your favorite duds?

[ginny]

Hi everyone... I'm about to sign up for my first 1/2IM (HIM?) don't know the lingo yet. Anyway, do you all prefer a tri top / jog bra and shorts or a tri suit? Do you find the chamois icky after the swim? Does it bother you during a run? I mean these things are pretty pricey, and I don't want to buy one then hate it... and I can't imagine anyone would take it back... I have chronic stomach issues and I don't like anything tight over my belly, so I was thinking a tri top like jog bra-ish, but the suits look so practical...

[KSH]

I wear a tri top and tri shorts.

The full tri suits are not practical. Just think, everytime you have to pee... you have to pull the ENTIRE thing down. Too much work. Sure, for a sprint race... no problem. You won't pee when you are racing. For a HIM... too much work.

The "pad" in tri shorts is nothing really. I actually run in my tri shorts all the time. I never notice the pad.

Good luck!

[roadie gal]

1+ on the separate tri top and shorts for anything longer than a sprint. I like the tops with the built in bras, but a lot of women don't find them supportive enough.

[ginny]

thanks! I keep leaning toward the separates... is it important for some reason to have a 'tri' top? (rather than a jog bra that would dry quickly?) - I can see why I would need tri specific shorts (the drying factor and the smallish padding).

Thanks

[roadie gal]

The only advantage to the tri top is that it's designed to do all 3 sports. A quick drying bra and shirt/jersey would work if it's something that you can swim in, bike, and then run in without getting chafed. Most of my bike jerseys would be uncomfortable to run in. They would chafe me under the arms.

[ginny]

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=24775
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=24715

alrighty, I bought the above (highly matching) duds! I also registered for the utah half http://www.racetri.com/ - it's cheap! Anyone else out there looking for a pretty mellow looking course with fairly few participants and only $99! - worth looking at.

I'm very excited. Now, another question: I have a crazy small head, and finding goggles to fit is tough. I know they make those ocean goggles that are supposed to be great for tris, but is there any reason I couldn't just wear my tried and true goggles? (obviously a newish pair as they seem to just up and die at some point).

Thanks for all your help! I guess I now have to go out and beta test my clothes (but not wear them out before the race).... looking forward to another summer of awesome tan lines

And... wet suits? The tri specific wetsuits are important because? I have a 3/2 long sleeve short legs diving suit that I like okay - I haven't swum in it much besides diving to see if I would like it for a swim, but I sure don't want to buy one - I understand you can rent them, but ... eeeewww! - I know what people do in wetsuits! Obviously, I need one to swim in, but what do you guys do?

Thanks for all the great advise!

[roadie gal]

http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=24775
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=24715

I'm very excited. Now, another question: I have a crazy small head, and finding goggles to fit is tough. I know they make those ocean goggles that are supposed to be great for tris, but is there any reason I couldn't just wear my tried and true goggles? (obviously a newish pair as they seem to just up and die at some point).

And... wet suits? The tri specific wetsuits are important because? I have a 3/2 long sleeve short legs diving suit that I like okay - I haven't swum in it much besides diving to see if I would like it for a swim, but I sure don't want to buy one - I understand you can rent them, but ... eeeewww! - I know what people do in wetsuits! Obviously, I need one to swim in, but what do you guys do?

Thanks for all the great advise!

Wear whatever goggles work for you. I wear the Aqua Sphere Seal Mask. I look like a dork, but it's the only one that worked for me. Fit is the key here. If you have goggles that will stay on and don't leak then they're perfect.

The disadvantage to the short legged suit that you have is the lack of bouyancy where most of us need it most: in the legs. A wetsuit is *almost* like cheating. It gives you bouyancy, especially around the lower part of your body, so it's easier to maintain good form while swimming. Swimming is so much easier with a good suit. You don't get nearly as tired. If you don't want to buy a suit, you can rent one. There are some online rental places. www.wetsuitrental.com is a popular site. I've also seen www.f2r.com mentioned. I haven't used either one, though.

That looks like a great race. Too bad it's not about a month later. I'm training for one in mid Sept.

[ginny]

thanks! Great web sites...