Calling all Triathletes!!!

[doglady8]

It's almost time, and definitely time to start training!! I've decided to enter my first triathlon consisting of a 5-mile bike ride on roads and on single-track (must use mtn bike), a 1/2-mile swim in chilly water, and then a 2 1/2-mile run up a mountain.

I'd like to wear something suitable for all three events and minimize transition time as much as possible.

I need all the help I can get !!! If any of you BBer's have participated in one, I would welcome any TNT advice on clothing choices, and anything else I might need to know!!

Thank you!
Nancy

[ChristieinMB]

Have you visited Tri stores or websites, they have an array of clothes, what you like is a personal preference.

[Leslie Ferguson]

Congratulations on selecting to do your first Triathlon. I'm not sure that my advice will help too much because (1) my triathlons were in the ocean and the swim was first and (2) I'm a guy and I'm not sure that all the things I've learned will apply to you. But with that said I'll be the first to wade in.

In my opinion and in my practice I don't really mind how long I take in transition because I'm not really racing for a place in my age group (don't get me wrong, I race the clock but usually only sweat my speed on the course not in transition). But I do like to minimize my time in transition just like you mention.

Since the water temperature is cool/cold here or at least cold enough to warrant a wet suit I've used a wetsuit for my tris. I wear a swim suit underneath, a long speedo-type (like short runner's tights), that I can wear under shorts. That way I can pull off my wet suit, pull on shorts and a running shirt and hop on my bike. Wearing those things I can just get off my bike and head out on the run.

What type of pedals do you have on your mountain bike? Are they clipless, straps, or platform? If you have straps or platform then I'd recommend wearing your runnning shoes when you get on your bike. If not then you'll have to change out of your bike shoes into your running shoes - but that shouldn't take too long really.

If you are going to wear a wetsuit (and I wouldn't recommend buying one unless you think you're going to do tris a lot - you can typically rent them from running stores that carry triathlon equipment) I'd recommend "lubing" up your wrists and ankles so the suit will come off easier than if you put the suit on dry. I've used BodyGlide in my races and it seems to work well. Other's have talked about using Pam (I'm not sure I'd spray pam on myself thank you) or Aquapor (SP?). I'd be hesitant to use something petroleum based like Aquaphor or Vaseline because that might damage the wet suit.

So my recommendations would be to wear some type of swim suit (they make decent 2 piece that the top acts like a jog bra) that you feel comfortable running in. When you get ready to ride just put running shorts and a running shirt on over your swim suit. As to whether you wear running shoes or bike shoes depends on the type of pedals you have.

My last recommendation is give your transition and clothes plans a couple "dry runs" (no pun intended) to see how you're going to handle running/riding in something that you don't normally run/ride in.

Enjoy yourself and I'd be interested to hear what some of the other triathletes (like SusanMac) say about your request.

Happy trails,
Les

[SusanMac]

Congrats, Doglady, on your first tri!! It sounds like a blast (altho a tough one -- running straight up a mtn?!)

An awesome place to check out is www.triathlete.com. It's a forum like this one, but all about tri's. They even have a specific section called the "Rookie Challenge." Lots o' great input on gear, clothes, transitions, training schedules, race-day checklists, etc.

Since your question was specifically about what to wear, I'll tackle just that aspect.

If you truly don't want to change clothes in transition (& I don't), you should invest in a tri suit. They have both 1-piece & 2-piece suits. It's essentially workout top & shorts that dry very fast and have a small chamois that is enough to cushion the bike but isn't too bulky for the run. They're not cheap, however.

If you don't want to spring the $$, then most women wear a bathing suit, then put bike shorts on top for the bike, & change into running shorts for the run (keeping the bathing suit on the whole time)

Lemme know if you have more questions.

[doglady8]

Hi Les -
Thank you for the comprehensive reply - I will definitely need to print it out for reference!

The bike ride is first, followed by the swim, then run up the mountain. The route is more-or-less linear, so there are no loops on the course, and two distinct transition areas. I have clipless peddles on my mtn bike, and wear bike shoes with cleats. I had originally thought of wearing my biking shorts to swim in and also run in - I'm not sure about chafing issues - but what do you think of that idea? Your idea of wearing a swimsuit under the biking shorts is a good one, then I could easily pull on running shorts over the swim bottoms to run up the hill.

What are the advantages of "tri-athlete" wear vs. just swapping off different articles of clothing?

Thanks,
Nancy

[SusanMac]

Just realized that I said "they sell tri suits." That was useful, wasn't it?

A local bike shop will probably have triathlon suits. If you can't find any local ones, my fav online source is www.all3sports.com. The trick for the first time is that you won't be able to try clothes on beforehand.

[aggie94]

I have done several sprint-distance and Olympic-distance tris, and I will start by saying I am way too vain (and in not nearly good enough physical shape) to be running or biking around in just a swimsuit or tri-suit. :eek:

That said, here is what I've done for tris (that always start with the swim). I wear a one-piece racing suit (like a Speedo or TYR) that is not specific to triathlons - it's just a competitive swimsuit. After the swim, I pull on a pair of shorts that I can both bike and run in (fitted, mid-thigh-length shorts that are similar to bike shorts but without the padding) and a dri-fit top (sleeveless or short sleeved).

With your swim in the middle, I would personally start the race with a swimsuit under my bike clothes, whip them off for the swim, then throw on a top and running shorts for the last leg. I definitely would not want to run in wet bike shorts that I swam in, because I am sure that would create chafing issues for me, but you might not have that issue. I don't think it would take but a minute, though, to just throw on a pair of running shorts (you wouldn't even need a top) and hit the trail.

Good luck!

[aggie94]

Oh, another good online source for tri-wear is World Wide Aquatics (http://www.worldwideaquatics.com). Just click on "Triathlon Gear" to see their selection. Their 5" race short with pad looks very similar to the kind of shorts I wear, but mine are not padded.

[SusanMac]

I totally agree w/Aggie. Swimming in bike shorts would be uncomfortable on both the swim & run. You had asked about the advantages of tri-clothes vs. other workout clothes. The biggest factors are quick-drying, small biking chamois, close fit & not having to change. But, after looking again at your race distance...you probably won't even need bike shorts/chamois since it's 5 miles. I wouldn't guess you'd get saddle sore from that distance.

When is your race??

[Leslie Ferguson]

I don't have much else to add - Aggie and Susan pretty much summed up my thoughts. Running in the same shorts as you swim in is pretty much asking for chafing in my opinion.

I'll echo - when is your tri? Soon?

Happy trails,
Les