 3m run. Now I know why they call it a brick.

lol. Yeah, that realization really stinks. Have a great night tonight!

 

[mgsmom]

Hey peeps -
Just sitting out here on the back porch obsessing about the tri on Saturday - that's what I do...
I'm going to make a list tomorrow of everything to be sure and put in my bag. Race packet will pick up tomorrow. A friend in my neighborhood is doing it too, so he is picking me up in his truck to transport the bikes. Got big Mexican dinner planned Sat night to celebrate.
Did I miss anything?

Did not get a race belt. We get sharpie-d with a number for the swim, sticker on helmet and number strapped on bike, so I'm just going to pin the number on my shorts (ahead of time) for the run and wear it the whole time. I'm not used to running with a belt so I thought I'd just go simple.

Please, please, let it be less than 90 degrees when I get to the run portion...

 

[Duanerice]

Hi All,
On vacation in the Carolinas so just a quick check in. It is hotter here this week than it is in S Florida.

Good luck this weekend to all that are racing. Keep calm and most importantly, have fun and enjoy the race. That's why we suffer so much . Don't forget we want to see race reports.

There is a lake behind my Son's house here so I got a few good lake swims in. He has a mountain bike and there are plenty of trails so I am getting some good riding in too. Never knew mountain biking could be so much fun. They actually have hills here.

Went to Myrtle beach to see my brother in law and got a chance to swim in the ocean. What a blast. It was a bit choppy and that made it that much more fun. Up, down, up, down. The waves are a blast. And to think my OWS experience was nothing a month ago. It doesn't take much to get used to it.

Just a couple of quick comments. If you don't have to change in transition, don't. Run with what you swam in. I agree tri Shorts and a tri top are the best (for me). You can get some pretty cheap if you look around. You won't even notice being wet. For sprints I even go as far as changing my pedals back to the "regular" pedals so I can wear my running shoes for the bike and run. You can also just pull bike shorts over your swim suit then change to running shorts after the bike if you want to spend the time, keeping your swim suit on all the time.

Also just keep your water bottles open. No need to close the top, you won't lose much if any liquids.

We'll gotta go, I'll check in later and comment on what others are doing.

enjoy,
Duane

 

[jmasgat]

Oh to be like this.....

A woman in the pool today asked me (while I had paused between 100yd reps) how many laps of the pool made up 1 mile. We then started chatting (which basically ended my workout!) and here she was, a real non-swimmer, doing an Oly in August. God bless her, she thought I was a good swimmer!

We had a nice chat, and I made a couple of comment/suggestions. She is just in in to finish, and she seemed reasonably athletic, so I bet she will. It's all about your expectations. My problem is: I set them high and then psych myself out.

So I give everyone permission to whack me upside the head if I don't do an Oly this summer. If she can do it, so can I. And I just need to get over this competitive urge to finish high in my age group!

On the plus side, I did have one moment of "zen" swimming this week. Too bad when I try to speed things up, it all goes down the tubes!

mgsmom Easier said than done, but try not to obsess too much. You will be fine.

EI&Asmom That's quite a brick! I never did a full bike/full run brick. Good for you.

Duane Enjoy the vacation. I haven't been swimming in the ocean for a long time--sounds fun.

Maura

Maura

 

[crewmatt]

So the DC Tri is sunday, and they're predicting rather warm temperatures. I've only ever done 2 tris, both in colder water. Wet suits are going to be allowed but you wont be eligible to place in the age group. I seriously doubt I'll be anywhere near placing so thats not a concern, but what do people think, should I use the wetsuit or not?

Edit - they're expecting low 80s

 

[Duanerice]

So the DC Tri is sunday, and they're predicting rather warm temperatures. I've only ever done 2 tris, both in colder water. Wet suits are going to be allowed but you wont be eligible to place in the age group. I seriously doubt I'll be anywhere near placing so thats not a concern, but what do people think, should I use the wetsuit or not?

Edit - they're expecting low 80s

I am a sissy for cold water but if a wetsuit is not allowed for age group placing then the water must be pretty warm. What is the cut off 78 degrees? I would go without but that's just me. I won't usually place in my AG either but if they are not allowed for age group placing then that is what I go with.

I'd rather be a bit slower in the swim than be too hot and not be able to take it off out in the middle of the water.

Take it with you and decide once you get there. Good luck and let us know how you did!
enjoy,
Duane

 

[DiRTyBuNNy]

Wow, I was totally wondering if a thread like this existed and went to the index page and this was the most recently replied topic in the W.I.S.H. That was pretty awesome..

So, I have been accused in the paste of just showing up at certain times and not really participating at all in this forum so I really wanted to find a home here to let everyone know who I am (even though I did have an intro thread and a weight loss journey thread already) and participate. Thanks.

--DB

 

[crewmatt]

Thanks, I row on the river, and even tho you're in a boat, its nots much of a boat. you can get pretty wet, the water feels almost like bath water. Doesnt really cool you down. They have a practice swim today, I might just hop in and see how that goes.

 

[cewait]

I am a sissy for cold water but if a wetsuit is not allowed for age group placing then the water must be pretty warm. What is the cut off 78 degrees? I would go without but that's just me. I won't usually place in my AG either but if they are not allowed for age group placing then that is what I go with.

I'd rather be a bit slower in the swim than be too hot and not be able to take it off out in the middle of the water.

Take it with you and decide once you get there. Good luck and let us know how you did!
enjoy,
Duane

I agree with Duane....

You do not wnat to be in a wetsuit above the cut off temp. For me anything warmer than 65-70 I am in a jon-type wetsuit anyway to help keep cool. Remember a typical lap pool is around 75-78F. Cool going in but more than warm enough a few laps in.

 

[crewmatt]

Yea I have jon type wetsuit.

 

[BigEeyore]

mgsmom Can't wait to hear about your race! I'm sure you did fantastic!

DirtyBunny Welcome! Let us know what you are training for.

crewmatt You don't need no stinkin' wetsuit!

My race is next weekend and I keep going from super excited to super nervous! I just don't want to disappoint myself. My swimming is strong, but I am freaked out about being "trampled" in the water, and my sighting technique needs a LOT of work!
Did my first OWS this morning in a lake - about 600m. I had about 10 sec of panic when I was out in the middle of the lake but I calmed myself down. Then we biked 20 mi and ran 2 mi.
Looking forward to some more race reports!

 

[mgsmom]

Hey guys - I made it!
I'm sure you understand how much I want to go lie down now - DH just took DD up to the pool.

In short:
Swim - fine - short - just fighting through a crowded pool
Bike - did better than expected - really enjoyed this leg - brutal course
Run - eh... this one always gets me - and the blazing sun bearing down on us didn't help either

Don't have my exact times - was trying to keep up on my watch but lost track somewhere between the second leg of the bike and transition to run. BUT, I think I finished somewhere around 2hrs 15 min, or maybe less.

I do know the swim took 6:41 (according to my watch) and the first half of the bike (9 mi) was 31min.

Gotta go rest - more detail and info later!

 

[DiRTyBuNNy]

mgsmom Can't wait to hear about your race! I'm sure you did fantastic!

DirtyBunny Welcome! Let us know what you are training for.

crewmatt You don't need no stinkin' wetsuit!

My race is next weekend and I keep going from super excited to super nervous! I just don't want to disappoint myself. My swimming is strong, but I am freaked out about being "trampled" in the water, and my sighting technique needs a LOT of work!
Did my first OWS this morning in a lake - about 600m. I had about 10 sec of panic when I was out in the middle of the lake but I calmed myself down. Then we biked 20 mi and ran 2 mi.
Looking forward to some more race reports!

My goal is the Rev3 Knoxville olympic tri next May...and yeah...I'm scared to death and it's still 11 months from now..

--DB