Triathlon Thread 2009

[Mooshu]

Hi, I would be interested in a WISH bike jersey, not much of a tri-athlete...but I bike a lot.

Thanks!

 

[laxdef69]

5 weeks until Madison.

 

[Duanerice]

Although I haven't competed in a tri YET, I'd be interested.
Duane

 

[chimera]

Duane...do they have many tri's in Ft. Myers?

Carrie...I'd be interested, too. RaceReady has a trail shirt with a tiny pocket on the back but it's not tight fitting like most bike clothes. Though I guess a smaller size could fix that! Maybe I'll order one and try it for the bike.

I'm back....

I've officially registered for the Siesta Duathlon in Oct. I'll be defending my fat-girl title that I won last year. I'm waaaaay ahead of where I was last year at the time I registered so I'm just hoping to beat the previous time. I'm hoping to see significant improvement in my bike leg and the second run segment. I have a friend that's also registered Athena so a little competition may help. She's a faster runner than I am though!

 

[wtpclc]

Mel - Thanks for answering one of the questions I've been meaning to ask you, since stumbling on teh custom tri/bike shirt company. Wasn't sure if RaceReady had similar stuff. I think what i'm looking at has more stretch, but not sure. Good luck on that du! Glad you are so much more confident than last year!

Mike - Been thinking about that. How's training? You going to watch the lowly sprint/international races in Chicago for IM inspiration?

Shirts - Keeping a list of interested parties. Have a few things to work out, but will keep everyone posted on the progress. If it happens, though, it will still be a while out.

 

[laxdef69]

Hey now...nothing lowly about a sprint!

I did the Naperville sprint last weekend, and took 30 seconds off my time from last year. I still look like 9 lbs of sausage in a 5 lb casing, but took 20th in my age group of 124, 190th overall. I would have taken 4th if I'd raced as a Clydesdale class, but what the heck.

Pic link below

http://www.brightroom.com/view_user_event.asp?EVENTID=47533&BIB=274&S=230&PWD=

 

[wtpclc]

Mike - great pix! I don't think you look at all like teh suasage comparison! Way to go!!!!!

 

[Sandy321]

Mike Congratulations - you did look good - no sausage stuffing nor muffin tops!!

Carrie YIKES! Thanks for starting the volunteer thread - sign dh and I up for that! (I sent you an email) But most importantly thanks for the link and reminder - since its DS "thing" and we have other pressing "issues" I havent given it much thought at all!! YIKES - I visited the spectator page, and the bike inspection page - and I dont think DS is ready AT ALL!! but he's 21 so I suppose he thinks nothing of it!! (He was a long distance swimmer/albeit th pool, in high school and is a lifeguard - he bikes to work and barely fits in running - he bought a tri book and is following the training schedule... sort of!!)

How important is a wet suit do you suppose, its been one very cold summer per Chicago Standards!! (he doesnt have one)

 

[wtpclc]

Mike YIKES - I visited the spectator page, and the bike inspection page - and I dont think DS is ready AT ALL!! but he's 21 so I suppose he thinks nothing of it!! (He was a long distance swimmer/albeit th pool, in high school and is a lifeguard - he bikes to work and barely fits in running - he bought a tri book and is following the training schedule... sort of!!)

How important is a wet suit do you suppose, its been one very cold summer per Chicago Standards!! (he doesnt have one)

OK, I saw reh bike inspeciton page, but haven't looked at it yet. I'm guessing it's mostly making sure your plugs are in your aerbars if you have them and such. Ours are both up for tehir 1 yr maintenance check this month, so I'm not too worried.

As for wetsuits, he can freeze with us. We've been fine in inland lakes. As long as he trains without, I think he'll be fine. There are a lot of beginners in this race, so I don't even know if we'll be in teh minority. Can't wait to volunteer with you guys!

 

[mkymsehi]

No need for a wetsuit here.

http://www.honolulutriathlon.com/

http://www.ironman703hawaii.com/

 

[hoosmi]

Hey WISHers!

I signed up for the Trek Womens' Sprint Tri at Disney Labor Day weekend. (I did the whole debating thing on the weekly board, so I'll spare you the details!)

I have a few questions for you seasoned racers...

1) I'm over the swim thing. I'm a little scared, but I've swum the distance several times in the pool (not the same thing, I know) and while I can't do it all freestyle, I can make it. That was my last consideration before signing up, but I'm convinced I can finish, even if my strokes will be less than desirable.

2) OK, I totally forgot about the bike thing! I'm using my daughter's road bike- it's a Giant Sedona DX (I think?)- men's XS. I'm thinking it's a little small for me (I'm about 5'6"). I'll probably take it to the bike shop this weekend and see if they can adjust it. Before I get attacked by the bike shop guys who will try to sell me every over-priced thing in the store (after they stop laughing), I wanted to ask what I should bother to get--

I'm thinking no aero bars because I'll fall on my face; same with clips for the pedals. I don't have time to learn how to use either. I have a drink holder and helmet. I'm going to tape some gels on. I'm leaning towards not getting a pump and just calling it a day if I blow a tire. So, the only thing I see left buying is maybe power grip type things so I can put my feet in straps? Should I even bother?

3) The run. I get that one, but may develop questions. I'll wear the same shoes as the bike.

Thanks everyone.

OH, and Carrie- of course I'd be interested in a shirt. I'm not about to swim in just my sports bra or a suit, so I had to rule out the WISH shirt, but it made me sad.

Jen in GA

 

[wtpclc]

Jen - Not sure I qualify as a a seasoned racer (although time on the course must get me close ). Sounds liek you've gto a good plan. We use baskets on our bike pedals. Just can't do the clipless, as I am too accident proned. If you're in no hurry, I think we have 2 spare sets and I could send you a set. Let me know. Sadly, I don't think there's any way to get you a shirt before the race. seeing as they're addicting, though, I' know you'll want one for your next one.

 

[twoWDWfools]

Jen - with a whole one tri under my belt (and 2 this mth) I feel totally qualified in helping you out.

As for the toe clips (that's the basket things), if they have straps you still need to practice getting in/out of them. Mine tried to kill me (couldn't get them undone fast enough) so I went to clips. Much better for me - just twist and I'm out.

If you go with the cages w/o the straps not as big an issue but you do still need time to practice and remembering your foot will not just lift off the pedal.

I got thru the swim with two different strokes. My goal was in on this end, out over there. You'll do great!

 

[laxdef69]

I came up short today on the last long workout...

No lifeguard at the pool, so no swim...

100 mile ride (which was good)

6 mile run/bonk (instead of 12)...maybe I'm NOT ready.

Thanks for the insight and encouragement!

 

[laxdef69]

Hey WISHers! I signed up for the Trek Womens' Sprint Tri at Disney Labor Day weekend. (I did the whole debating thing on the weekly board, so I'll spare you the details!)

CONGRATULATIONS on taking the first step!

1) I'm over the swim thing. I'm a little scared, but I've swum the distance several times in the pool (not the same thing, I know) and while I can't do it all freestyle, I can make it.

Then you are way ahead of where I was my first tri!

2) OK, I totally forgot about the bike thing! I'm using my daughter's road bike- it's a Giant Sedona DX (I think?)- men's XS. I'm thinking it's a little small for me (I'm about 5'6").

Don't sweat the bike if you are only looking to finish...if you get the bug you can get a bike that is sized for you!

I'm thinking no aero bars because I'll fall on my face; same with clips for the pedals. I don't have time to learn how to use either. I have a drink holder and helmet. I'm going to tape some gels on. I'm leaning towards not getting a pump and just calling it a day if I blow a tire. So, the only thing I see left buying is maybe power grip type things so I can put my feet in straps? Should I even bother?

Lots of stuff here. i wouldn't sweat the aero bars unless you are trying to PR the event. Good thinking on the pedals. the decision to repair or not repair is yours, but its worthwhile to take a class at the LBS on fixing flats...they are easy to do and if you get into longer training distances you MUST know how to repair a flat, since they will happen!

Again, congrats and have fun!!!!

 

[twoWDWfools]

I came up short today on the last long workout...

No lifeguard at the pool, so no swim...

100 mile ride (which was good)

6 mile run/bonk (instead of 12)...maybe I'm NOT ready.

Thanks for the insight and encouragement!

Mike - if you need/want pool time without worrying if lifeguard is there let me know. I have membership at Lifetime, pool open 24/7 and I've got guest passes.

Nice job one the ride (I'm still hoping to do a century ride this fall).
You've had stonker runs before and this is just one of those. Plus the temps/humidity higher today than it has been nearly all summer.

You'll do great!

 

[wtpclc]

Mike - You tried to do 12 this weekend? In teh awfu lheat and humidity? 6 was plenty IMO! It was too nasty outside. You will eb fine cme September!

Liz - WTG on teh swim!

Jen - Left from work for weekend travels adn didn't get home until late last night. BAskets can be in teh mail tommorrow if you want, though.

Got up pextra early Saturdya and got in 8 nasty, warmm, humid, hilly miles. Not pretyt, but they got done at least.

 

[hoosmi]

Carrie- thanks for the offer! But don't worry about it- here's why:

I've gone on 3 rides on Emma's bike since Saturday ranging from 6 to 10 miles each. I didn't realize how small the bike really is (men's XS). The seat height is fine, but the frame seems so tiny. I find I'm kind of hunched over because the handlebars are so close to my body, and when I pedal, I can't get a full motion. And, when my knee is at the top of pedaling (whatever that's called), it's about 2 inches from the gear shift- I don't think that's normal. If I tried to put my feet in basket-thingies, I'd totally fall over!

Having said all that, it's a really smooth ride and I've had a ton of fun. My average pace is about 11-12 mph. Reading race reports, I'm thinking that's pretty slow, but I don't think the writers are riding hobbit bikes. I'll be sticking far to the right... for a very, very long time.

I e-mailed a friend who is a local triathlete to see if she knows of anyone who might have a used bike for sale just in case.

Having experienced the essence of the FIRST system now with all this cross-training, I can genuinely say it's nice to mix it up a bit and that I've really enjoyed getting a break from running in the blazing heat... but I'm thinking you triathletes may be a little bit crazy!

Jen in GA

 

[stego]

hoosmi-jen: well, that's what I hear. Makes sense, when you think about it. Your honest description of your experience with riding the bike sends all kinds of red flags. What is important, though, is what works for you. Safety is paramount at ANY event. It's just when you add the pro's into the newbie mix out on the road...there can be BAD results. I've seen it happen and won't sugarcoat anything. When I did the olympic distance and was blistering on my tri bike I was constantly calling out to pass. It was a bit unnerving to see the newb's wavering all over the road. I saw several bad crashes...

I think by what you have shared you are just looking to COMPLETE the event; vs. COMPETING. One suggestion is to go to an event and see what folks do during the event. You'll see many shapes and sizes, many different types of gear. One thing is clear, you'll see some obsessive people.

My last tri in June I put down on my bike and averaged 20mph on a CX bike. I got passed by tri bikes...it was kind of eerie hearing them come up...the aero wheel has a very distinct sound. They passed on the left; most of them did NOT call out to pass.

Make the committment to how you are going to race in regards to pedals and stick with it. Don't change your mind on race day.

Get a bike that fits...you'll enjoy the event and that is what matters. Stay to the right and be consistent.

 

[wtpclc]

Jen - I have DLF'd 2 races and never felt "in the way" of others. Doing a women's only tri, sahould be geared fro beginners and if there are many pro's there, I'm sure they'll eb on the lookout. Ride smart, just like you drive a car (or even a run). Safety right unless passing adn be careful not to pull out in front of anyone. You'll be fine!!! Good luck finding a bike that fits! HAve you checked into renting one for teh race? Usually, you get it from Friday to Sunday. You coudl proactice Friday a bit before the race then.