Forums » General Training » Triathlon

1. bucktri
   Member

   A few questions as this is my first time to go at this and I have very little experience w/ swimming or cycling.

   I plan on doing a "short" in June;
   -Swim - 1000M - Estimated time: ~25 to 30 minutes.
   -Bike - 18.6 Miles - Estimated time: 1 hour 10 minutes
   -Run - 5 miles - Estimated time: ~40 minutes

   My attire if I were to go do these sports independently today:
   Swim: swimming trunks/shorts / goggles
   Ride: shorts / running shoes / t-shirt / helmet / gloves (plan to pick up a pair of "biking shorts" this week)
   Run: shorts / running shoes

   How I imagine a tri goes / how I would do it today w/o knowing any better.
   -Set up @ T1 station: lay out bike, socks / shoes, helmet
   -Swim: swim along w/ goggles and swim trunks
   -T1: Swim to Bike: take off goggles and leave them here? Slip my socks & shoes on, put helmet on, start peddling.
   -T2: Bike to Run: lay the bike down, take the helmet off, start running.
   -Finish: Go back and collect my gear.

   Questions:
   1. Is there a tri-suit? Something that I can swim, ride, and run in? Biking shorts I have seen have a pad in the crotch, it looks as though it would hold water and be uncomfortable during the ride. What is suggested? Shirt - do many folks ride w/o them?
   1.a. If no to 1; How many changes of clothes are needed for an event?
   1.b. If yes to 1; what is the best suggestion (economical counts!)?
   2. Swim: Where do you put your bib? Do you have to wear one? Can you just use a marker on arm / leg?
   3. Swim: Cap? Are these provided at the events (i've seen pictures where they all seem to have the same color for males / females)
   4. T1: Leave goggles / cap / swim trunks or take with?
   5. T2: Just drop the bike / helmet / etc? This may seem trival, but after spending that much on a bike and the gear is theft ever a problem at the events?
   6. Post finish: I guess ya drive back to Transition spots and try to remember where you left everything / hope its still there?
   7. What is proper etiquette along the way?

   I know some of this may get a few laughs, but I am that clueless regarding participation in a tri. Anyway, thanks in advance for taking the time.

   Posted 7 months ago #

2. Brad Hefta-Gaub
   Administrator

   Here's an article on transitions that might help you a little.

   http://sweat365.com/library/articles/sports-specific/triathlon/transitions/

   Posted 7 months ago #

3. bucktri
   Member

   Thanks, I had read the article. Biggest question remaining, is there a tri-suit that can be used for all phases of the race?

   Posted 7 months ago #

4. bucktri
   Member

   Has anyone posted on their blog their 1st time experience in detail?

   Or a common 1st timer mistakes / the Do's and Dont's of triathalons?

   Posted 7 months ago #

5. jackabee
   Member

   I bought my first tri gear on ebay for a reasonable price (as opposed to stores). What helped me most to prepare for my first tri was joining my local triathlon club. Tri people are so helpful and encouraging--always willing to share information and lessons learned.

   Posted 7 months ago #

6. chapman5410
   Member

   To answer your question Yes there are tir suits range from 70 dollars clearance to 300 dollars. They have a build in chamios (pad). Usually they are made of quick dry material so its not that bad or you could just by the shorts and you can do all 3 events in that uniform, some people dont like to wear it (speedsuit) the whole time so they wear a Speedsuit and whatever else they want ride and run in under the suit. Usually all the transitions are the same place and they usually have some sort of rack to hang your bike on. The transition is usually blocked off some how so not just anyone can go in and mess with your stuff. Oh and the swim caps are usually provided its part of the enterance fee but not always.

   Posted 7 months ago #

7. Andy
   Member

   One hint that Brad gave me after my first tri was to stand up while peddling for a few minutes just before T2. If you don't, your legs are all wobbly and you'll struggle with the first part of the running section.

   Posted 7 months ago #

8. dmt0311
   Member

   I'm still a newbie but Brad mentioned in another post that he prefers a 2 piece suit for longer races due to bathroom breaks being easier, and a one piece for shorter races. I have chosen to go with two piece suits in all races becuase my bladder likes to play tricks on me =-}

   Posted 7 months ago #

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