Back in the Race

Well, I just did it. I signed up for a sprint Tri. The last time I did one was 1999. Wow, hard to believe it has been that long. I had to stop due to various injuries and my left ear bothering me when I swim, even if I wear ear plugs and a cap. It still hurts whenever I swim So I have a few quick ?s since I have not done one of these races in 10 years... Do you have any ideas/suggestions for me to prevent water in my ear? I used wear my bathingsuit and shorts during the bike and run portion ...it was okay although not very supportive. What do you wear for the shorter races? How do you designate your spot in the transition area? People used to have balloons. I usually tried to remember. I have both a Cross bike and a road bike...I am trying to figure which bike would be best.

I am pretty psyched about this, the last time I raced was in 2001 during a 10 mile race. I have been out of the racing scene during my climbing years. My ultimate goal, which has been since I was about 10 has been to complete a IM. Who knows, maybe next year a HIM and a few years after that the big one.

I read something here on TE about a neoprene headband that might help you keep warm and keep the plugs in your ears.

I wear tri shorts and a sport bra/top. These days with the team top over it.

Balloon is good although you have to schlep it to the site. I have used a bandana before, but my bike has bright bar tape so usually I find it quickly.

Use the one you feel comfy on, road has smoother tires so you'll gain a few watts.

WELCOME BACK !

re ear plugs - I use the swimmers ear plugs I buy very inexpensively at Wally world. They are purple and have silicon disc type things on a silicon post. they are comfortable and seal really well. It pretty much is a given you have to wear them for our early tri's here because the water is so cold a person gets vertigo when they are done swimming. The ear plugs solve that.

Also if i dig way back in my brain there is a liquid you can put in before swimming that helps - i have never used it and can't remember what it is (great help I am) It is not the drops you put in for swimmers ear but something else - perhaps someone on catch a wave thread would know

I put my goggle straps on first then the swim cap over them - my speedo silicon cap comes over my ears pretty well but I have never had these ear plugs leak or slip out. I even sleep w/ them when needed - they block a lot of sound

Thanks for the input. I have had ear issues since I started spinning back in 1997. It always feels like there is pressure in the left ear that raidiates down my neck. I have been to the Drs numerous times and have had MRIs and they can't seem to figue it out. It hurts at times and when there is a lot of pressure I get pretty darn dizzy. Swimming makes it worse That is what stopped me from doing Tris, but I really want to get back into it. I will try your suggestions and see what happens.

Great job on getting back into the sport. I don't have any ear advice, but I just wanted to say that I'm excited that you're getting back into tris. :)