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

[derosarah]

Hi all,

Wow, I am so glad I found this thread!

I just signed up for the Danskin sprint triathlon (last night!) and afterwards I was in full panic over it-- I'm overweight, and was thinking, "What did I get myself into??? I think I'm completely crazy!" But I've been wanting to do a solo tri for years (I did a couple swim legs as a teenager)... I always seemed to put it off because of something. Mostly, I always thought, "I'll do it when I'm in shape".

Well, I'm now 31 and sick of life passing me by while I wait until I'm _____ (fill in the blank). So, I signed up! And after reading everyone's posts, I feel really excited to get out there and do it! I was really feeling bad about being big, having to walk, having a mountain bike... but now I feel like I'm part of the team! It's awesome!!

So, couple of questions:

1. I would like to ride my mountain bike (don't really want to buy a new bike just for this). Should I just switch out the tires for something more "racey"? Is this frowned upon?

2. I have read that some women who wear a sport bra under their tri top/uni get some really painful chafing. Has this happened to anyone here? I really need to wear a sport bra for the run-- can I wear this the whole time, even for the swim?

Ok, that's all for now. Thanks for easing my mind and lifting my spirits!!
~Sarah

[Tri Girl]

Welcome, Sarah! We're glad that you're here. You'll find out that everyone fits in at a tri. There are people of all shapes and sizes with everything from a $50 Target bike to a $5000 fancy tri bike. Everyone has their place in this sport!!!

1. I would like to ride my mountain bike (don't really want to buy a new bike just for this). Should I just switch out the tires for something more "racey"? Is this frowned upon?

Not frowned upon at all! Why buy a new bike if you don't need to? Just buy some slick tires and you're good to go. Heck- you could even keep the same tires, you'll just create more friction. In my first multisport race (a duathlon), I was passed by an older woman on the bike portion. She was riding a mtn bike with big, fat, knobby tires. I was seriously impressed.

2. I have read that some women who wear a sport bra under their tri top/uni get some really painful chafing. Has this happened to anyone here? I really need to wear a sport bra for the run-- can I wear this the whole time, even for the swim?

I am rather "gifted" up top so I have to wear a smash-em up bra under my top. If you practice in your top, you may not chafe. Then again, sometimes I still do (the girls rest on my chest and always rub). I use Bodyglide or Aquafor before the swim to prevent chafing, and it usually does a good enough job. And you'll wear the bra for the swim, too. Just buy one that is moisture wicking and not really thick cotton so it doesn't hold too much water or it might get uncomfortable.

Just my thoughts- take them with a grain of salt.
When is your tri?

[derosarah]

Hi Tri Girl (and others!),

Thanks for the advice... and the kind words!

I'll definitely look into slick tires for my bike-- good to know I can ride the one I have and no one will really blink an eye.

And I was sort of assuming that I'd just wear a bra under my stuff (ah, being "gifted"-- I like that term, btw), but then I got nervous about the chafing. The glide application is a good idea.

Also, do you have suggestions for shorts? Do you run in the same shorts you bike in (assuming the biking shorts are padded)? I've seen some shorts advertised that have padding, but are still run-worthy... but I admit that I'm skeptical... I'm interested to hear opinions!

[derosarah]

whoops, forgot to mention my tri date: June 28th (!)

[roadie gal]

Hi Tri Girl (and others!),

I'll definitely look into slick tires for my bike-- good to know I can ride the one I have and no one will really blink an eye.

Also, do you have suggestions for shorts? Do you run in the same shorts you bike in (assuming the biking shorts are padded)? I've seen some shorts advertised that have padding, but are still run-worthy... but I admit that I'm skeptical... I'm interested to hear opinions!

You don't have to go all out for expensive tires. A pair of cheap slicks will make a huge speed difference (and energy use difference) over the knobby tires.

How long is the bike portion? If it's long enough to wear padded shorts then I would get a pair of tri shorts. They have a minimal pad and are designed for swimming and running as well as biking.

[derosarah]

Thanks for the advice, R. Gal! I appreciate the input on tires and shorts. The bike is either 17 or 19, so I think a pair of tri shorts will be best.

I'm off to the gym for some training!