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Baby Tri Advice
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So in 3 months I've gone from couch (36% body fat) to half marathon (20% body fat, -5 lbs), practiced swimming in a wetsuit, and learned to ride a road bike with clipless pedals. My first sprint triathlon is scheduled for April 20th. I've been a bit concerned with "I can swim, bike, and run separately, but putting them all together... eek".

So, while looking at race listings, I found something called "The shortest triathlon ever" - 100yd pool swim, 2.5 mi bike, and a 2.1 mi run. I signed up, thinking it's a good opportunity to practice transitions and get over the mental barrier.

My question to the oh-so-amazing Womens: how do I get the most out of this experience? What should I focus on that I can then take to my first sprint tri (a week later)?


Thank you!!!!!!!


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Re: Baby Tri Advice [Agilecipher] [ In reply to ]
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I'm so proud of you! That's really amazing. And not easy.
I would suggest using it to get over any fear or intimidation you have w/ tri's, build confidence and practice transitions.

Just remember, everyone started at one time or another.
Please let us know how it goes.
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Re: Baby Tri Advice [Agilecipher] [ In reply to ]
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Transition practice big time!! Seems that people get so hung up on swimming, biking and running, they forget that they have to get out of the pool and into bike gear, then off the bike and into running gear. Can totally throw you off, so this would be a great time to practice that! The swim, bike and run will work themselves out!

Have a great day - that sounds like an awesome event!!

**********************
Harry: "I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this."
Loyd: "I was thinking the same thing. That John Denver's full of shit, man."
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Re: Baby Tri Advice [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]
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Thank you both for the support. Because it's a pool swim, I won't be practicing with the wetsuit, so I'm trying to figure out what to wear. I'm thinking sports bra, tri top, tri bottoms for swim, adding bike shirt for bike, and removing bike shirt for run. With the short distance, I don't have to worry so much about bodyglide and sunblock... but of course, I'm worrying about everything.


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Re: Baby Tri Advice [Agilecipher] [ In reply to ]
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Especially since it's such a short event, why bother with a cycling jersey? Trying to get anything on you while wet (unless it's full zip, and even then) is a huge time suck and for 2.5 miles on the bike - really? The whole point of tri-specific clothing is so you don't have to change. This race seems to be all about the transitions, and you can probably cut your T1 time in half by just riding in your tri top.

Just relax and have fun with it - the experience is more important than doing everything right!

Cheers!

-mistress k

__________________________________________________________
ill advised racing inc.
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Re: Baby Tri Advice [mistressk] [ In reply to ]
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So you would recommend staying in just the tri gear... I'm a bit concerned about being cold. The race starts at 8am and after getting out of the nice warm pool, hopping on my bike outside will be a bit chilly. Should I count on the fact that that will be a very brief time and not worry about an extra layer? T1 should be quite simple, just removing goggles & cap and adding shoes, helmet, and sunglasses. I do hate being cold...


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You. You make me stronger.
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Re: Baby Tri Advice [Agilecipher] [ In reply to ]
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Throw on a jacket too, or arm warmers. Have a towel handy to dry the major drops off if it's going to be cold. It's short, but still... don't want to freeze!

**********************
Harry: "I expected the Rocky Mountains to be a little rockier than this."
Loyd: "I was thinking the same thing. That John Denver's full of shit, man."
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Re: Baby Tri Advice [RockyMtnChic] [ In reply to ]
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Fiance just weighed in with a "perhaps it's a chance to HTFU for the following weekend when you'll be getting out of cold water onto the bike". After all, I'll be on the bike for <20 min and running for <20 min.

He can be /too/ honest sometimes. So annoying when he's right ^_^;


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You. You make me stronger.
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Re: Baby Tri Advice [Agilecipher] [ In reply to ]
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You will have a ball!

I would focus on transitions, too, not so much the gear aspect, but the differences in how your body will feel going from one sport to another: fast swim to sprint to transition, the wobbly legs feeling; fast bike to fast run, the cement legs feeling.

I'd keep the gear simple for such a short event as well. Minimize the outfit/shoe changes as much as you can.
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Re: Baby Tri Advice [lreichman] [ In reply to ]
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I think that's going to be the right game plan. Switch goggles and cap for shoes, helmet, and sunglasses, then just switch helmet and shoes for shoes and socks. Done in an hour!


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You. You make me stronger.
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Re: Baby Tri Advice [Agilecipher] [ In reply to ]
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The main thing you want to get out of this race is HAVE FUN!!!!!
Just enjoy the fact that you can do this.. you can swim, you can ride, you can run. Your transitions may not be olympic speed, your outfit might not be high fashion, and your gear might not be the shiniest priciest stuff out there but really... who cares??!!.. enjoy the challenge, enjoy the atmosphere, enjoy what your body is capable of and you will remember this as the little race that started the passion for triathlon... good luck- you've done so well to get off the couch and get to the start line so just give yourself a huge pat on the back and get out there and give it your best. And remember to let us know how it goes :)
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Re: Baby Tri Advice [Agilecipher] [ In reply to ]
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To make it easier during the transitions... buy some speed laces for your running shoes so you can slip them on. Also maybe a race belt so you don't have to worry about the safety pins popping out of your jersey.

If you can handle wearing the one piece trisuit for the whole thing, go with that, or if not then throw a long sleeve windproof jersey on top for the ride/run.

Practise setting up your gear and doing the actual clothing/shoe changes. Watch some videos on transitions for some great hints.

The most common mistake is leaving on your bike helmet for the run and having to go back to transition to drop it off! Or being unable to find your spot--make sure you familiarize yourself with your spot and where it is relative to the entrances/exits.
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Re: Baby Tri Advice [karencoutts] [ In reply to ]
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Thank you so much for the serious answer. I converted to Yankz after a shoelace came untied 1/2 mile till the finish line of a 10k. Expletives were at an inappropriate volume.

I have tri shorts and top - smart idea to have the race belt ready to go at T1. I can also TOTALLY see being the nooblet running along with her helmet - maybe I'll stick a note by my running shoes to leave it, or switch it with my fave visor.

For trying to remember location of bike - do you count rows or ? That sounds super important for not losing time wandering aimlessly.


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Re: Baby Tri Advice [karencoutts] [ In reply to ]
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excellent advice.
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Re: Baby Tri Advice [Agilecipher] [ In reply to ]
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Yes. Remembering where your bike is really helps cut down T1 time. :)
You can count rows. Sometimes (other) people will bring helium balloons, etc. Then I try just to remember where my bike is in relation to their ballooon. Also, sometimes the racks are labelled due to race number or AG (if race organizers assign where you rack your bike). Then you just look at the end to find where you're going. But counting rows works.
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Re: Baby Tri Advice [Agilecipher] [ In reply to ]
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I also find that putting my stuff on a bright coloured towel helps you find your exact spot once you get close.

If you need another layer for the bike - a light windbreaker will probably be the easiest to put on. Trying to do simple tasks when wet & short of breath can be much more challenging than anticipated.

Also - if you are going clipless for the bike, practice running/walking with your bike. Road shoes especially are no fun to walk in (as I'm sure you already know).

I hope you have lots of fun doing it!
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Re: Baby Tri Advice [edbikebabe] [ In reply to ]
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I love the idea of looking for a balloon (maybe at my first sprint tri - not during the first baby one), and a bright-colored towel is brilliant - is THAT why my fiance keeps asking for my pink towel!?!?!

I'm getting some great takeaways - thank you everyone for the input. The more you know... haha. I like overplanning, and my fiance has spoilt me on gear (great supporter that he is) so I am feeling so much better about this.


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Re: Baby Tri Advice [Agilecipher] [ In reply to ]
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Unfortunately, in the races I've done if I attempt to mark my spot with something (I've tried a tulle ribbon, balloon, etc.) the officials have cut it down while I was gone, so of course I could not find my spot based on the marker.

I suggest sighting landmarks, or count rows, or a combination of both. But here's the warning.

I've spent time setting up my area nicely taking up a small space (the size of a tiny tea towel) and every single time when I get to my spot, someone else has completely wrecked my setup, kicking over my helmet, shoes, etc. I've even had someone spill her hydration drink all over my helmet and towel. I guess it's important to get there first so you can wreck their stuff instead ;-) Just kidding. I don't know what to do about my stuff being moved, but it is nice when the racks are pre-assigned so no latecomers shove your stuff aside to squish their bicycle and stuff in there. You should check your stuff as late as possible before the start to see if someone has moved it. I've even had someone rack their bicycle in my spot even though it was numbered. Crap happens. Expect it, and you won't be too thrown if it happens to you.

If you have time, practise each flight path. That is, from the swim entrance to your spot (this is the worst one--because you may not recognize your spot once it's full of bikes, which looks nothing like how you left it--you'll also be a bit dizzy when you come out the water--expect that), from your spot to the bike exit, from the bike entrance to your spot, from your spot to the run exit (messed up on one of these too!).

Have fun laying out your stuff in the order that you put them on. For example, I put bike shoes closest to me with socks accordioned inside (I like to keep my socks on during the bike and the run--if not you need to practise riding and running sockless), bike helmet on top with sunglasses and race belt inside, etc. Furthest away are running shoes.
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