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!!!

Quote Originally Posted by derosarah View Post
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.


Quote Originally Posted by derosarah View Post
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?