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Discussion: transition areas
Subject: transition areas
By: bob gracey
Written on: 2005-04-19 10:21:24
Message: Just finished my second tri Sunday. I noticed looking at the transiton splits that the elite racers were in and out in about 30 secs or less. Most were about 1 minute per transition (me - ohh 2 minutes or so)
So what's up? Gloves for the bike? shoe changes? shirt? Run faster? more practice changing clothes? Do these elite dudes pedal bare footed?

I will never be elite but shoot, to lose 2 minutes to most of the field just by changing clothes means about 10 to 15 places in the standings.
Subject: RE: transition areas
By: Ryan Patton
Written on: 2005-04-19 20:34:38
Message: I did a duathlon this past weekend and noticed the same things that you mention. Most people put their gloves in their back pocket and then put them on while on the bike. Most people wear the same shirt in the water, bike and run. Elastic pull shoe laces work really well also. I am interested in hearing other suggestions on the transition. The competition is so good that saving a minute in the transition time can really help.
Subject: RE: transition areas
By: mischa berg
Written on: 2005-04-20 12:26:16
Message: I have never done a tri yet, but am wondering about the transitions myself. Being a woman, I wonder if there is a swimming suit that gives enough support to run in? If not, how do women handle that? I will be biking in my running shoes, so don't have to worry about changing after the bike, but have been told to make sure the shoes are untied before the race so you can just slip them on. What about putting socks on wet feet? Is there a trick to help with that? Do people use baby powder or something? Any suggestions on making the transitions smoother would be greatly appreciated! Sorry Bob, I don't have any answers, just more questions!
Subject: RE: transition areas
By: Jamie Boward
Written on: 2005-04-20 20:51:28
Message: My transitions are usually around the 45-55 second mark depending on how far the swim is from the T area. The big thing is as soon as you exit the water you should be pulling your wetsuit off (if you wear one). Anything over 800 swim I always wear one unless it isn't allowed.
Once you get to the area you need to yank the legs off. Now the key is to have everything set up . I have my sunglasses open and facing upward that way I put them on and the helmet next almost intantaneously. I always have my shoes attached to the pedals that way I can put them on while biking. The key is to practice putting shoes on while riding and taking them off while keeping them clipped to the pedals. Also you want to practice running with your bike by just holding the seat and being able to control it and that will save you 10-15 seconds or so.
Now for T2 get used to getting your feet out while riding and do that about a quarter mile out and pedal on top of the shoes (you won't lose any time like that). Get used to dismounting while the bike is still rolling slowly that way you are off at the line and running it to the rack. From there I have my running shoes open. All I have to do is slide my feet in and pull the quick laces and I have my belt and hat in hand and usually put them on while running out the transition area. It just requires a lot of practice but it is worth it to get a PR.
As for gloves or special biking shorts or stuff to train in. I don't use any of it! No socks or anything like that even up thru Ironman I don't wear gloves bike shorts or socks on either the run or the bike. I have trained that way too so I am accustomed to it. Just make sure to rinse everything out after the workout or race and you are fine. You have to train like you race so you can be comfortable in a racing suit with a little less pad and be used to how the suit feels other than that it really is simple to drop time in the transition area you just have to be aware of how much time you are spending and keep an eye on who is around you when you enter and try to come out with or ahead of them.
jamie

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Discussion: transition areas
Subject: transition areas By: bob gracey Written on: 2005-04-19 10:21:24 Message: Just finished my second tri Sunday. I noticed looking at the transiton splits that the elite racers were in and out in about 30 secs or less. Most were about 1 minute per transition (me - ohh 2 minutes or so) So what's up? Gloves for the bike? shoe changes? shirt? Run faster? more practice changing clothes? Do these elite dudes pedal bare footed? I will never be elite but shoot, to lose 2 minutes to most of the field just by changing clothes means about 10 to 15 places in the standings.
Subject: RE: transition areas By: Ryan Patton Written on: 2005-04-19 20:34:38 Message: I did a duathlon this past weekend and noticed the same things that you mention. Most people put their gloves in their back pocket and then put them on while on the bike. Most people wear the same shirt in the water, bike and run. Elastic pull shoe laces work really well also. I am interested in hearing other suggestions on the transition. The competition is so good that saving a minute in the transition time can really help.
Subject: RE: transition areas By: mischa berg Written on: 2005-04-20 12:26:16 Message: I have never done a tri yet, but am wondering about the transitions myself. Being a woman, I wonder if there is a swimming suit that gives enough support to run in? If not, how do women handle that? I will be biking in my running shoes, so don't have to worry about changing after the bike, but have been told to make sure the shoes are untied before the race so you can just slip them on. What about putting socks on wet feet? Is there a trick to help with that? Do people use baby powder or something? Any suggestions on making the transitions smoother would be greatly appreciated! Sorry Bob, I don't have any answers, just more questions!
Subject: RE: transition areas By: Jamie Boward Written on: 2005-04-20 20:51:28 Message: My transitions are usually around the 45-55 second mark depending on how far the swim is from the T area. The big thing is as soon as you exit the water you should be pulling your wetsuit off (if you wear one). Anything over 800 swim I always wear one unless it isn't allowed. Once you get to the area you need to yank the legs off. Now the key is to have everything set up . I have my sunglasses open and facing upward that way I put them on and the helmet next almost intantaneously. I always have my shoes attached to the pedals that way I can put them on while biking. The key is to practice putting shoes on while riding and taking them off while keeping them clipped to the pedals. Also you want to practice running with your bike by just holding the seat and being able to control it and that will save you 10-15 seconds or so. Now for T2 get used to getting your feet out while riding and do that about a quarter mile out and pedal on top of the shoes (you won't lose any time like that). Get used to dismounting while the bike is still rolling slowly that way you are off at the line and running it to the rack. From there I have my running shoes open. All I have to do is slide my feet in and pull the quick laces and I have my belt and hat in hand and usually put them on while running out the transition area. It just requires a lot of practice but it is worth it to get a PR. As for gloves or special biking shorts or stuff to train in. I don't use any of it! No socks or anything like that even up thru Ironman I don't wear gloves bike shorts or socks on either the run or the bike. I have trained that way too so I am accustomed to it. Just make sure to rinse everything out after the workout or race and you are fine. You have to train like you race so you can be comfortable in a racing suit with a little less pad and be used to how the suit feels other than that it really is simple to drop time in the transition area you just have to be aware of how much time you are spending and keep an eye on who is around you when you enter and try to come out with or ahead of them. jamie
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