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

[channlluv]

Hi, all,

Well, I'm thinking I'd like to try a sprint tri. The inner try-athlete has been pretty vocal about this, but there are some issues. Namely, I ride a mountain bike (although I'm told it will take skinny road bike wheels, so that may be easily overcome), and none of the tri clothes will fit me.

There's just no delicate way to say this...the "Athena" size on one of them said 160+ pounds. I'm, um, quite a bit more than that. Do they make tri suits for 240-lb people? Do I have to get a big man's suit and cut some inches off the feet or something?

Alternatively, what would be appropriate apparel? I'm thinking a tankini and skirt bottom that will transition from the water to the bike to the run, but geez, the thought of running (slowly) in a bathing suit in front of crowds...ack, I'm nuts for even considering this. I can hear the jeers already.

What kind of shoes do you wear? Those bike/running sandals? Recommendations?

There's a sprint tri here in San Diego in five weeks. A 200-yard swim, a 6-mile ride, and a 1.5-mile run. It's in the new Competitor magazine, which I picked up today, and it's described as "perfect for first-timers."

I'm sure they mean fit first-timers, but here I am, already able to swim that distance, ride four times the distance, and walk/run twice that far, too. None of it at blistering speed, but still. I just don't fit into the clothes.

And I really don't want to be laughed at (again). Has anyone who is a bit larger than average participated in a tri, and how did it go for you?

My chiropractor is helping organize an Olympic-length tri in October, and if they pull it off, there will be a sprint length, too. There will be real Navy Seals in the channel water swimming alongside the competitors, and the bike ride is going to be up a really challenging hill and out to the Cabrillo Lighthouse on the point. Really gorgeous ride.

Maybe I should just up the training schedule and start counting calories and the weight will come off and then it won't be an issue. I think I'll start there.

Thanks for any suggestions in the meantime.

Roxy

[crazycanuck]

Hey Roxy,

First off, stuff what people think. You're going to give it a shot & that's what matters. 'The weight will eventually wander away to another person

Wear what you'd feel comfortable in. When i did my first tri, i was concsious of my middle & just wore a tri top & bottom over my bathers.

A thought might be to get yourself a large rashie for your top & a large pair of nicks for the bottom. You'll have to change quickly in transition but if you're not out to be madame speedygonnzales, then why not?

Why not just walk really really quickly rather than try & run? Do what you think is best for YOU.

Keep working at it & don't panic! Have fun at your first event & do it for the training experience. Give it a shot kiddo.

C

[txred9876]

First off.... I second the motion.... WHO CARES WHAT OTHERS THINK!

This is something between you and your mind. A lot of times I am finding it is very psycological for me.

I have already been registered for a sprint tri on May 17th (.5 mile swim, 12 mile bike with several big hills, and 5k) and I currently weigh about 20-25 MORE then you. I have found several tri suits that would fit me so I am sure there are ones that would fit you.

I have been doing some extensive searching for something to wear myself. I have yet another issue.... if I do not wear my "fake boobs" then I have a flat chest with a big belly... That is going to make a big challenge but even if I wear the swim suit I have now and pull on a loose pair of bike shorts over them.... thats what it will be. I am going to be COMPHY!

I am NOT going to run no matter how much others are because this will be MY race.... just as your races will be YOUR races!

I want to finish.... then I want to continue to do them and make personal bests because the only person I am "racing" is ME! I don't need to be super woman.

Anyway.... this is my thoughts on the subject.

Tina

[Tri Girl]

Coming from someone who is currently overweight and very self-conscious at the moment; I know it's hard to just say "to heck with what others think." It's true, but it's hard to convince the mind of that. The mind is both a wonderful and quite terrible companion.

That said, I agree with all the others. Wear what YOU'LL feel comfy in. You can always pull a skirt over the tri shorts for the run portion (it's what I do- swim in tri shorts, bike in them, then pull the skirt over for the part that I'm the slowest at and the part most people will see me at).

A tankini and a skirt is fine. You do NOT have to go with the fancy clothing for your first race. It's all about having fun- no matter your speed. If you're not having fun why do it?

I see the winners at every race who finish at warp speed, but it doesn't look like they're having an ounce of fun. If I can't talk to the volunteers, thank the cops at the intersections, pet a dog on the run, then I simply don't want to do it. DFL or not, I want to have a good time. It's hard to not get caught up in body image in this sport, but just go do it and have fun in whatever you're riding and whatever you're wearing.

Oh, and take the time to change between your biking shoes and running shoes in transition (unless you don't have biking shoes and you're just going to wear your running shoes on the bike).

Keep us updated.

[HillSlugger]

You can definitely do this! You are getting excellent suggestions from the others. This is for you so do what you need to do and want to do. Triathletes come in all shapes and sizes and for most of us the only race is the race with ourselves. So, work on improving your health and your self image and the rest is all gravy! We're all cheering for you!

[salsabike]

There is a website called junonia.com that has plus size athletic apparel. Just google that phrase, actually, and see what you can find. Danskin also has some plus tri stuff. Tri shorts and a tri top work just fine.

Also, I know some of you have heard this before, but you need to read the book Slow Fat Triathlete by Jayne Williams. It will make me laugh, a lot, and you will end up learning to not care what others think. She started doing tris when she weighed 220 pounds. She has done many tris since, including a half Ironman. She is a total hoot and the book is full of excellent and funny advice.

[dex]

There's just no delicate way to say this...the "Athena" size on one of them said 160+ pounds. I'm, um, quite a bit more than that. Do they make tri suits for 240-lb people? Do I have to get a big man's suit and cut some inches off the feet or something?

I did my first tri last year as a ~245 lbs person. Finding clothes was a challenge, but not impossible. Definitely check out Junonia, though. I have a couple of tops from them that I really like.

A relatively new blog on the scene is Athena's Closet. The writer has been doing triathlons for a few years, and has decided to start doing reviews of some of the clothing she's tried. Also, she has some links to various places to check out for gear.
http://athenacloset.wordpress.com/

My own race outfit consisted of a Louis Garneau tri suit, with a BlueSeventy wet suit for the swim, a QuikWik top from Junonia that I put on before the bike, and a race belt skirt from SkirtSports that I pulled on before the "run"
(in quotes, because I walked most of the run for both of the tris I did last summer). Also, goggles and socks with skulls on them...just because that made me laugh.

I second Salsa's recommendation for Slow Fat Triathlete. When I was going through my doubting/down phase about trying triathlons last year, Salsa gave me her copy of the book and it helped cheer me up/on tremendously.

[tribogota]

Good for you, my plus sized friend did a sprint with me last year, she was not laughed at but cheered by people more than anyone else! It is a real accomplishment to run with extra weight and shows STRENGTH.
She recommends "googling for Danskin plus size activewear- I bought my tri-suit from Sports Authority online last year."

Four other sources!

www.teamestrogen.com
www.athleta.com
www.titlenine.com
www.paragonsports.com

[wnyrider]

Boy I envy you to have this opportunity for what sounds like a perfect entry tri- event. Good advice here already. I am also a large woman and I am trying to learn about this same stuff. My concern is breast control-- without it, no way could I feel comfortable. I don't mean mentally, it aches to have loose movement. I walk/intermittent slow jog now and wear the Enell bra that has a dozen or so clasps up the front. My swimsuit has a shelf bra , which I wouldn't even consider running in! I have only seen pictures or videos of tri- events, there doesn't appear to be any privacy for the transition from the swim. It appears everyone is in viewing. What would be the trick to managing this. Do those tri tops and suits offer enough support solo?

[HillSlugger]

Boy I envy you to have this opportunity for what sounds like a perfect entry tri- event. Good advice here already. I am also a large woman and I am trying to learn about this same stuff. My concern is breast control-- without it, no way could I feel comfortable. I don't mean mentally, it aches to have loose movement. I walk/intermittent slow jog now and wear the Enell bra that has a dozen or so clasps up the front. My swimsuit has a shelf bra , which I wouldn't even consider running in! I have only seen pictures or videos of tri- events, there doesn't appear to be any privacy for the transition from the swim. It appears everyone is in viewing. What would be the trick to managing this. Do those tri tops and suits offer enough support solo?

They offer enough support for some of us. For the rest you'll need to wear a supportive bra underneath. And no, there are no changing facilities at tris (except Ironman distance) so disrobing is a big no-no.

[ginny]

Hi - I agree that everyone has given you great advice. I think you are awesome for doing your first tri! I took forever in my first transition at my first tri - it's not a big deal. So, just bring whatever you like for the ride and run and slip into it at that transition. As for running shoes, there are shoes that are for 'heavier' runners that give good support. I would suggest going to a good running store with knowledgable people. I know there is a "road runners sports" RRS brick and mortar store in San Diego. They have a huge selection and people generally know what they are talking about. Just one option... Ca has tons of good running stores. I put slicks on my mtn bike for indoor training in the winter, and it's easily (and cheaply done) - though you may consider borrowing a hybrid from somone particularly if you have a really cushy front fork and rear suspension. Those things eat up a TON of your forward energy. Um... what else? Will you be swimming in a wet suit? they give you extra float and really help in the swim (check to see if they are legal for your race). You can rent them all over the internet and there are good threads here on that. If the swim is a big everyone at once start, and if it's a big race, I would suggest starting on one of the sides so you don't have uber competative dorks trying to swim over the top of you. Good luck - let us know how it goes for you!

[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.