Olmpic distance in 6 days- Bike? Nutrition? Decisions!

[flash]

I'm so excited about your first oly ! It sounds like you are well prepared & everything is all set....with 2 great bike choices, how can you go wrong???

By now, you probably have your decisions nailed down, so just relax and enjoy! I hope you picked your tri bike because you will be blistering fast on it......if you are still figuring out how to deal with the limited hyrdation options, here are 2 suggestions. FOR NOW, have an extra bottle (water or sports drink as you prefer) in transition. Take a couple of good swigs before setting out on your bike. And a couple more before heading out on the run. Yes, it will take 10 or 15 extra seconds, but you'll have the water in you & that's a good thing. FOR LATER, I strongly recommend the type of drink system that fits between your aerobars (there are various manufacturers, just make sure the one you buy is compatible with the type/brand of aero bars you have). With the drinking straw almost poking you in the nose (the key word there is almost) it's impossible NOT to drink often. For longer races, you can refill the between-bar carrier using your water bottle (frame mount or behind the seat mount) to make sure you take in enough fluids.

[KSH]

I'm so excited about your first oly ! It sounds like you are well prepared & everything is all set....with 2 great bike choices, how can you go wrong???

By now, you probably have your decisions nailed down, so just relax and enjoy! I hope you picked your tri bike because you will be blistering fast on it......if you are still figuring out how to deal with the limited hyrdation options, here are 2 suggestions. FOR NOW, have an extra bottle (water or sports drink as you prefer) in transition. Take a couple of good swigs before setting out on your bike. And a couple more before heading out on the run. Yes, it will take 10 or 15 extra seconds, but you'll have the water in you & that's a good thing. FOR LATER, I strongly recommend the type of drink system that fits between your aerobars (there are various manufacturers, just make sure the one you buy is compatible with the type/brand of aero bars you have). With the drinking straw almost poking you in the nose (the key word there is almost) it's impossible NOT to drink often. For longer races, you can refill the between-bar carrier using your water bottle (frame mount or behind the seat mount) to make sure you take in enough fluids.

Thanks Flash!

Well, I need to get my tri bike setup better for hydration, in the near future. This means moving my computer around. I will get it done though.

I talked to my friend today, and she has done this tri 2 times. From the sounds of it... I am going to be better off on my road bike for this one. There are hills, lots of tight turns and it's a very crowded course. In situations like that, I am more comfortable on my road bike.

So... the whole hydration issue is solved. I can put two 20oz bottles on my road bike.

I have a sprint coming up June 10th, and that course will be perfect for the tri bike.

[Running Mommy]

Well your in good dorky company- I use my camelback in anything longer than a sprint! I have a longish pump because I gave up the co2 pump, and it doesn't fit on my bike anywhere, so I carry it in my camelbak. So not only am I plump as all get out, I have a camelback on with a pump sticking out. But you know what? It works for me!!
I've tried to figure out where I could mount my pump, but my bike is so small (an xs) that the triangle doesnt even allow for me to put a water bottle cage in it. Well I COULD put the cage on, but no bottles would fit. Even the squat ones. Anyway, I'm yammering on....
Well HAVE FUN! And kick some serious arse out there! I know you will!
Ciao bella!
Denise

[btchance]

Good luck this weekend KSH - I know you'll do great.

Oh, and Denise, I have a tiny bike (44cm) also and my bottles barely fit - I use 20oz and can squeeze it in, bigger than that and I'm in trouble. Us "vertically -challenged" girls need our camelbaks!!

[Tri Girl]

Yay KSH!!!! Your first race is coming up so quickly!!!!!! You're soooo gonna rock that course- I can't wait to hear all about it!!!
I think the camelbak will be fine! Who cares what it looks like- what matters is how hydrated you are!

Woo hoo- I can't wait to hear all about it!!!! Good luck!!!!!