Another goggle question and a bike question

[HappyAnika]

1) I hate to bring this up, but, what happens if you get a flat during a race? Do you change it as quickly as you can and keep going? Or do you throw in the towel? (As related to a sprint or Oly distance.) (And another related question, do you bring your saddle pack with tire changing supplies?)

2) I feel somewhat sheepish asking this since its not for me, but for my husband who is doing his first Oly on June 30. He bought a wetsuit and is all set to start practicing open water swimming next week when the reservoir opens for swimming. Do you need different goggles for open water swimming? Or is it ok to use the regular low profile competition style? Thanks!

[Tri Girl]

1) I hate to bring this up, but, what happens if you get a flat during a race? Do you change it as quickly as you can and keep going? Or do you throw in the towel? (As related to a sprint or Oly distance.) (And another related question, do you bring your saddle pack with tire changing supplies?)

I always carry my saddle bag with tire changing supplies. If I have a flat, I'll fix it- no matter what the race distance. I don't care if I'm last, but I refuse to let myself DNF unless it's physically unhealthy for me to keep racing. Others may feel differently, but it takes me about 5 min to change a tire, so I might as well do it and keep on truckin'.

2) I feel somewhat sheepish asking this since its not for me, but for my husband who is doing his first Oly on June 30. He bought a wetsuit and is all set to start practicing open water swimming next week when the reservoir opens for swimming. Do you need different goggles for open water swimming? Or is it ok to use the regular low profile competition style? Thanks!

I wear the same goggles in the pool and open water. They fit like a glove and I'm of the philosophy that if something works- don't change it! I do, however, wear tinted goggles all the time. Last summer I had to use a back-up pair when my regulars broke and the lenses were clear- and BOY did I go blind from the glare off the water.

[roadie gal]

I agree with carrying the tire changing tools and a spare tube. Even if you DNF you want to get back to the start under your own power.

I also wear the same goggles. I have a tinted pair for outdoor swimming and a clear pair for the indoor pool in the winter. One thing about the goggles in a race: make sure they fit really well. It's easy to get them kicked off in the melee at the beginning of the swim if the fit is marginal. After a lot of trying and swearing, I discovered the Seal Mask. It looks stupid, but it stays on.

[eclectic]

I wear the same goggles in the pool and open water. They fit like a glove and I'm of the philosophy that if something works- don't change it! I do, however, wear tinted goggles all the time. Last summer I had to use a back-up pair when my regulars broke and the lenses were clear- and BOY did I go blind from the glare off the water.

That brings up a good point - bring 2 pairs of goggles. I swam in an out of town competition and my regular pair of goggles broke when I put them on for warm up. Luckily I had the pair w/ me that were adjusted to stay on for races (they are so tight they practically pop your eyeballs out)

I wear Speedo Ladies Vanquishers - I get the tinted ones too - I love them and they seal really well.

[Tri Girl]

Oh- and another tip is to put your goggles on under your swim cap then put your cap on over the strap. That way if it's kicked off during the mass start- you won't lose them, you'll just have to put them back on your face.

[beetle]

I swim with my normal goggles too but vary the choice of tint depending on the weather/indoor/outdoor. You can get openwater goggles that are designed to allow greater peripheral vision. Aquasphere is a brand I know some openwater swimmers recommend.

[Kimmyt]

I have Aquasphere and I really like them, they are very comfortable and give a nice range of vision. However, now (after several months of hard use) I am noticing that they are beginning to fog. I have been doing the spit thing, but prior to my race I may need to get some anti-fog or bring a spare pair in case it's too bad....

K.