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Message
First Triathlon in a month - insider tips
Posted on 8/1/24 at 3:23 pm
Posted on 8/1/24 at 3:23 pm
My last post here was about a triathlon bike, and as suggested I picked one up off FB marketplace and have been training. I am doing the Brett Robinson Olympic length next month (Early 40's) and feeling pretty good about it, hoping for a sub 3 hour time but we will see.
I have been reading up about what to expect, and am not looking for any basic type stuff here, but maybe things that don't get talked about much. For example:
-I saw someone say that the salt water can cause chaffing, so to bring a large bottle of water and rinse off the inside of my shorts as best I can before getting on the bike.
-Do people thoroughly dry off in the transition? I feel like this is taking me forever in training, and I have gotten into the habit of just riding shirtless, drying my legs/feet as best I can, and dealing with slightly wet socks during the bike (Which are soaked with sweat by the end anyway). Am I allowed to go shirtless in the bike part?
-I keep seeing a "triathlon belt" as recommended equipment, but I still am not clear on why I need a belt. Is this required, especially if I don't wear a shirt for the bike?
Any other lesser known tips would be appreciated. If anyone else is attending, I will be the one in the LSU t-shirt near death at the finish line around 3 hours after it starts!
I have been reading up about what to expect, and am not looking for any basic type stuff here, but maybe things that don't get talked about much. For example:
-I saw someone say that the salt water can cause chaffing, so to bring a large bottle of water and rinse off the inside of my shorts as best I can before getting on the bike.
-Do people thoroughly dry off in the transition? I feel like this is taking me forever in training, and I have gotten into the habit of just riding shirtless, drying my legs/feet as best I can, and dealing with slightly wet socks during the bike (Which are soaked with sweat by the end anyway). Am I allowed to go shirtless in the bike part?
-I keep seeing a "triathlon belt" as recommended equipment, but I still am not clear on why I need a belt. Is this required, especially if I don't wear a shirt for the bike?
Any other lesser known tips would be appreciated. If anyone else is attending, I will be the one in the LSU t-shirt near death at the finish line around 3 hours after it starts!
6
Posted on 8/1/24 at 4:38 pm to LSU Delirium
1. Never had an issue with chafing due to salt water. If it puts your mind at ease rinse yourself off real quick with a squeeze bottle in transition.
2. I personally never wore socks on the bike. I wouldn't take the time to dry off completely but a quick dry of the feet would make it easier to put your socks on for sure.
3. Definitely check the race website regarding shirts on the bike. For anything above sprint distance I wore a "onesie". A one piece suit that zips in front and is slightly padded in the seat.
4. I'm assuming by race belt they mean to hold your number. Or they may mean a fuel belt, which holds small bottles of hydration as well as your number.
2. I personally never wore socks on the bike. I wouldn't take the time to dry off completely but a quick dry of the feet would make it easier to put your socks on for sure.
3. Definitely check the race website regarding shirts on the bike. For anything above sprint distance I wore a "onesie". A one piece suit that zips in front and is slightly padded in the seat.
4. I'm assuming by race belt they mean to hold your number. Or they may mean a fuel belt, which holds small bottles of hydration as well as your number.
Posted on 8/5/24 at 9:46 am to CORIMA
Thank you both for the responses!
The "generic number belt" on this site is what I think I was looking at. Was confused but this seems to indicate that they may give them at the race, I figured they would just pin my number of me: LINK
I guess I will just shoot for some random questions.....
What do you mean by "practicing the transition"? Think I have a decent enough plan. Water->Bike: Quick rinse in delicate areas to get salt off, dry legs, socks/shoes on, run and get going ASAP. My phone and earbuds will be in my little pouch on my bike and will get them in after I am going.
Bike to run is pretty simple. Change shoes, phone from pouch to arm band, off we go. Anything I am missing?
One question I have is the ocean swim. Do people run out as far as they can and then jump over a wave and get going? Same on the way in? Are there rules for how far you can have "walk/run" in the water or is it up to you?
I plan to ask all these at registration, just trying to not be too "noob" when I get there.
Thanks again!
The "generic number belt" on this site is what I think I was looking at. Was confused but this seems to indicate that they may give them at the race, I figured they would just pin my number of me: LINK
I guess I will just shoot for some random questions.....
What do you mean by "practicing the transition"? Think I have a decent enough plan. Water->Bike: Quick rinse in delicate areas to get salt off, dry legs, socks/shoes on, run and get going ASAP. My phone and earbuds will be in my little pouch on my bike and will get them in after I am going.
Bike to run is pretty simple. Change shoes, phone from pouch to arm band, off we go. Anything I am missing?
One question I have is the ocean swim. Do people run out as far as they can and then jump over a wave and get going? Same on the way in? Are there rules for how far you can have "walk/run" in the water or is it up to you?
I plan to ask all these at registration, just trying to not be too "noob" when I get there.
Thanks again!
Posted on 8/5/24 at 10:11 am to LSU Delirium
Look into buying a trisuit. It’ll increase your swim speed and offer a little padding for the bike.
Like the other poster mentioned, practice the transition. Great to have a plan but actually putting your plan into action while wet, full of adrenaline and winded may change your effectiveness.
The elastic belt helps to pin your number onto. You can strap it on in T1
Good luck! I’ve heard the Bret Robinson is a fun race!
Like the other poster mentioned, practice the transition. Great to have a plan but actually putting your plan into action while wet, full of adrenaline and winded may change your effectiveness.
The elastic belt helps to pin your number onto. You can strap it on in T1
Good luck! I’ve heard the Bret Robinson is a fun race!
Posted on 8/5/24 at 10:19 am to LSU Delirium
you can run/walk in or out of the water as far as it makes sense for you.
before aware many races don't allow ear buds on bike or at all. could get you a DQ or time penalty. read race rules.
before aware many races don't allow ear buds on bike or at all. could get you a DQ or time penalty. read race rules.
Posted on 8/6/24 at 1:14 pm to ks_nola
Now this is the type of tip I can appreciate, that would be embarrassing.
The "tips" section is pretty lacking so I may just email (And will definitely ask) about the ear buds and for anything I might be missing before I get started.
I elected to go with tri-shorts instead of a onesie, mostly because I want to run/wear my lucky LSU shirt. I am not too worried about losing time or being hyper efficient; this was a goal for 2024 and the challenge of finishing in a decent time is enough for me.
Thanks again for all the pointers!
The "tips" section is pretty lacking so I may just email (And will definitely ask) about the ear buds and for anything I might be missing before I get started.
I elected to go with tri-shorts instead of a onesie, mostly because I want to run/wear my lucky LSU shirt. I am not too worried about losing time or being hyper efficient; this was a goal for 2024 and the challenge of finishing in a decent time is enough for me.
Thanks again for all the pointers!
Posted on 8/6/24 at 1:48 pm to ks_nola
quote:
before aware many races don't allow ear buds on bike or at all.
Why is this?
Posted on 8/7/24 at 5:24 am to LSU Delirium
You should get an athlete guide prior to the race with alot more details but if not, you will get some in your bag when you check in prior to the race, if possible, I don't recommend doing this race morning.
Some races will have a number you need to put on your helmet, some may not. Some may need you you to put a number on your bike, some may not. Its better to find all that out the day before rather than the day of.
From what I can tell, this race will require both, helemt and bike numbers LINK
I never did Brett Robinson just because of the time of year but here are some of my thoughts
Swim in your tri shorts,ride shirtless, put a shirt on in T2 before the run. It looks like this race just follows USAT rules which will not require a shirt on the bike and only does for USAT National Events and World Triathlon Qualifying Events only. No need to dry off.
Get to your bike, if you're going to wear socks for the run you can put them on after the swim or bike, it doesnt matter. Helmet, glasses and go.
Liberally use body glide and such before the race and MAYBE have something on your towel for T2 if you feel a problem area while you're on the bike. Do not dry off in T1.
As far as I can tell, for this race, yes. But, confirm when you get your packet if they don't send you an athlete guide
-
It's a belt that holds your race number so you don't have to safety pin it. It just makes things easer as most people will be wearing a shirt for the swim / bike (under a swim skin). So, for them, then can slide their race number on for the run without needing to stop and pin it to a shirt.
If you're going to run in a shirt, you could just pin it to your shirt and leave your shirt in transition. That being said, should you decide to run shirtless on a spurt of the moment, you'll need that run number.
No phones or headphones are allowed by the rules. Enforcement can vary but they are not allowed.
-The key to transition is to do less stuff and do it fast. Get in, Get out.-
-Use that time on the bike to drink ALOT of water. It's much easier to drink and consume calories on the bike than on the run
-Know the course before race day. Which way does the swim go (clockwise or counter clockwise), are there aid stations on the bike, if so, where? What do the aid stations on the run have and how far apart are they?
-You'll run over sand to get from the water to transition. I never wore socks on anything less than a half ironman but if I was going to put on socks in T1, I would have a bottle of water by my bike to rinse the sand off before putting on my socks.
Some races will have a number you need to put on your helmet, some may not. Some may need you you to put a number on your bike, some may not. Its better to find all that out the day before rather than the day of.
From what I can tell, this race will require both, helemt and bike numbers LINK
I never did Brett Robinson just because of the time of year but here are some of my thoughts
quote:
I saw someone say that the salt water can cause chaffing, so to bring a large bottle of water and rinse off the inside of my shorts as best I can before getting on the bike.
Swim in your tri shorts,ride shirtless, put a shirt on in T2 before the run. It looks like this race just follows USAT rules which will not require a shirt on the bike and only does for USAT National Events and World Triathlon Qualifying Events only. No need to dry off.
Get to your bike, if you're going to wear socks for the run you can put them on after the swim or bike, it doesnt matter. Helmet, glasses and go.
Liberally use body glide and such before the race and MAYBE have something on your towel for T2 if you feel a problem area while you're on the bike. Do not dry off in T1.
quote:
-Do people thoroughly dry off in the transition? I feel like this is taking me forever in training, and I have gotten into the habit of just riding shirtless, drying my legs/feet as best I can, and dealing with slightly wet socks during the bike (Which are soaked with sweat by the end anyway). Am I allowed to go shirtless in the bike part?
As far as I can tell, for this race, yes. But, confirm when you get your packet if they don't send you an athlete guide
-
quote:
I keep seeing a "triathlon belt" as recommended equipment, but I still am not clear on why I need a belt. Is this required, especially if I don't wear a shirt for the bike?
It's a belt that holds your race number so you don't have to safety pin it. It just makes things easer as most people will be wearing a shirt for the swim / bike (under a swim skin). So, for them, then can slide their race number on for the run without needing to stop and pin it to a shirt.
If you're going to run in a shirt, you could just pin it to your shirt and leave your shirt in transition. That being said, should you decide to run shirtless on a spurt of the moment, you'll need that run number.
quote:
Any other lesser known tips would be appreciated. If anyone else is attending, I will be the one in the LSU t-shirt near death at the finish line around 3 hours after it starts!
No phones or headphones are allowed by the rules. Enforcement can vary but they are not allowed.
-The key to transition is to do less stuff and do it fast. Get in, Get out.-
-Use that time on the bike to drink ALOT of water. It's much easier to drink and consume calories on the bike than on the run
-Know the course before race day. Which way does the swim go (clockwise or counter clockwise), are there aid stations on the bike, if so, where? What do the aid stations on the run have and how far apart are they?
-You'll run over sand to get from the water to transition. I never wore socks on anything less than a half ironman but if I was going to put on socks in T1, I would have a bottle of water by my bike to rinse the sand off before putting on my socks.
Posted on 8/7/24 at 9:21 am to LSU Delirium
Haven't competed since 2019, so some things may have changed in terms of gear, but here are my tips.
Don't overestimate your swim abilities on your first few races. Swim to the outside and get a feel for racing. I swam slightly above average and put myself in the middle of the pack. Well too many people go out too hard, swim over the top of you, then you have to pass them up later. It makes the swim twice as hard unless you are comfortable dealing with traffic.
Don't dry off in T1. Don't wear socks for anything shorter than half ironman. Run in, throw on helmet, put on shoes, grab bike, and go. I practiced transition a lot for my first race. Shoes already on bike and strapped in on the course. I specifically remember passing a guy who beat me on the swim. He re-passed me at the end of the bike, then I blew past him in T2 by having a fast, flying dismount and just putting on shoes with no socks. He was significantly faster than me, but he was working from behind in both transitions. I would plan your layout in T1 and practice mounting the bike. I wouldn't worry about chaffing at that distance and if you are, just load up with body glide or chamois buttr. I always wore a one piece tri suit for the whole event. Except for the ironman I did, which for that race, this transition advice doesn't apply. Learn how to quickly change a tube as well.
Do not wear ear buds. I wouldn't even care if they are allowed. It's just not safe. There's a lot more traffic on the course than you realize. You will want to know where people are around you in both the bike and run.
The belt is just to hold your number. You aren't going to wear it on the swim or bike, but need it on the run, so you can just grab the elastic belt to throw on as you are leaving T2. A lot of races gave them in the goody bag when you pick up your race packet.
I also did not wear socks on the run up to olys. I can see how thats a personal choice. I just ran my shorter runs in training with no socks until I was comfortable that I wouldn't get blisters and extended it. Never had issues. Did wear socks in half ironman races and in the ironman, but never an issue shorter.
Don't overestimate your swim abilities on your first few races. Swim to the outside and get a feel for racing. I swam slightly above average and put myself in the middle of the pack. Well too many people go out too hard, swim over the top of you, then you have to pass them up later. It makes the swim twice as hard unless you are comfortable dealing with traffic.
Don't dry off in T1. Don't wear socks for anything shorter than half ironman. Run in, throw on helmet, put on shoes, grab bike, and go. I practiced transition a lot for my first race. Shoes already on bike and strapped in on the course. I specifically remember passing a guy who beat me on the swim. He re-passed me at the end of the bike, then I blew past him in T2 by having a fast, flying dismount and just putting on shoes with no socks. He was significantly faster than me, but he was working from behind in both transitions. I would plan your layout in T1 and practice mounting the bike. I wouldn't worry about chaffing at that distance and if you are, just load up with body glide or chamois buttr. I always wore a one piece tri suit for the whole event. Except for the ironman I did, which for that race, this transition advice doesn't apply. Learn how to quickly change a tube as well.
Do not wear ear buds. I wouldn't even care if they are allowed. It's just not safe. There's a lot more traffic on the course than you realize. You will want to know where people are around you in both the bike and run.
The belt is just to hold your number. You aren't going to wear it on the swim or bike, but need it on the run, so you can just grab the elastic belt to throw on as you are leaving T2. A lot of races gave them in the goody bag when you pick up your race packet.
I also did not wear socks on the run up to olys. I can see how thats a personal choice. I just ran my shorter runs in training with no socks until I was comfortable that I wouldn't get blisters and extended it. Never had issues. Did wear socks in half ironman races and in the ironman, but never an issue shorter.
Posted on 8/7/24 at 9:23 am to LSUfan4444
quote:
You'll run over sand to get from the water to transition.
Any time I had to deal with something like this, they had rinse stations and/or kiddy pools to clean the feet. I would look out for those if they have them. Walk the transition areas, water exit etc. before the race. Get there super early. Sometimes it gets congested. Take that time after you're set up to get to know the area.
Posted on 8/7/24 at 1:34 pm to LSU Delirium
I don't know if I'd wear your favorite shirt. I've tossed countless numbers of shirts at aid stations only to never be seen again. It always seems like a good idea until you start sweating your arse off.
Posted on 8/7/24 at 6:38 pm to newmexicotiger
Great info everyone, thank you. I’ve emailed them to see if they have additional information or race package they can send; hopefully they can answer some of my questions.
I’ve seen this mentioned in a few places, the bike I got from FB marketplace came with tubeless tires.
Should I be planning to carry a spare tire and the tools to change it? I have no idea where I would put it unless I bring a camel back.
I was honestly just going to hope for the best and pray I didn’t get a flat in the 40k I had to ride.
quote:
Learn how to quickly change a tube as well.
I’ve seen this mentioned in a few places, the bike I got from FB marketplace came with tubeless tires.
Should I be planning to carry a spare tire and the tools to change it? I have no idea where I would put it unless I bring a camel back.
I was honestly just going to hope for the best and pray I didn’t get a flat in the 40k I had to ride.
Posted on 8/8/24 at 7:34 am to LSU Delirium
quote:
tubeless tires.
Wouldn't worry about a full tire. Most people have some sort of bag under their seat or something with tools, patches, a tube, and co2 cannisters or a portable stick pump. I'd suggest a Co2 filler and a few cartridges. Even with tubeless sealant, you may lose a little air due and a bump with Co2 will get you back on course in less than a minute. That's just a good thing to keep on the bike for training rides as well. For Sprints and Oly's, those who are truly competing don't care much. A flat is the end of their race. For those who are doing it as a goal, then it sucks to target a race for months to not be able to finish.
Posted on 8/8/24 at 8:14 pm to LSU Delirium
The triathlete body is only surpassed by the morbidly obese in terms of being gross looking.
Posted on 8/9/24 at 3:16 am to uscpuke
quote:
The triathlete body is only surpassed by the morbidly obese in terms of being gross looking.
I don't know exactly why, but this cracked me up.
Posted on 8/9/24 at 10:54 am to LSU Delirium
Sub 3 would be a great time, but remember finishing an Olympic tri is a great accomplishment!
Can not more highly recommend practicing swimming in open water. It can be disorienting not being able to clearly see. As others have said, swim your swim. I tried to freestyle the entire time keeping up with the leaders my first race and was gassed for the remainder of the race. Second time at the same location I took time to poor man breast stroke on occasion to catch my breath and finished 2 minutes faster and well rested.
I very quickly toweled off and put socks on because I am a freak and hate the feeling of wet bare feet in my shoes. Socks were immediately soaked even with the dry off so it wasn't fun anyway
Race rules always required a shirt so I bought a tri suit bottom and top (TYR) off amazon and loved it.
As others have said, the belt is so nice to have. Number is already on it so you aren't fricking with sticking yourself or your tri suit in a hurry.
Good luck! Drink water regularly from the start, grab the gatorade every time its provided on the run, and have fun!
Can not more highly recommend practicing swimming in open water. It can be disorienting not being able to clearly see. As others have said, swim your swim. I tried to freestyle the entire time keeping up with the leaders my first race and was gassed for the remainder of the race. Second time at the same location I took time to poor man breast stroke on occasion to catch my breath and finished 2 minutes faster and well rested.
I very quickly toweled off and put socks on because I am a freak and hate the feeling of wet bare feet in my shoes. Socks were immediately soaked even with the dry off so it wasn't fun anyway
Race rules always required a shirt so I bought a tri suit bottom and top (TYR) off amazon and loved it.
As others have said, the belt is so nice to have. Number is already on it so you aren't fricking with sticking yourself or your tri suit in a hurry.
Good luck! Drink water regularly from the start, grab the gatorade every time its provided on the run, and have fun!
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