Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip

Feb 13, 16 10:45

Post #1 of 69 Views: 8202

There are so many little nuggets of wisdom in this sport. But I'd love to learn more....

In transition, I keep my helmet upside down and ready to go on the ground sitting safely on my towel. Pretty much every race I see someone's helmet in transition get knocked off a bike's aerobars and onto the concrete by someone who accidentally bumped the transition rack grabbing their own bike. I can't stand the thought of my helmet hitting the cement from four feet in order to save .5 seconds in T1 it takes me to bend down and pick it up. Equally upsetting to me is that if bumped off it won't be where I left it and I'd have to deal with a tangled mess of helmet straps and sunglasses.

Here's the tip though, I keep two pairs of glasses ready to go near the helmet-a pair of sunnies and a pair of clear glasses for fog or rain. I grab whichever pair are suited for conditions. Keeps flys, moths, and pebbles out of my eyes at speed.

Here you can see the sunnies in the helmet ready to go and the clear ones next to it as an option.

-------------------
Madison photographer Timothy Hughes | Instagram

Last edited by: Timtek: Feb 13, 16 11:00

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 11:03

Post #2 of 69 Views: 8172

Float a little, Ride hard and ride a lot, run hard. Repeat every week for a few years.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 11:10

Post #3 of 69 Views: 8162

Never trust a fart on the run.

Long Chile was a silly place.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 11:18

Post #4 of 69 Views: 8140

Get out of the water before everyone else and you don't have to keep your helmet on the ground.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 12:04

Post #5 of 69 Views: 8087

Even if you have shat three times that morning, listen to your stomach telling you need a 4th, don't say, "I've already shat three times today, it's just gas." It's not.

Still the best swim split in my life.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 12:24

Post #6 of 69 Views: 8054

Don't run behind this guy.

A false humanity is used to impose its opposite, by people whose cruelty is equalled only by their arrogance

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 13:15

Post #7 of 69 Views: 8011

NOTHING new on race day!

Habitual line stepper.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Chri55] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 13:28

Post #8 of 69 Views: 7983

Talk about spilling the beans.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 13:34

Post #9 of 69 Views: 7975

Practice. Flying. Mounts.

I don't care how stupid you feel prancing around a parking lot in spandex because quite frankly, you really do look that stupid; however, not NEARLY as stupid as you look when you fall coming out of T-1.

Yeah, ask me.

More than once.

@floathammerholdon | @partners_in_tri

Last edited by: cloy26: Feb 13, 16 13:35

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Dozer] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 13:35

Post #10 of 69 Views: 7971

train like you race.

Brooklyn Tri Dad
https://www.facebook.com/brooklyntridad/?ref=hl
http://brooklyntridad.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/BrooklynTriDad

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [DangerJim71] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 13:41

Post #11 of 69 Views: 7961

DangerJim71 wrote:

Get out of the water before everyone else and you don't have to keep your helmet on the ground.

Half the time I see them bumped off when someone pops the bike onto the rack as well. I see your point though!

My motto is that if my helmet is going to hit the cement floor than damn it my head better be in it. Lol

-------------------
Madison photographer Timothy Hughes | Instagram

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 14:01

Post #12 of 69 Views: 7928

Not really my BEST tip, but useful. Remove your wedding ring before the swim. Cold water=lost ring. Now it's part of my night before ritual..wife reminds me to remove the ring, and I politely (key word is politely) tell her I already have.

I once forgot to remove the ring. Didn't lose it, but attempted to swim with the left hand fisted. Gave up quickly, and waved over a kayaker to hold ring until race end (very nice of her). Don't be me.

Not everything is as it seems -Mr. Miyagi

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 14:36

Post #13 of 69 Views: 7873

Turn up at the right place, on the right day, at the right time.

Never happened to me, but you'd be surprised how many have this war story.

Swim. Overbike. Walk.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [cloy26] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 15:56

Post #14 of 69 Views: 7740

cloy26 wrote:

Practice. Flying. Mounts.

Good point. My friend says he practices them every time he bikes outdoors.

-------------------
Madison photographer Timothy Hughes | Instagram

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 16:10

Post #15 of 69 Views: 7721

Do all of your training. Don't skip anything if you want to be fast. Trite but true.

----------------------------
Jason
None of the secrets of success will work unless you do.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [chxddstri] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 16:29

Post #16 of 69 Views: 7685

chxddstri wrote:

Not really my BEST tip, but useful. Remove your wedding ring before the swim. Cold water=lost ring. Now it's part of my night before ritual..wife reminds me to remove the ring, and I politely (key word is politely) tell her I already have.

I once forgot to remove the ring. Didn't lose it, but attempted to swim with the left hand fisted. Gave up quickly, and waved over a kayaker to hold ring until race end (very nice of her). Don't be me.

I got a Ti version of my platinum wedding band ($10 at Amazon) that I use for races. That way if it should end up at the bottom of the ocean, no loss.

Got the idea after snorkeling on vacation and finding someone's gold band.

ECMGN Therapy Silicon Valley:
Depression, Neurocognitive problems, Dementias (Testing and Evaluation), Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 16:37

Post #17 of 69 Views: 7669

Use two fingers instead of just one to help slide your heel into your running shoes.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 16:53

Post #18 of 69 Views: 7654

Step into your race belt and pull it on like pants instead of trying to clip it while running.

Yes, you do need sunscreen.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [DJRed] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 17:05

Post #19 of 69 Views: 7625

Your first OWS should NOT be on raceday!

Bonus: you don't need to carry your swim goggles with you on the run. Did this twice last year when grabbing race belt and heading out on the run. dumbass.

Randy
http://www.gulfcoasttriteam.com

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [slornow] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 17:23

Post #20 of 69 Views: 7590

I always wonder why people put everything on their only towel. When they enter T1, it is the first thing they want to pick up (to dry their feet, face, etc.) and it is underneath everything. My tip, take a couple towels. One to keep stuff off the ground, and one for a quick wipe off.

Start slow and taper off....

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [slornow] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 18:26

Post #21 of 69 Views: 7500

By "the code" you are required to wear them the entire run when you do this.

Bonus: you don't need to carry your swim goggles with you on the run. Did this twice last year when grabbing race belt and heading out on the run. dumbass.

.

http://www.sfuelsgolonger.com

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 18:37

Post #22 of 69 Views: 7476

Work off power and join Trainer Road. Bike more than the race bike distance a couple of times. Bike often and bike hard with runs off the bike and use the off season to get stronger on the bike. Also, become a strong bike rider and make sure you bike. Did I mention to bike? This my own advice to myself for this new season. We will see if I learned anything. Probably not and will still over-bike trying to keep up with all you strong bikers.

http://www.sfuelsgolonger.com

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Titanflexr] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 19:50

Post #23 of 69 Views: 7372

Titanflexr wrote:

chxddstri wrote:

Not really my BEST tip, but useful. Remove your wedding ring before the swim. Cold water=lost ring. Now it's part of my night before ritual..wife reminds me to remove the ring, and I politely (key word is politely) tell her I already have.

I once forgot to remove the ring. Didn't lose it, but attempted to swim with the left hand fisted. Gave up quickly, and waved over a kayaker to hold ring until race end (very nice of her). Don't be me.

I got a Ti version of my platinum wedding band ($10 at Amazon) that I use for races. That way if it should end up at the bottom of the ocean, no loss.

Got the idea after snorkeling on vacation and finding someone's gold band.

Why? What's the point or the need to wear a ring while racing?

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Bryan0721] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 19:59

Post #24 of 69 Views: 7363

There's no NEED. I wear my wedding band at races for the same reason I wear it all other times, as a symbol of my love and commitment to my wife. My being able to train/race involves sacrifices on her part, so it would seem weird to not wear it when I race.

ECMGN Therapy Silicon Valley:
Depression, Neurocognitive problems, Dementias (Testing and Evaluation), Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Titanflexr] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 20:04

Post #25 of 69 Views: 7356

Back to triathlon tips....

Use earplugs for the swim. They make it a lot easier to keep your balance during the swim exit, and I found having water in my ears contributed to feeling nauseous on the run.

I found that soft silicone "pine trees" like the ones below work well, are cheap, easy to remove, and can easily be retrieved from my transition spot post race (highly visible on grass/asphalt).

ECMGN Therapy Silicon Valley:
Depression, Neurocognitive problems, Dementias (Testing and Evaluation), Trauma and PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Titanflexr] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 21:21

Post #26 of 69 Views: 3309

Titanflexr wrote:

There's no NEED. I wear my wedding band at races for the same reason I wear it all other times, as a symbol of my love and commitment to my wife. My being able to train/race involves sacrifices on her part, so it would seem weird to not wear it when I race.

But does it provide an aero advantage? Otherwise, it's useless.

(Pink)

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 22:10

Post #27 of 69 Views: 3288

Try to go about your race day preparation calmly. Try to allow plenty of time, but if you don't have time for your desired bike or run warm up, do some aquajogging during the swim warm up time.

_________________
Dick

Take everything I say with a grain of salt. I know nothing.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 22:21

Post #28 of 69 Views: 3280

Timtek wrote:

There are so many little nuggets of wisdom in this sport. But I'd love to learn more....

Purchase new gear (or bike) at the end of your triathlon season. Then use your off season and early training stages to try things out and replace if necessary.

Last edited by: Recoverie: Feb 13, 16 23:17

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Recoverie] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 22:35

Post #29 of 69 Views: 3266

I never do the flying mount . I just step on the left shoe, swing my foot over the the other shoe and pedal off.
Never do shoe on bike mount without a hell of a lot of practice. It'll just slow you down.
If I recall Emilio and Monty never do them. period.

And, I never start with shoes on bike if the exit from T1 is a steep hill that doesn't flatten out for a while. It's just too hard to get feet in and strapped under those conditions, at least for me.

_________________
Dick

Take everything I say with a grain of salt. I know nothing.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Recoverie] [ In reply to ]

Feb 13, 16 22:38

Post #30 of 69 Views: 3264

Don't panic.

Don't start too hard.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Dilbert] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 1:24

Post #31 of 69 Views: 3209

Arrive early and warm-up all 3 sports. Check out the swim-in, swim-out, bike-in, bike-out and run-in (just for my Du friends), run-out and the finish line. Where those are and a little visualization is nice.

Funny things is making sure your in one gear up at bike-out. Spinning in the beginning 200-300 yards cools the stomach and jitters.

STIndiana
America Multi-Sport, Inc.
America's Half June 10, 2017
USAT RD Century Club
http://www.americamultisport.com

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [slornow] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 6:40

Post #32 of 69 Views: 3092

slornow wrote:

Your first OWS should NOT be on raceday!

Bonus: you don't need to carry your swim goggles with you on the run. Did this twice last year when grabbing race belt and heading out on the run. dumbass.

this. don't jeopardize your 70.3 or 140.6 mile race day because of a 1.2 or 2.4 mile swim. used to lifeguard at steelhead, and one year i was at one of the first buoys, maybe 200m in. I had people hanging on my kayak. it's a good thing we got paid well, because it was stressful as hell!

"The person on top of the mountain didn't fall there." - unkown

also rule 5

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [boobooaboo] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 6:51

Post #33 of 69 Views: 3085

My favorites are Imodium the night before the race, and eating enough the night before so that I don't need to eat anything in the morning. For longer races I will eat a handful of mixed nuts trail mix, which is very good for blood sugar levels.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [chxddstri] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 7:51

Post #34 of 69 Views: 3043

With regards to my wedding ring: I use waterproof medical tape to wrap around my ring finger.
It only has to last long enough for me to exit the swim. But it usually lasts longer.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Mr Brightside] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 7:59

Post #35 of 69 Views: 3031

Odd � I take it the morning of... I feel like if I were to take it the night before, it wouldn't last

@floathammerholdon | @partners_in_tri

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 8:34

Post #36 of 69 Views: 3005

1. When awaiting race start, carry a couple wet wipes in a plastic baggie in case you need a last minute trip to the potty. Nothing like needing that last-minute trip and finding none of the shitters have any TP left.
2. Hold on to your shorts when the wetsuit strippers pull down.
3. Elastic laces on the running shoes.
4. When running through transition with your bike, hand goes on saddle not handlebars.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 10:25

Post #37 of 69 Views: 2912

Through races or training events, figure out how hard you can bike and still be able to run to your ability.. it is a delicate balance but don't try to save 10 minutes on the bike and give back 30 on the run. On race day, it is the total race time that matters not having the ride of your life.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [jimruns] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 11:23

Post #38 of 69 Views: 2856

Keep 1/2 a roll of toilet paper in a ziploc bag in your triathlon bag. And bring it with you to the port a john.

Practice your race nutrition during training and practice with whatever you plan to wear during your race. More appropriate for long distance. Used to carry most of my nutrition in the 3 pockets of my bike jersey during long bike rides. Day of race, realize my race top only has one pocket. Had to get creative with storing the rest of the nutrition.

Bring 2 pairs of sunglasses. One for bike and one for run. I find I tend to sweat into the lenses on the bike and end up running with smeared lenses on the run if I don't swap them out.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 11:34

Post #39 of 69 Views: 2844

Rack the bike in the small chain ring so you can take off quicker.

2019 T-Rex Tri Series

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 11:51

Post #40 of 69 Views: 2830

10 minutes of training is better than zero. 10 min is enough to get a short spin or run or 10 min of core work in. It all adds up. 4x10min in a week 52 weeks is an extra 34 hours of training. That's like 2 extra weeks of 17 hour weeks. It all adds up to more than the guy not taking these opportunities.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 11:59

Post #41 of 69 Views: 2817

have fun

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [davejustdave] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 12:01

Post #42 of 69 Views: 2816

1) Relax.

2) Bring about a third of the stuff you were planning on bringing race morning.

Number two will help immensely with number one. I find most of the stress of race day is organization related. Less stuff to worry about = less stress = more fun.

Long Chile was a silly place.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [BCtriguy1] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 12:04

Post #43 of 69 Views: 2809

BCtriguy1 wrote:

1) Relax.

2) Bring about a third of the stuff you were planning on bringing race morning.

Number two will help immensely with number one. I find most of the stress of race day is organization related. Less stuff to worry about = less stress = more fun.

Related to number 2, all items must fit into a small backpack and you should be able to ride in and out of the race venue. (now I realize some races you can't ride into because you drop your bike the day before, but the small backpack limitation applies regardless).

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [docfuel] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 12:24

Post #44 of 69 Views: 2780

docfuel wrote:

I never do the flying mount . I just step on the left shoe, swing my foot over the the other shoe and pedal off.

Same. Flying mounts look cool, but I'll leave them to the pros. The risk/reward just isn't worth it for me.

-------------------
Madison photographer Timothy Hughes | Instagram

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [chxddstri] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 12:42

Post #45 of 69 Views: 2758

Doing tri 10 years & just learned that one. I wish I would have read your tip before IM Tahoe. I spent about 2 miles doing the one fist drill as to not loose my ring.

In Reply To:

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 16:21

Post #46 of 69 Views: 2656

I don't see this one listed. Get a professional bike fit. Aside from doing all the training consistently & technically sound by refining it day after day--the bike fit for sure. If you're in a powerful/comfortable position you can ride longer, faster & have less impact to your run.

I've seen so many athletes rig a bike fit themselves & cramp themselves up by the end of the bike, that a walk-run or waddle is what they're left with.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [davejustdave] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 16:38

Post #47 of 69 Views: 2646

davejustdave wrote:

Titanflexr wrote:

There's no NEED. I wear my wedding band at races for the same reason I wear it all other times, as a symbol of my love and commitment to my wife. My being able to train/race involves sacrifices on her part, so it would seem weird to not wear it when I race.

But does it provide an aero advantage? Otherwise, it's useless.
(Pink)

lololol

OlympicHopeful.com - Interviews with aspiring Olympians | Strava
Supported by: Skechers|Zwift|Squirt Lube|TYR|Rubber Ducky Sunscreen|Riplaces|MultiSport Canada|Joshus Bikes
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Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 16:56

Post #48 of 69 Views: 2622

Timtek wrote:

docfuel wrote:

I never do the flying mount . I just step on the left shoe, swing my foot over the the other shoe and pedal off.

Same. Flying mounts look cool, but I'll leave them to the pros. The risk/reward just isn't worth it for me.

Me too. Mine is a bit different though: I have my right shoe at 12:00 and pretty wide open. I approach from the left side of the bike, swing my right leg over the seat and my right foot goes right into the shoe at which point I push off with my left foot and push down with my right. A couple of quick pedals and I have enough momentum to coast and get my left foot in.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 17:46

Post #49 of 69 Views: 2478

Same here too. I used to do flying mounts until during a race, I did a flying mount and the ''shock'' made me loose one of my bottles. Not worth that risk...

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [wannabefaster] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 18:01

Post #50 of 69 Views: 2463

You made me run today. After a long day of celebrating our daughters first birthday/Valentine's Day with cookouts and family I did not want to do my run. Then I remembered seeing this post earlier.

http://www.sfuelsgolonger.com

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Titanflexr] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 18:02

Post #51 of 69 Views: 2384

Titanflexr wrote:

I found that soft silicone "pine trees" like the ones below work well, are cheap, easy to remove, and can easily be retrieved from my transition spot post race (highly visible on grass/asphalt).

These are awesome. I do all my swimming with them now.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Mouflon] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 18:32

Post #52 of 69 Views: 2357

Mouflon wrote:

Same here too. I used to do flying mounts until during a race, I did a flying mount and the ''shock'' made me loose one of my bottles. Not worth that risk...

Is that a euphemism?

Swim. Overbike. Walk.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Rocky M] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 20:48

Post #53 of 69 Views: 2307

Rocky M wrote:

I don't see this one listed. Get a professional bike fit. Aside from doing all the training consistently & technically sound by refining it day after day--the bike fit for sure. If you're in a powerful/comfortable position you can ride longer, faster & have less impact to your run.

I've seen so many athletes rig a bike fit themselves & cramp themselves up by the end of the bike, that a walk-run or waddle is what they're left with.

Definitely.

Which reminds me, I've done some monkeying with my bars. I need to check them against Dan's fit numbers.

_________________
Dick

Take everything I say with a grain of salt. I know nothing.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Kroppduster] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 21:14

Post #54 of 69 Views: 2295

Kroppduster wrote:

1. When awaiting race start, carry a couple wet wipes in a plastic baggie in case you need a last minute trip to the potty. Nothing like needing that last-minute trip and finding none of the shitters have any TP left.

haha, I do the same thing to all races. I always offer the non-used ones to anyone waiting on line after I'm done. No one has yet to take me up on it.

I also carry a small tube of Aquaphor...perfect chamois cream that doesn't wash away in the swim.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 21:27

Post #55 of 69 Views: 2287

My old man gave me good advice back in Pony League Baseball that still applies today. Sitting in the car before an imporant game he looked over to me and gave me this advice:

"Try not to suck today."

That is my goal every day. Try not to suck at whatever I'm doing.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [chxddstri] [ In reply to ]

Feb 14, 16 22:42

Post #56 of 69 Views: 2267

chxddstri wrote:

Not really my BEST tip, but useful. Remove your wedding ring before the swim. Cold water=lost ring. Now it's part of my night before ritual..wife reminds me to remove the ring, and I politely (key word is politely) tell her I already have.

I once forgot to remove the ring. Didn't lose it, but attempted to swim with the left hand fisted. Gave up quickly, and waved over a kayaker to hold ring until race end (very nice of her). Don't be me.

I always do the same thing. But 4 years ago I was standing in the water waiting for the start of Ironman Sweden one minute ahead when I noticed I forgot to take off may wedding ring. I quickly thought and managed to open my wrist watch strap, put the ring around it (without letting it fall into the water) and close it again before the start.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [longtrousers] [ In reply to ]

Feb 15, 16 4:07

Post #57 of 69 Views: 2182

Take a small head torch with you on race day, it will help with any adjustments to your bike/checking tyre pressures etc, first thing in the morning when the light may be poor. Particularly useful for us older types with crap eyesight.

In Reply To:

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [cloy26] [ In reply to ]

Feb 15, 16 5:02

Post #58 of 69 Views: 2143

cloy26 wrote:

Practice. Flying. Mounts.

I don't care how stupid you feel prancing around a parking lot in spandex because quite frankly, you really do look that stupid; however, not NEARLY as stupid as you look when you fall coming out of T-1.

Yeah, ask me.

More than once.

You might also ride into someone else who is getting on their bike because you are too busy trying to get your shoes on to pay attention, and then I will yell at you. (The guy hit my front wheel and knocked me into the grass but I didn't crash).

Put baby powder in your socks. That way, they will slip on easily even if your feet are wet, and it prevents blisters.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 15, 16 5:39

Post #59 of 69 Views: 2108

It's not about any one long ride or long run. It's what you do day in and day out that matters most

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Stindiana] [ In reply to ]

Feb 15, 16 7:09

Post #60 of 69 Views: 2043

Stindiana wrote:

Check out the swim-in, swim-out, bike-in, bike-out and run-in (just for my Du friends), run-out and the finish line.

Count the racks or find a landmark at BOTH swim-in and bike-in, especially if you're entering transition from two different spots. "Turn left after the second rack/big tree" is a lot easier than running up and down each row trying to remember where your spot is.

Tronk wrote:

I always wonder why people put everything on their only towel. When they enter T1, it is the first thing they want to pick up (to dry their feet, face, etc.) and it is underneath everything. My tip, take a couple towels. One to keep stuff off the ground, and one for a quick wipe off.

To go with the above, I always take two BRIGHT green towels. One on the ground with my stuff, one laying on my bike to help me find it and then for a quick dry off.

http://mediocremultisport.blogspot.com

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Midtown Miles] [ In reply to ]

Feb 15, 16 7:36

Post #61 of 69 Views: 2021

What is this "drying off?" Nobody got time for that!

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [mknight84] [ In reply to ]

Feb 15, 16 7:51

Post #62 of 69 Views: 2007

mknight84 wrote:

Rack the bike in the small chain ring so you can take off quicker.

Don't do that, as this will leave your chain under minimal tension and therefore at high risk to fall off before you even get on the bike.
Instead: Big ring up front, and an easier gear in the back.This should be easy enough to start pedaling (unless its a hill right out of T1) and puts the chain under maximum tension.

Other tips:

Put gels in a little Gel-Flask to avoid having to mess with the packaging and risking a littering penalty.
Stash repair kit under your saddle (like in between the rails). Totally hidden from the wind.
Don't ride too hard uphill, Crush the downhills.
Never go out too hard on the run (unless tactically necessary fighting for a position)
Bring backup goggles, race-belt
Always have enough zip-ties, safety pins, rubber bands, electrical tape
And as always: Don't draft (unless the race allows it)

if you can read this
YOU'RE DRAFTING!

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 15, 16 8:37

Post #63 of 69 Views: 1970

Mine are pretty minor, but here's two:

1) in cold races (looking at you, IMNC, nee Beach to Battleship), bring those chemical little heating packets. In T1, put them in your gloves & toe warmers. Coming out of 60 degree water and riding in 45 degree air can be pretty miserable.

2) in T2, put a bunch of your run gear (visor, race belt, nutrition, sunglasses, etc) into a ziplock freezer bag. In T2, just change shoes, grab your ziplock bag, and start running. Deal with the stuff in your bag while jogging the first half mile.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Titanflexr] [ In reply to ]

Feb 15, 16 9:12

Post #64 of 69 Views: 1936

Titanflexr wrote:

Back to triathlon tips....

Use earplugs for the swim. They make it a lot easier to keep your balance during the swim exit, and I found having water in my ears contributed to feeling nauseous on the run.

I found that soft silicone "pine trees" like the ones below work well, are cheap, easy to remove, and can easily be retrieved from my transition spot post race (highly visible on grass/asphalt).

+1 . . . And remember to take them out.

I got my finisherpix drafts from an HIM a couple of years ago and the damn white wax plugs were still there around mile 7.

_____________________________________
What are you people, on dope?

—Mr. Hand

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Culley22] [ In reply to ]

Feb 15, 16 9:24

Post #65 of 69 Views: 1927

Accept the fact that you are going to hurt at some point in the race. The sooner that you are ok with hurting the easier it will be when the suffering starts.

2x Deca-Ironman World Cup (10 Ironmans in 10 days), 2x Quintuple Ironman World Cup (5 Ironmans in 5 days), Ultraman, Ultra Marathoner, and I once did an Ironman.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 15, 16 9:46

Post #66 of 69 Views: 1900

Stay to the outside to start the swim. No need to join in the washing machine -- the 20 seconds you lose are well worth the time you don't spend getting punched or kicked or both.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [scofflaw] [ In reply to ]

Feb 15, 16 9:55

Post #67 of 69 Views: 1892

scofflaw wrote:

I got my finisherpix drafts from an HIM a couple of years ago and the damn white wax plugs were still there around mile 7.

Supposedly cyclists time trial faster (on a closed course) with earplugs in their ears, the theory being that they don't get as much wind noise at high speed. I don't think it's a good plan for safety reasons to do in a try bike split though.

-------------------
Madison photographer Timothy Hughes | Instagram

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 15, 16 10:05

Post #68 of 69 Views: 1880

General triathlon tip: Nobody, and I mean nobody (not even your dog), cares that much about your results. If it seems like they do, they are probably just trying to be nice. It's like listening to someone talking about their fantasy football team. "Yes Brad, everyone knows you drafted Jordy Nelson...and nobody cares."

Actual race tip: a little sandwich bag with some Vaseline in it (that you grab and carry with you out of T2) can do wonders for you if/when you need it.

Re: Spill the beans: let's hear your best triathlon tip [Timtek] [ In reply to ]

Feb 15, 16 18:58

Post #69 of 69 Views: 1670

If you race long course, three critical equipment elements come to mind. Goggles that don't leak, bike saddle that is (relatively) comfortable, and run shoes that are supportive, light, and don't tear up your feet. If any of these fail, life is miserable.

tinman

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