Just read Gabe Mirkin's article on "The Placebo Effect". I believe in my head that my skintight clothing and svelte tri bike / aero helmet make me faster...so it must be true! When I put on my multi-coloured, ultra-light race shoes my feet think I'm faster. Goggles? Nah - they gotta fit the shape of your nose and suction cup to your face - don't care how they look... Ain't NOBODY burstin' my Placebo Effect Bubble of reality!

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I'll see you in the run

Speak for yourself, dude. I look awesome. And I train like a demon. So...my "bubble" is in my head and I perform outside my bubble and above the norm for "old people". You're as old as your VO2 max says you are :)

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I'll see you in the run

Ditto.

Well let's see. I'm middle aged, I wear spandex, my teenagers don't want to be seen with me, I purchased a funky looking "supebike" that looked cool (to me anyhow) in the moment...I guess no matter what I purchase Tri related,I won't be cool. So what's it matter?

If you think you are cool you are cool... If you let teens determine your cool quotient then you are old 😜

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I'll see you in the run

 

People fear me when they see me in my Swedes at the beginning of swims. I know they look cool, which in turn makes me look badass. Competitors don't need to know that it's mostly show and a poor kick, but it lets me slide up to the front before the race starts.

And side note....Matte Black is STEALTH!!!!!

I pretty much buy everything on price, and look second. I can't afford this sport if I purchased everything that looked cool or gave pretty functionality. I've found mid-to-low range everythign works fine for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXydX9p_ZxA

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"What's your claim?" - Ben Gravy
"Your best work is the work you're excited about" - Rick Rubin

"... and if you think this shirt and tie look good, you are most likely a Russian mobster."

More concerned with making it through the race first! If I find a good deal then "cool" is an added bonus, but generally can't afford "cool". Definitely am not pulling it off now!