What to wear if a tri-suit won't fit?

[channlluv]

I am so blessed and humbled by the support and great suggestions here. Thank you, everyone, for the encouragement - especially about ignoring what other people think. It's something I really have to work on. It's just hard to ignore people laughing out loud as I pass them on my bike, or coming toward them and seeing them look up and me and their jaws drop in astonishment (I wish I could say "wonder and awe," but let's be honest here).

Thank you, Salsa, for pointing me to Junonia. They've got a hot tri-suit - black with pink detailing - in my size. And thank you for the book recommendation, too. I ordered Slow, Fat Triathlete at Amazon today. It will be my vacation reading during Spring Break.

Okay, now, for the clothes...I wear the tri-suit under the wetsuit for the swim? And then take the wetsuit off and bike in the tri-suit with my cycling sandals - Keen, on sale now at REI - and then switch to my running shoes for the run, and slip on a skirt over the tri suit?

Can you swim in just the tri suit? The swim portion is in Mission Bay, I think, and it's connected to the Pacific, so the water will only be in the low 60s, if that.

Or maybe a tankini top with swim shorts or Junonia has swim capris...never seen those. And all of this fits under a skin-tight wetsuit? Really?

Are you allowed to have help getting through the transition part?

Do you just leave your stuff in a rack with everyone else's stuff and trust that no one mixes up and takes your goggles by mistake?

Can any of you recommend a good post with a step-by-step how-to for what to expect? If I can envision it and feel like I've planned it well, I'll feel better about going in. Meanwhile, I need to get myself on a regular all-in-one-day training schedule for these different activities and maybe even practice the transitions.

What would be considered a fair time for these distances?

200m swim

6-mile ride

1.5-mile run

I've never timed myself swimming, but I'm not fast. I think I could ride the six miles in about 28 minutes, but that's on mtb tires, and I've never tried it racing - the pace may be faster if I'm not watching out for pedestrians and toddlers who've escaped their strollers while mom's on her cell phone.

The run I do in 30 minutes. 28 if I'm pushing myself.

I figure an hour and a half for the whole thing.

I know I can finish. I know I can finish. I know I can finish.

This is become more real with every post I read.

Thank you all again.

Roxy

[Veronica]

Do the swim in the pool and time yourself. That will give you a good idea of your finishing times.

People are stupid. You're out there trying to take care of yourself and they laugh at you...

I'd like to laugh at smokers. But my dad died from lung cancer, so it's really not that funny.

Just so you know... I don't think tri suits look good on most people. I feel like a sausage in mine. I look like a sausage in mine. Anyway... what matters is that you're comfortable.

60 degrees is kind of cold. If it were warmer, I would not use a wetsuit. But I'm a good swimmer and the added buoyancy for a short swim doesn't make up for the added time in getting the suit off. 'Cause I'm also a klutz. But 60s degrees... makes me shiver just thinking about it.

Veronica

[Tri Girl]

Okay, now, for the clothes...I wear the tri-suit under the wetsuit for the swim? And then take the wetsuit off and bike in the tri-suit with my cycling sandals - Keen, on sale now at REI - and then switch to my running shoes for the run, and slip on a skirt over the tri suit?

Yes, that's right. Sounds like a good plan. You've got it all figured out. It sounds a lot like what I'd wear in a race.

so the water will only be in the low 60s, if that.

ONLY in the low 60's. If you've ever swam in 60 degree water, you'd be surprised at how cccccccooooold that is. USAT sanctioned events are wetsuit legal up to 78 degrees (you can wear a wetsuit from 79-84 degrees, but you're not eligible for awards). I wear a wetsuit unless it's not legal, as even 70 degree water is very cold to me. If the water is indeed that cold- you would probably want to wear a wetsuit as you'll freeze your little bits right off.

[teigyr]

Congrats to wanting to do a tri There will be ALL types there and I think people are more supportive than judgmental. If anything, the "atypical" athlete shows other people that maybe they could do the same thing, if they wanted.

There have been some great clothing suggestions here. I have a couple of two piece tri outfits (shorts and top) and a few one piece tri suits. I don't like things riding up (I'm tall and a lot of tops don't go down far enough) so in some ways, I like the one piece better. They don't, however, leave a lot to the imagination. Another downside to the one piece is they are more work if you have to use the restroom. A wetsuit will go right over a tri suit, no problem.

The tri is in 5 weeks, do you have time to test out a wetsuit? I'd wear one, brrrr. Mission Bay is a nice area, are they setting up the transition area in that park?

Nobody can help you in transition BUT people can stand outside the area and talk to you if your bike is racked close enough to the fence.

(One thing that was suggested to me was to have a bucket. You can carry stuff in it to and from transition AND flip it upside down to sit on it to change your shoes. I love my bucket.)

You can definitely finish! You'll feel it but that's a good thing. Take it slow, relax during transition, and enjoy yourself. Imagine the accomplishment you will feel when it's done!

Also, RRS in San Diego is absolutely wonderful. If you're looking for running shoes, I can definitely recommend them.

Um, I guess the only other thing I can say is to test everything out before race day. Make sure your shorts feel comfy and don't bunch or hurt, that your goggles and wetsuit work well for you, and that your bike is in good working condition.

HAVE FUN! I also talk to the volunteers and the police and anyone else who will listen. It breaks up the day, makes me feel less tired, and interjects humor into a situation that would sometimes be painful. You'd be amazed how many people come out just to cheer the athletes on and they are a huge help if you're tired.

You'll see. There are "magazine athletes" and the elite ones but the majority of people you'll see and meet will be just like you.

[channlluv]

The tri is in 5 weeks, do you have time to test out a wetsuit? I'd wear one, brrrr. Mission Bay is a nice area, are they setting up the transition area in that park?

It's going to be at South Shores at Mission Bay, down near the big lawn, I think. I do have time to try out a wetsuit, if I can find a local shop that carries one that will fit me. If not, Junonia has a tri-suit in my size, but that's not the same as a wetsuit, right? That's a one piece exercise outfit suitable for swimming, biking and running in all together, yes?

Nobody can help you in transition BUT people can stand outside the area and talk to you if your bike is racked close enough to the fence.

My daughter (age 11) wants to do this with me, but the age brackets start at 14, so I don't think she'll be allowed. I hope her father will bring her down to watch Mom compete.

(One thing that was suggested to me was to have a bucket. You can carry stuff in it to and from transition AND flip it upside down to sit on it to change your shoes. I love my bucket.)

I LOVE the idea of a bucket to sit on! I was wondering how I'd change into my shoes with any kind of grace. What kind of bucket do you use? One of those big, white, 5-gallon utility buckets?

What do you carry in your bucket? I mean, what is the essential gear outside the clothes, shoes, swim goggles, bike gloves, and helment? A towel or two, I'm guessing, maybe a snack for transition, a fresh water bottle...what do you do with your car keys and wallet?

I've seen race belts for sale - do I need one of those?

I'm recruiting friends to do this with me. They're all superfit and will leave me in the dust, but they'll be there to cheer me on at the end.

Roxy

[Brandy]

First off...Roxy...go for it! Who cares what others think...if they're standing on the sidelines jeering you...well...enough said. You're out there doing something they're not. You go girl!

My daughter (age 11) wants to do this with me, but the age brackets start at 14, so I don't think she'll be allowed. I hope her father will bring her down to watch Mom compete.

If your daughter is interested, there is an IronKids tri the first weekend in May in Mission Bay. There is also a tri in Temecula the weekend before that and there is a kids division. My (almost) 9 year old daughter is thinking of doing both...even though her mama is strictly a cyclist.

[channlluv]

First off...Roxy...go for it! Who cares what others think...if they're standing on the sidelines jeering you...well...enough said. You're out there doing something they're not. You go girl!

If your daughter is interested, there is an IronKids tri the first weekend in May in Mission Bay. There is also a tri in Temecula the weekend before that and there is a kids division. My (almost) 9 year old daughter is thinking of doing both...even though her mama is strictly a cyclist.

Thanks for the encouragement. I need it.

Where is there information on these kids' triathlons? I'd love to learn more. The tri I'm thinking of doing is also the first weekend in May at Mission Bay. I wonder if they're related and the form I have just doesn't have anything about the kids' on it. Curious.

Thank you!

Roxy

[channlluv]

Denise, those videos are fantastic. I second what others have said, those are really inspirational!

Iris and Jocelyn, thank you for the tips on the wetsuits. I'll go check those out, too.

I'm waiting to hear back from my doctor. I emailed her today. I'll probably hear back tomorrow.

Roxy

[Brandy]

Thanks for the encouragement. I need it.

Where is there information on these kids' triathlons? I'd love to learn more. The tri I'm thinking of doing is also the first weekend in May at Mission Bay. I wonder if they're related and the form I have just doesn't have anything about the kids' on it. Curious.

Thank you!

Roxy

You're welcome Roxy.

April 26th in Temecula there is a youth triathlon http://7thannualpossabilitiestriathl...?ievent=298420

May 2nd is Ironkids at Mission Bay http://www.ironkids.com/

July 18th is Santa Barbara Kids Tri http://www.sbkidstriathlon.com/RaceInfo.cfm

I'm still looking into some more, but those are the ones I know about!

[HillSlugger]

I am so blessed and humbled by the support and great suggestions here. Thank you, everyone, for the encouragement - especially about ignoring what other people think. It's something I really have to work on. It's just hard to ignore people laughing out loud as I pass them on my bike, or coming toward them and seeing them look up and me and their jaws drop in astonishment (I wish I could say "wonder and awe," but let's be honest here).

Thank you, Salsa, for pointing me to Junonia. They've got a hot tri-suit - black with pink detailing - in my size. And thank you for the book recommendation, too. I ordered Slow, Fat Triathlete at Amazon today. It will be my vacation reading during Spring Break.

Okay, now, for the clothes...I wear the tri-suit under the wetsuit for the swim? And then take the wetsuit off and bike in the tri-suit with my cycling sandals - Keen, on sale now at REI - and then switch to my running shoes for the run, and slip on a skirt over the tri suit?

Yes, you've got it right

Can you swim in just the tri suit? The swim portion is in Mission Bay, I think, and it's connected to the Pacific, so the water will only be in the low 60s, if that.

Yes, if the water is warm enough. Probably anything under 70 you'll want a wetsuit. I did a tri last April where the water was in the low 60's and a few people went without a wetsuit. I heard that one guy came out of the water and was almost completely out of it and needed help. Hypothermia is dangerous.

Or maybe a tankini top with swim shorts or Junonia has swim capris...never seen those. And all of this fits under a skin-tight wetsuit? Really?

Yes, it will all fit under a wetsuit. Really!

Are you allowed to have help getting through the transition part?

You are not allowed any "outside help" at any time once the race start.

Do you just leave your stuff in a rack with everyone else's stuff and trust that no one mixes up and takes your goggles by mistake?

Yes.

Can any of you recommend a good post with a step-by-step how-to for what to expect? If I can envision it and feel like I've planned it well, I'll feel better about going in. Meanwhile, I need to get myself on a regular all-in-one-day training schedule for these different activities and maybe even practice the transitions.

What would be considered a fair time for these distances?

200m swim

6-mile ride

1.5-mile run

I've never timed myself swimming, but I'm not fast. I think I could ride the six miles in about 28 minutes, but that's on mtb tires, and I've never tried it racing - the pace may be faster if I'm not watching out for pedestrians and toddlers who've escaped their strollers while mom's on her cell phone.

The run I do in 30 minutes. 28 if I'm pushing myself.

I figure an hour and a half for the whole thing.

I know I can finish. I know I can finish. I know I can finish.

This is become more real with every post I read.

Thank you all again.

Roxy

Yes, you can do this. Yes you can finish!

[Grog]

If it's a sprint distance, you could also ride it in your running shoes, if you want to make things simpler in your second transition. No rule against that! Around here lots of folks in triathlon don't have much if any special gear.

People that go out to watch triathlons, do you know what they'll be thinking when they see you running by? "Cool." And, yes, they will cheer you on. With no irony or jeer intended. If they are thinking anything at all, they will be thinking, "Good for you." Take the cheers and RUN!

[Iris616]

Yes. You can do this! Yes, you can finish this.

And people who do Tri's know not to judge on size. I am fairly small, but I am ALWAYS at the back of the pack!

My two pieces of advice: Keep it simple. Keep it fun!

Please, keep us posted on your training, and your race.

[jesvetmed]

Just wanted to say GOOD LUCK to you! You CAN finish, and you will! And you'll have a lot of fun training for it, and racing it.

Definitely read books (ie, Slow Fat Triathlete) that put your mind at ease and get you more familiar with the day of the event.

Whatever clothing you decide on, try it all out -- do the entire "event" in short term wearing the clothes and make sure it will all work for you.

Keep us posted on your progress and enjoy it!

[NbyNW]

YOU CAN DO IT!!!!

I've only got one race under my belt, so just wanted to encourage you to go for it!

You don't have to invest a lot of $$ in what you're going to wear. I didn't want to buy a one-piece trisuit in case I was only going to use it once, or if I wasn't sure I would like the experience.

Under my wetsuit I wore tri-shorts and a TYR sports bra, I think it's one of the Splice Tri bra tops. So, I picked a couple things I could use for other activity if I decided that this would be my one & only tri (it won't be!). I did a practice a few weeks before my race with my tankini, but the tankini kept bunching up as I pulled up my wetsuit, so I figured just the sports bra would be ok. After the swim I just pulled on a regular cycling jersey for the bike & run parts of the race.

Bottom line: Keep it simple so you don't have to spend a ton of time in transition. As long as you have what you need to be comfortable for each part of the race, you'll do great!

[roadie gal]

Everyone has made excellent clothing suggestions. I just wanted to say Good For You! I think it's great that you're going to do it. At the tris I've done NO ONE gets jeered. The spectators and other participants cheer in everyone, regardless of size, shape or time of finish. You go girl! Have a great time and be proud of yourself for getting out there.