Triathlon Thread 2013

[ironz]

I have no idea what my sizing would be. There is no place near me that sells wetsuits so I will be going off measurements. I also hope to be slightly different measurements for each race. I think I will do the race site rentals, those I can try on at least.

Xterra has good customer service and can help with sizing...they also run sales pretty frequently. Just check on return policy, in case, esp given your location/situation.


As for me...tri season is delayed until mid summer, as I just had rotator cuff surgery. Will just do some sprints, I suppose, and then get back on track next year.

 

[Stitch_lover_Sith]

Xterra has good customer service and can help with sizing...they also run sales pretty frequently. Just check on return policy, in case, esp given your location/situation.

As for me...tri season is delayed until mid summer, as I just had rotator cuff surgery. Will just do some sprints, I suppose, and then get back on track next year.

That sucks about the shoulder. I had this kinda happen about two years ago. Did one race the whole season. But it gave me time to recoup and decide what I wanted to do. Now I am signed up for Lake Placid. Hope all you need is a little pixie dust.

 

[JimB.]

I have an Xterra that I use at work. It's a 2/3, so it's pretty thin, but in spite of that, some sort of wonkanations in my left shoulder tell me that swimming in a sleeved wet suit is not gonna' be my thing. So I'm probably (one of these days) going to purchase a sleeveless one. If I'm ever at a Tri that is suit legal, that is......

My only Tri on the books right now is the Florida 70.3 in May. By the time it rolls around I should be ready. Looking to take a 1/2 hour off of last year.......

I would LOVE to do the Rocketman in Cocoa in a coupla' months, but I am going to be held prisoner on a cruise ship that weekend instead. The sacifices I make........

 

[Stitch_lover_Sith]

I have an Xterra that I use at work. It's a 2/3, so it's pretty thin, but in spite of that, some sort of wonkanations in my left shoulder tell me that swimming in a sleeved wet suit is not gonna' be my thing. So I'm probably (one of these days) going to purchase a sleeveless one. If I'm ever at a Tri that is suit legal, that is......

My only Tri on the books right now is the Florida 70.3 in May. By the time it rolls around I should be ready. Looking to take a 1/2 hour off of last year.......

I would LOVE to do the Rocketman in Cocoa in a coupla' months, but I am going to be held prisoner on a cruise ship that weekend instead. The sacifices I make........

Just waiting on their next sale. I am part of a club that gets a really good discount with them but can't seem to nail down my sizing. If I use the interactive sizing tool they say WM. If I go by the little sizing chart it says WMS. Or if I read the reviews, I have a long torso for a woman I should go with the WSL. I am so confused.

 

[John VN]

Just waiting on their next sale. I am part of a club that gets a really good discount with them but can't seem to nail down my sizing. If I use the interactive sizing tool they say WM. If I go by the little sizing chart it says WMS. Or if I read the reviews, I have a long torso for a woman I should go with the WSL. I am so confused.

I just started tri-ing last year after learning to swim freestyle. Only a fair swimmer due to movement restrictions from arthritis, broken neck, right shoulder that is in need of a total replacement, and 62 years of age. I purchased 2 suits from Xterra for $425 with a regular price of $1,000 so waiting for a sale is advisable. The 30 day return policy is enough time to know if the ordered suit(s) is(are) fine.

Heading to the pool shortly for another 1500/2000 yard, bone grinding swim. At least the water is 82F.

 

[Duanerice]

I just started tri-ing last year after learning to swim freestyle. Only a fair swimmer due to movement restrictions from arthritis, broken neck, right shoulder that is in need of a total replacement, and 62 years of age. I purchased 2 suits from Xterra for $425 with a regular price of $1,000 so waiting for a sale is advisable. The 30 day return policy is enough time to know if the ordered suit(s) is(are) fine.

Heading to the pool shortly for another 1500/2000 yard, bone grinding swim. At least the water is 82F.

Yep, Xterra is great and they do have the 30 day return policy. The sizing on their site fit me perfectly. I purchased the full sleeve because if I am going to wear one, I want to get as much buoyancy as I can. If they allow a wetsuit you really should wear one.

Just Google Xterra discount codes. Always a sale going on. Heck it is cheaper than renting 3 times and you have it for a long time.
Duane

 

[Duanerice]

Xterra has good customer service and can help with sizing...they also run sales pretty frequently. Just check on return policy, in case, esp given your location/situation.


As for me...tri season is delayed until mid summer, as I just had rotator cuff surgery. Will just do some sprints, I suppose, and then get back on track next year.

Bummer! That really stinks. Had that 4 yeas ago with a torn bicep (they had a fancier name). Do the rehab! They wouldn't even let me run for a long time (afraid I'd fall)
Get well soon
Duane

 

[Duanerice]

I'm planning to do my first sprint tri in June. I've already signed up for a training group that starts in a few weeks and I'm hoping I'll learn everything I need to know from there, but I'll keep checking this thread for tips too.

The swim is my weakest sport as I'm pretty much a complete beginner. I'm not great on the bike, but I've managed to finish a couple duathlons. I don't expect the run to be a problem.

Here's my question: Is it silly to think that I can train for a marathon and a tri at the same time? The marathon is on June 1 and the tri is on June 22. It would be my 4th marathon so I know what I'm getting into with marathon training. The way I see it, the bike and swim would be my cross training. My only goal with the tri is to finish. I know I already have the endurance to do it, I just need to work on the swim a bit and then learn all the multi-sport stuff like what to wear and how to handle transitions.

Great news! And yes, you can train for the Sprint while training for a marathon. I assume this first tri is just for fun. As long as you get your swimming down, bike a little then you will kill the run I was a completed beginner in the swim and bike too.

Just go out and have fun. If you are uncomfortable on the swim, just start at the back. Heck, some people I know still let the whole wave start then go in 15 seconds later. In the grand scheme of things 15 seconds isn't much. I do like to start at the front in the smaller races, much more fun

Just go out and have fun!
Duane

 

[Duanerice]

Great to see this thread up, just found it. I haven't been back to the boards in awhile but I see Betsy is still here, although not racing this spring

I started with the Disney marathon, a couple of Goofy's then got tired of "just" running. Joined a tri club 3 years ago and have since completed 2 full IM, 7 HIM, countless sprints and 2 Oly's. And John I did IMFl twice, you will love it!

I am skipping IM this year, just don't feel like putting that much training in. Actually I just don't feel like putting that much biking in this year. That's the time killer. 2013 is a slow year, kind of taking abreak. On tap for 2013

• New Orleans 70.3
• Florida 70.3
• Austin 70.3
• Local sprints, Oly's, 5ks and HM's. Just not sure which ones yet.

Have fun out there and be safe on the roads!
Duane

 

[hungrygreenhippo]

I'm training for 2 halfs and a tri right now. In the fall I'll be training for a full marathon, and a 70.3. It can be done just space them out.

As to the swimming master swim is your friend. Many triathletes are crappy swimmers unfortunatly, but the swim is also the most dangerous leg. The swim is a crutial opening to a good triathlon. Be prepared to get crawled on and kicked in open water. The bouancy will be different too. Learn how to sight its a big deal, and learn how to be one with the water. You're going to swallow water, you've got to learn how to just push through like its nothing in the water. The water is the most violent stage. I personally love the water. Hoping if I do a 70.3 this fall to sub 40 the 1.25 mile swim. I completed the last one in 43 but didnt push too hard. I view the swim as the stretching before the bike, the bike as the warm up to the run. I'm all about the run.

Yeah, the whole open water in the midst of a crowd of people thing scares me. The training group will be doing some open water swims at the same lake as the tri so hopefully that will help.

What exactly is sighting? I've heard the term, but not really sure what it means.

Great news! And yes, you can train for the Sprint while training for a marathon. I assume this first tri is just for fun. As long as you get your swimming down, bike a little then you will kill the run I was a completed beginner in the swim and bike too.

Just go out and have fun. If you are uncomfortable on the swim, just start at the back. Heck, some people I know still let the whole wave start then go in 15 seconds later. In the grand scheme of things 15 seconds isn't much. I do like to start at the front in the smaller races, much more fun

Just go out and have fun!
Duane

Yep, this first tri is just for fun, to see how I like the world of triathlons. Thanks for the tip!

 

[John VN]

Some swimming tips including sighting.....http://www.swimsmooth.com/triathlon.html

 

[dewingedpixie]

Hungry GReen Hippo: Sighting means looking for bouys etc in the water while you swim. It means picking a point in front of you and swimming towards it. The breath with freestyle is to the side, you have to learn to look forward every so many breaths and stay in line.

 

[Weluvdisny]

I just signed up for my first sprint tri last night! The swim will be in warm water in July but I'm looking at another race for June in Lake Ontario. I don't want to buy a wetsuit yet so I'm looking at renting one. Opinion on sleeves or no sleeves?

 

[dewingedpixie]

I just signed up for my first sprint tri last night! The swim will be in warm water in July but I'm looking at another race for June in Lake Ontario. I don't want to buy a wetsuit yet so I'm looking at renting one. Opinion on sleeves or no sleeves?

No sleeves, the sleeves are harder to rip off in transition and hinder your range of motion in the water. Water temps above a certain number wetsuits are not legal. You might want to look into if this race is typically wet suit legal or not.

 

[Weluvdisny]

No sleeves, the sleeves are harder to rip off in transition and hinder your range of motion in the water. Water temps above a certain number wetsuits are not legal. You might want to look into if this race is typically wet suit legal or not.

Thanks for the info! I watched a video of last year's race and 97% of the participants are wearing wetsuits. I think the temp of the lake is still ridiculously cold then so they are approved to wear.

 

[tiberius]

It's good to see the tri thread resurrected for another year!

Betsy--So sorry about your injury. I hope all the rehab goes well.

I'm also coming off a late year injury last October that killed the rest of my year. Fortunately I've been able to return to training. I may have lost my spring running races but tri season looks to be on schedule. Thus far my race schedule includes the Galveston 70.3 in early April, s sprint tri in early May, IM Texas in mid-May, hopefully another sprint in early July and the USAT Age Group race in Milwaukee in August.

I'm also in the market for a wetsuit. I no longer fit the sleeveless I bought a few years back and rented for one race last year. I'm considering renting again through an online rental vs buying online. For those looking for a wetsuit discount code, I came across this earlier: http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/index.php/slp/ironman/

 

[Duanerice]

No sleeves, the sleeves are harder to rip off in transition and hinder your range of motion in the water.

I'd vote the other way. Always wear full sleeves. If you can wear a wet suit get the most bang for your buck. I take the top off while running to T1 so I really do not lose any time pulling off the sleeves.

You do need the right fit or the shoulders will feel constrictive. Mine is a cheap Xterra and the shoulders are fine. A lot of people never get the suit pulled up far enough so it pulls on their shoulders.

Above all, you need to be comfortable so get what works for you.

Riachrd, so good to see you back.
Duane

 

[dewingedpixie]

I'd vote the other way. Always wear full sleeves. If you can wear a wet suit get the most bang for your buck. I take the top off while running to T1 so I really do not lose any time pulling off the sleeves.

You do need the right fit or the shoulders will feel constrictive. Mine is a cheap Xterra and the shoulders are fine. A lot of people never get the suit pulled up far enough so it pulls on their shoulders.

Above all, you need to be comfortable so get what works for you.

Riachrd, so good to see you back.
Duane

I view running out of the water into transition part of transition. I just find the sleeves annoying. Hell the whole wet suit annoys me in all honesty.

 

[John VN]

Well, gotta say I am a little upset right now. Have my first 70.3 on Sunday and had a trip+fall=face plant during a jog on Saturday. Gash on lower left eyebrow, skinned knuckles, left shoulder impact with road rash and wrenching of neck that I broke 2 years ago next month. The tingling is worsening in fingers of left hand from the pinched nerve. Tried a little swim yesterday and my shot right shoulder was not good. It's tough being a little older (maybe a lot) than most.

Anyway, the barn door and fence gate are closed so it will be what it will be. Latest weather was for 80's and increasing chances of rain so that stinks also.

I am sooooo looking forward to a great weekend. Really, I am.

I have both sleeved and sleeveless so I will test the water on Friday and Saturday. Might warm up a little with afternoon temps. in the 80's.

 

[Duanerice]

Well, gotta say I am a little upset right now. Have my first 70.3 on Sunday and had a trip+fall=face plant during a jog on Saturday. Gash on lower left eyebrow, skinned knuckles, left shoulder impact with road rash and wrenching of neck that I broke 2 years ago next month. The tingling is worsening in fingers of left hand from the pinched nerve. Tried a little swim yesterday and my shot right shoulder was not good. It's tough being a little older (maybe a lot) than most.

Anyway, the barn door and fence gate are closed so it will be what it will be. Latest weather was for 80's and increasing chances of rain so that stinks also.

I am sooooo looking forward to a great weekend. Really, I am.

I have both sleeved and sleeveless so I will test the water on Friday and Saturday. Might warm up a little with afternoon temps. in the 80's.

Ugh! My greatest fear of training, getting hurt right before a race. Good luck John.
Duane