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Discussion: some very basic questions
Subject: some very basic questions By: Ann Marie H. Written on: 2006-06-21 14:13:59 Message: hi- I'm very new to this whole tri thing. I've been running for years and am trying to branch out. I have about five or six weeks before my triathalon and would love some basic info. 1) I am doing the half IM and am wondering how long my longest bike rides should be? 2) What is the smoothest way to transition? Is it hard to find your bike? Do you drop it off really early that morning? Do people switch into bike shorts? (Im very confused by this) 3) What works best for girls in terms of a racing outfit? Any other info anyone can suggest would be great. I really appreciate it! Ann Marie PS Im doing the half in Racine, Wi, so if anyone has specific info on it, I would love to hear it!
Subject: RE: some very basic questions By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-21 15:48:48 Message: Ann Marie, how long have you been training for the 1/2 IM? I trained for 13 weeks, 5 days per week. My longest bike ride was a 4 hour ride, I did 60 or 62 miles (I can't remember). Transition: you should have all your stuff layed out in transition so that you do not have to look for stuff when you are doing your swim to bike and your bike to run transition. Buy a pair of Tri Shorts and a Tri Top- they are both made so that you can swim in it and do NOT have to change at all the entire race. The material is designed to dry while you are biking and it will keep you cool...(somewhat..). Don't get a tri suit with a built in bra because if you have to go to the bathroom between swimming to bike or biking to running, you will be fighting with your suit to get out of it...I made that mistake in my first 1/2 IM and my T2 time ended up being 7 or 9 minutes! Get there as early as you can so that you can put your bike at the end of the rack, it will be easier to find it. Remember where you left your bike! Good luck to you! Jael
Subject: RE: some very basic questions By: Michelle R. Written on: 2006-06-21 15:53:05 Message: Wow, is a half IM your first try? I can't even imagine! Good luck!
Subject: RE: some very basic questions By: Ann Marie H. Written on: 2006-06-21 18:04:45 Message: Thanks for all the tips! I've done a couple three hour bikes rides to date. I ran Boston two months ago, so cardiovascularly, I'm in pretty decent shape. Although I do realize this is a bit of a different game here. But I'm convinced nothings that fun without a little risk of failure. Also, where do you recommend buying the Tri Shorts/Top? Is there an online store? Ann Marie
Subject: RE: some very basic questions By: Jael A. Written on: 2006-06-21 18:14:46 Message: Ann Marie, there are alot of websites to buy stuff: www.trivillage.com; www.trisports.com; www.tyr.com; www.zoot.com. Or you can go to your local bike shop or running shop, they usually sell Triathlon gear. Just ask them if they carry Tri shorts and tops. It sounds like you are in pretty good shape as far as taining is concerned. Have you been swimming? You shoul be swimming for a minimum of one hour 3 days per week... Jael
Subject: RE: some very basic questions By: Elizabeth C. Written on: 2006-06-21 22:20:15 Message: I got my tri shorts and a light running top at a local bike shop. I chose a mesh running top and got a good sports bra to go under it--perfect for the swim, bike and run. They dry quickly and are very flexible. Ah, to be 24 and in perfect shape again.....
Subject: RE: some very basic questions By: Ann Marie H. Written on: 2006-06-22 23:34:58 Message: I've been swimming on a semi-regular basis. I'm sure I'll lose time on that leg though... This is probably another remedial question, but do you put all your stuff in a plastic bag or a duffle bag at the transition site? And also, from your experience, is it ridiculously crowded? I know from being jammed in a crowded space at marathons, this definetly presents an issue. I presume it can only be worse on the bike? (Although maybe my slow swim time will help solve this problem ) Also, do you find you get hungry during the race? I know that sounds slightly stupid, but during training I'm always thirsty, but not very hungry. Im assuming Gu is the way to go, unless you can recommend something else. Everyone has been most helpful! I'm becoming very excited about this endeavour!
Subject: RE: some very basic questions By: Tim O. Written on: 2006-06-23 08:56:14 Message: Ann Marie, you need to start planning your nutrition intake for the race otherwise you will flat run out of energy during the event. You need to practice eating prior and during biking and running. I normally have a good breakfast about 2-3 hours before the race starts. ~10-15 minutes before the Swim start I take 1 Gel, after I finish the swim I take another gel in the swim to bike transition. I have two gels and two water bottles for the ride and then I take gatorade or cytomax on the run if they don't have aide stations with it. It all comes down to calculating the calories you will need to complete the race and what you don't supply your body will be taken from your stored energy. Start learning how to eat before and during exercising now. Don't wait until you are hungry or thirsty to eat or drink. Plan out your eating scheme and follow it.... But start practicing it now to adjust to it. A half IM is not a Triathlon that I would try and wing.
Subject: RE: some very basic questions By: Jennifer L. Written on: 2006-06-23 10:18:33 Message: Ann Marie, I am doing Racine too. It's not my first tri, but my first half. I hear the bike is very flat (nice!) and the waters are clear--but it is in Lake Michigan, so it will probably be cold and a bit rough. Try to get into the lake beforehand to get used to that. I am on the UW Tri Team and we should have a tent set up there--come by and say hi and if you have any last minute questions, we'd be glad to help! Jen
Subject: RE: some very basic questions By: Jonny F. Written on: 2006-06-23 10:24:49 Message: Good luck with the half! FYI, ontri members get 10% off purchases from www.trivillage.com -- just enter the code ontri012004 when you check out. And if you wait a week or so the ontri tops will be ready. They are at the screeners this week and will be shipped to me soon! They are top of the line racing tops from Desoto with a kick a$$ new ontri design...they'll be hot! -Jon
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