prepping for the tri

[badger]

So I'm getting close to registering (2 days til earlybird cut off!).

In thinking this, I'm getting anxious about certain things. Obviously it'll be my first, so I don't expect myself to have all the gear, but I'm not really sure how I should dress.

I expect I'll be wearing my regular swim suit for the swim portion. Then I get out and change into...?? Something I'll ride and run in, correct? Is it better to do it in a tank or a sports bra with a merino wool t-shirt? it's March 8th, so obviously not warm, which means I'll need something for the ride portion to put over on top. I don't even have a proper riding jacket! (I wear a regular waterproof jacket with hood when I commute).

And I don't even have proper tights, I normally just run in the Adidas capris.

And what of the nutrition? I've never competed in an endurance sport where you're not lounging poolside waiting for your next heat. I'm a horrible competitor who can't eat, so how should I fuel myself? are gels enough to get you started and going??

Thanks for any input!!

[Veronica]

What distance is the event?

You don't change your clothes, just your shoes. You swim, bike and run all in the same outfit. Maybe adding a jacket if it is cold.

http://tandemhearts.com/coppermine/thumbnails.php?album=69

I wore this for all four of my tris last year.

Veronica

[alpinerabbit]

I'm just wondering how they can put up a tri in Vancouver BC in March. Please explain the setup and maybe I'll better understand what you might wear - :eek:

[badger]

I should speak with a woman who's done it before. She did mention changing out of her swim suit into another outfit for the ride/run. It's not a super-serious event at all, and I'll be making a debut with the sprint.

Alpine, here's the link to the event (http://www.rec.ubc.ca/events/triathlon/). We're in Canada but by March snow won't be an issue. It's probably going to be around 10C, give or take a couple of degrees. Last year it was POURING, though, so rain is definitely a factor.

[badger]

I was just reading the first page of that link, and it says "largest indoor triathlon". It's NOT indoors... The swim portion is probably indoors, though the outdoor pool's been used before. But the cycling and the running is definitely outdoors.

[kelownagirl]

PM Grog. She's done this race.

[Bron]

If you're not going to be able to dry off properly, then I would definitely add a wind vest for the cycling, being wet at 10°C could lead to getting very cold.

For my first tri I swam in bikini bottoms and sports bra and them put my running clothes on over the top. The cycle ride was short enough that the lack of chamois didn't matter (although I know this wouldn't be true for everyone).

Regarding nutrition, if eating during the race is going to make you feel bad, then just make sure you are well fuelled beforehand. I usually have a gel on the bike and plenty of water, but that's it and for sprint distances I just drink water and some isotonic drink. Make sure that you have tried any gel or energy bar beforehand to be sure that it will agree with you.

[badger]

good idea on trying the gel/food.

I'll get in touch with Grog. I do recall the woman who's done it from my swim club said there's a tent to change, so I believe you don't wear the same thing from start to finish. And truthfully, I can't imagine how gross it would be to ride and run with chlorine-infused suit so close to my body. Besides, I'll be using my commuter cyclo cross which has a Brooks saddle.

This is going to be a bit of a gong-show :D

[Veronica]

I have done my 4 tris on my Brooks saddle, including a HIM. Tri shorts dry pretty quickly I think.

Veronica

[badger]

So I let the earlybird deadline come and go...

I must admit the entry fee put me off. I know it's not a lot ($59, $64 after today), but it is if I'm not really setting myself a proper goal. I merely want to see how fit I am.

I do feel a little half arsed about all this, like I should be following a proper training plan rather than just commuting by bike and running on a treadmill every now and again :(

[ilima]

It's fine to do things like put on a cycling shirt (preferably full-zip) at T1 or change your shorts and T2--but you absolutely positively do not want to try and wrangle a bra onto a wet body. Keep that in mind when your planning your outfit!