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Discussion: Transitioning
Subject: Transitioning By: Debbie Isen Written on: 2005-03-05 19:34:45 Message: Hi! How do you transition from the swim portion to the bike portion in an Olympic Distance triathlon? The one that I am doing in June requires me to wear a wetsuit. Thanks!
Subject: RE: Transitioning By: John Day Written on: 2005-03-06 01:36:53 Message: Change really fast. Practice getting out of that wetsuit. If the race has helpers there to help you get out of the wetsuit, by all means let them help you! I have raced before with the bike shorts on under my wetsuit and have had no problem doing that- it was oly distance though. In a half ironman I took a little longer and dried off totally and changed into dry bike shorts since I would be wearing them for a long time. The underarmor type clothing works well to wear under the wetsuit to protect one's modesty. I have seen some folks just change in the nude right there at T1- nobody seems to notice since we are all in a hurry. I have seen my elites just wear their swimsuit through the whole race. In my last few oly races I just skipped getting into bike shorts altogether since the 40k bike wasn't long enough to be a problem... just try what works for you. Either way- it isn't that long timewise- be comfortable.
Subject: RE: Transitioning By: John Day Written on: 2005-03-06 01:38:06 Message: I meant to say "many elites"... I don't have any elites
Subject: RE: Transitioning By: Jamie Boward Written on: 2005-03-07 00:50:30 Message: Everything should be practiced in tris including transitions! Especially if you are going to be competitive! I have my shoes already fastened to my pedals with a little rubber band holding them at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock that way your shoes won't fall to noon and six and get caought on anything plus once you start pedaling the rubber band breaks and off you go. As for wearing bike shorts I really wouldn't suggest it even if you are doing longer races. Most good racing suits have an ample cycling pad in them and it is just wasted time (to me time changing can cost me my Hawaii slot). Wetsuits will help you swim faster since they keep you buoyant you just have to get used to the restricted stroke and practice taking it off (in half and full IM they have wetsuit pullers) but for Oly it is all about you! I have the trani's down to a science and if it takes any more than 70-80 seconds from the time I cross the mat at the end of the water til the time I am pedaling I am not too happy. It sounds small but I would practice transitions atleast once a week especially in your racing season just to make sure you know what to expect. Ohh and make sure you use a good lube on your wetsuit around the ankles, neck and wrists. I use vaseline even though they say you aren't supposed to but if you wash your suit out after the race it doesn't affect it and I have done well over 35 races in my suit. You should also be good at taking your shoes off in the last mile or so of the bike that way you can touch down and start running your bike to the rack and not have to worry about wearing your shoes with cleats on them and falling. I usually do my second transition in less than 50 seconds, but then again I have to! hope soom of that was useful bottom line practice everything!
Subject: RE: Transitioning By: Danna Tanner Written on: 2005-03-13 18:31:40 Message: this too is my first tri....and a friend of mine who races reminded me that since it is my first, not to worry about how *fast* I get thru the transitions. Because really---is an additional 60 seconds really going to impact my first finish?? Probably not. BUT...I do need to learn and adhere to the rules of the transition area. I too am still foggy on how to lay my stuff out and work out the transition area, but my friend told me, once I get there, I will see everyone elses, and it will all be self explanitory. Then....as I continue to race...I can work on streamlining the process. Good luck and HAVE FUN!!
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