first timer needs advice...

[Mic]

Ok girls, this is my first time (44)
I just got a skin suit, but there is not enough support for me to run in, do you wear a sports bra under that or what???
Oh I am so nervous about the transitions, any advice?? I will not be changing any clothing, except for shoes obviously.
Thanks.
Mic

[rocknrollgirl]

Can't help you with the sports bra thing....I am pretty small, so the built in sports bra in my tri suit is plenty.

As far as transition goes. Don't be nervous. Practice. Set up a transition area, in the yard, by the lake, where ever. Run up, take off your cap and goggles, put on your shoes...etc.

I did days right before my first race, where that was the entire workout. Over and over.

[shawnada]

I just finished my first race and the transitions were easy. Keep it simple. If you don't have to change clothes all you have to do is change shoes and helmet, hat. hardest part for me was running bike into transition area in my bike shoes and it was raining (wet grass). You will be fine. You are so wrapped up in the moment it just flows. Good luck to you.

[divingbiker]

I just got a skin suit, but there is not enough support for me to run in, do you wear a sports bra under that or what???

Yes, wear a sports bra but make sure it is one that is made of a material that will dry quickly.

[alpinerabbit]

Here's a nice piccie of a set up transition...

towel,

bike stuff first

run stuff behind

glasses&lid on handlebars/brake cables (or else in front of bike stuff)

bike comp set to zero....

socks if needed

for the bib#, get a piece of elastic if you don't have a number belt (I had one in the goodie bag for my first)

[Ladyrunner]

I wear a sports bra under my tri-clothes. I also wear my tri-clothes under my wetsuit.

About transition, I suggest what's already been suggested -- practice. Also, make sure you're practicing the running after the biking. Another thing - I don't know if your tri is open water, but if it is - practice an open water swim BEFORE race day. It's a whole 'nother experience than being in the pool.

If you can, volunteer at a triathlon before yours. That way you can see what other people bring and do in transition.

Best of luck and let us know how it goes!

[Mic]

Thanks for all the great ideas and tips. The sprint in on the 26th. I will let you know how it goes. The picture of your layout was great, thanks. I have jumped in the lake and it sure it a whole different world, but I think it'll be ok, besides the people factor, that is still freaking me out a little...but I sure am glad I did that before the race, as suggested.
Thanks again...2 weeks to go...bbs.

[limewave]

A couple people at the one I just did had containers of water to rinse their feet after the swim. Ours took place on a sandy beach and we had to jog a ways in it. Our feet were covered. I happened to have an extra water bottle with me. I used that to squirt my feet before pulling on my socks. It worked great.

[Ladyrunner]

A couple people at the one I just did had containers of water to rinse their feet after the swim. Ours took place on a sandy beach and we had to jog a ways in it. Our feet were covered. I happened to have an extra water bottle with me. I used that to squirt my feet before pulling on my socks. It worked great.

I agree -- having that bottle of water is a great idea. Otherwise you'll likely have sand in your bike shoes. I imagine that wouldn't be comfortable at all.

Another thing I had in transition with me was little bottle of mouthwash -- you know like the travel/hotel size ones. I noticed in my practice open water swims that I hated the way my mouth *tasted* after the swim. No, I wasn't drinking or swallowing the water, but I still must have got some in my mouth. I always wished I had some mouthwash or something to make my mouth not feel as ick after the swim. So, for the tri I took a bottle along with a plastic cup to spit in. It worked great!

About worrying about the other people in the swim, I employed the help of some kids at the pool to bump and run into me as I was trying to swim (with their parents permission of course). I noticed somethings I had to work on when I got bumped.

I tried to plan for every eventuality. When doing my swim workouts I would imagine that I was in trouble in some way and practiced being interrupted and going from treading water back to swimming, etc. I made sure to do this in the deep end so I couldn't just stand up. I was in a lane with the ropes in case I needed them, though. I like being prepared, so this was a way for me to feel prepared.