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Seeking Advice on First Tri
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ok, so I was not nervous, until this week.
My first triathlon (the My First Tri division of Wildman sprint in Orlando) is in 22 days. I picked (and signed up for) this race LAST AUGUST when I decided to train for tris as it is early in the year and will still give me three months of training before the season up here starts. I thought cool I can see what really needs work (everything).
So here I have been training, working hard, and I am suddenly well REALLY nervous! My goals are not very lofty - make it through and hopefully don't fall off the bike!
All of you veterans out there - what do you wish someone told you - either to get/bring or do before your first tri?

thanks in advance



cat

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cat
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [CatIsTriing] [ In reply to ]
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Hi cat

I help out with our beginner's in our tri club - I will tell you what I tell them. First off - congrats for taking the plunge. Go out and have fun - that is the main thing. Nerves are normal, everyone goes through this.

As to what to do/bring etc - here are things I try to get across.

Keep your transition area simple. Lay it out at home and try your changes. You don't need a lot, just your shoe layouts, and figure out how you want your bike laid out. I do helmet, glasses and sweatband on the bike, shoes on the towel. You may want to consider something to cover your gear in case it rains. Race belt is nice for your numbers, otherwise make sure your get it pinned properly before the race.

Pump - make sure your tires are properly inflated before the race.

Know how to change a tire - flats happen. Even though in a sprint it would be kiss of death if you were trying to place, if you are just trying to finish you should be ready to deal with this.

Nutrition - you don't need much for a sprint - one bottle on the bike should do. You can probably get by with what is on the aid stations on the run. Maybe tuck a gel in if you think you will really need it.

Finally - have you had any open water/wetsuit time yet? You really need to get some in before your first race. Open water is different than pool, you should be comfortable sighting and get used to not having the black line. Also, you relative sense of motion is different in open water - you often think you are going nowhere since lines of site are so much longer. Don't freak out when you see the course laid out - it will look huge. You can do the distance. If it is a wetsuit race, get used to swimming in it before you go - it does change your feel in the water. Finally on the swim, consider where to seed yourself in the wave. If you are a fish, you may want to be at the front, if not, further back and even to the outside so you don't get hammered would be a good idea. All in all, you do not want your first open water experience to be at your race.

I think you have a good approach, every race is a good learning experience. I always find something new to screw up in each race I do.

If you have any more specific questions, fire away.

Jim
"In dog beers, I've only had one"
http://www.shakercolonial.com/
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [jriosa] [ In reply to ]
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thanks Jim - the transition stuff I will have to start thinking about.....
I did get yankz (ran in them yesterday for first time) and a race belt when I bought my tri shirt and shorts a couple of weeks ago - have ridden a couple of times and done some bricks in them (though it being cold in Boston had to layer up)
I did 2 open water swims in my wetsuit - and yeah I kept wondering where the wall was ;)
someone who has done the course said it is a a LOOONNNG run from lake to T1 (like .25 miles) so that has me a bit freaked. I was hoping to practice jumping on/off bike this weekend but we have a huge snow storm.....

the thing I am most afraid of is that I have only ridden in aero on the road one weekend (winter sucks that way) and it was WAY different on the road than on the trainer in bike class (shocking I know)

the transition run is sand->pavement->grass. Will that mostly clean my feet off or should I bring an extra water bottle for washing???

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cat
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [CatIsTriing] [ In reply to ]
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OK - sounds like you are in great shape for your first, and you are doing all the proper things.

Yeah, .25 miles is a bit of a run - but I have seen worse. Apparently a race here in Virginia had the T1 .9 miles with 800 feet of elevation from the swim exit. They have now changed that to the start of your bike. A couple of bits of advice here. One, this is a good time to get mostly out of your wetsuit. When you hit T1 you should have your cap and goggles off, and the wetsuit should be off your upper body so all you have to do is pull out of the legs. Second, do NOT be surprised if you are a bit light headed when you start this run back - you are going from horizontal to vertical and it takes a bit to get your blood flow regulated - also if you have been swimming hard, try to use this time to settle yourself back down before the bike, so don't sprint it.

As to the foot wash, I have never done that. Often they will have little wading pools with water you can step in and out of on the run to T1. If not, all I ever do is wipe my feet on my transition towel. That said, if you want to have a bottle with a bit of water as a security blanket, go ahead.

Don't worry too much about aero on the bike. Sure, maybe you could save a minute or so (it is only 15 miles, so the time gains won't be that great), but you will have to judge the conditions. If it is a really crowded course, you may want to be on your hoods where you feel more secure handling the bike, especially if you are in a wave of first timers who may also be having issues with bike handling. Just take it as it comes. If you are comfortable and have a clear road, go for it. If not, just ride as hard as you can, remembering you will have to run, and use the rest of the year to get road time in aero. Some things just take time, and this may be one of yours. I know when I started aero position it took me a couple of months until I felt secure in most conditions. If you get there early, pre-riding the course the day before in aero may help your confidence.

With the Yankz, make sure you don't get then too tight, that can be really aggravating as the miles pile up.

Jim
"In dog beers, I've only had one"
http://www.shakercolonial.com/
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [CatIsTriing] [ In reply to ]
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I wish I had practiced taking off my wetsuit a few times before my first tri. The scene was right out of WWF, but without the chair. Use lots of Body Glide and unzip/get out of the top before taking off your goggles and cap. My HR was probably 300 coming out of the water and there I was fumbling around with goggles and cap in hand trying to wrestle my wetsuit off while running to T1.
Also, I wish I had practiced swimming in close proximity to people more. I'm not a swimmer at all and that first open water mass start really had me hyperventilating for about 10 minutes into the swim.
Remember to smile for the finish line photo--you'll want to have that pic to remember what a wonderful and fun day you had!
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [CatIsTriing] [ In reply to ]
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I would avoid "jumping" on and off the bike. Get your T1 stuff on, roll your bike out to the mount zone, make sure you're not blocking anyone, swing a leg over, look behind you then go. It is amazing to see all of the flying mounts and dismounts and crazy antics in the mount/dismount zone. Give yourself a good amount of time to unclip before the dismount zone, don't go barelling on in. Lots of wipe outs happen there. Best to go a little slowly and be very aware of other racers around you who could potentially take you out.
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [CatIsTriing] [ In reply to ]
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what ever you do don't try and put on a sports bra when you are wet ;-) I did that in my first tri (pool swim with change tent, so I changed out of swim suit... or tried to... took me 10min to get into my bra) what a disaster. I also over dressed and was stripping layers off for the run. That particular tri also has a really long T1 run (pool to bike rack, all on pavement) and I remember putting socks and runners on to run that distance. I tried to sprint it and ended up very lightheaded by the time I stopped at the bike rack. Every year afterwards I just jogged barefoot and used the time to loosen up my legs. I remember putting on gloves for the ride. How ridiculous. I mean 23k doesn't require gloves! Let's see.. what else have I done wrong... so many things... drink nothing... yep, done that. Bodyglide? nah... I like the pain and agony of chaffage. Eat a huge steak dinner the night before a race? yep done that too. No breakfast before the race? Yeppers. Pinned my race # to a shirt that I tried to put on while wet, which then ripped the shirt? you bet. Wear anything cotton? definitely done that.

Oh, one BIG mistake I did was to not ride my bike the day before the race or race morning (esp for sprints). Even 10minutes, just to make sure it is working properly and feels ok. I didn't do that the day before a big 1/2IM one year, and it turned out my saddle was loose and in a horrible spot. I just couldn't fix it right with my minitools, and by the end of the 90k leg, I was in huge lower back and hip pain. One of the worst races ever.

So just relax, have fun, smile, thank the volunteers, and CALM DOWN as much as you can before race start. You will make mistakes and you will look back at them years from now and laugh yer ass off... well, that's what I do now ;-)

AP

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"How bad could it be?" - SimpleS
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [CatIsTriing] [ In reply to ]
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Repeat after me:

I.AM.READY

You'll be fine. Stop stressing, relax and enjoy the day. It's going to be amazing.
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [DawnT] [ In reply to ]
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that is what my trainer keeps telling me..... ( I see him more than my coach....)
funny the wet suit was mentioned -
my boys (10 and 12) want to help me with this -and since we are in a major snow storm we decided to either fill the tub or just get the shower on, and get me in my tri shorts/top and wet suit, cap and goggles and have my T-1 with helmet,bike shoes, glasses etc downstairs or something far enough that I have to practice running dripping wet....and get out of it....I think they just want to see me squirm! Might have to video this one just for the comedy value.

I am not planning to try flying mount/dismount - but I was hoping to at least practice trying to run in bike shoes whilst pushing bike....I figure for dismount I will get out of my shoes and go barefoot...
I might have to ride the hoods on the bike - though a tri bike I do have time to get used to her - you are right Jim!
My plan is to slowly ride the course the day before the race (possibly 2 days before depends on when I get settled in hotel and assemble bike....)

Taking the boys to the town pool today - which is definitely more crowded than my health club - so maybe I will get some more experience with the crowded swimming thing - that does freak me out a bit.....I suppose I can get the boys to swim in the lane next to me and try to crowd up!!! that could be another funny training moment....

thanks for all your help - it is great getting everyone's viewpoints.

-cat

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cat
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [CatIsTriing] [ In reply to ]
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What really helped me calm myself and feel prepared for my first race was doing transition drills. I set up my transition area in a lot near a bike path that was closed to cars and had my hubby/sister or friend watch my stuff. Then I'd do a loop or two on the bike and ride into my "transition area" change into my stuff and do a short little run. I'd put the "mount/dismount line" a little ways away to get used to getting on and off the bike, running in bike shoes, etc. I'd repeat this a few times and refine any steps that seemed unnecessary or awkward. By the time the first race rolled around, I didn't have that "am I forgetting something panic" and everything felt familiar. If you have a garage/driveway, then you can eliminate the need for stuff watching person, although it was helpful to have the hubby watching, as he caught some time-wasting steps that I was doing.

The other tip I wished I'd known before my first race was to walk through all of the transition entrances/exits. Now, I literally walk from the swim exit to my spot, my spot to bike exit, etc. It really helps me feel settled down and gives me something to do with those pre-race jitters.

You are ready and are going to have a blast!

M

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The beatings will continue until morale improves
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [CatIsTriing] [ In reply to ]
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Ooooh - M's post just made me think of something else.

When you get your bike racked, either landmark your position, or count how many racks from the swim entrance it is and how many from returning in on the bike it is. It is WAY too easy to forget exactly where you are. So when you get in from the swim you count 6(or whatever) racks to your position. Likewise on the return. This assumes you are not going to try the balloon trick. Lampposts make good landmarks, and they are usually around a lot of transition areas.

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to find your bike or your gear in transition.

Jim
"In dog beers, I've only had one"
http://www.shakercolonial.com/
Creating custom made furnishing to your requirements
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [jriosa] [ In reply to ]
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My bike is usually one of the last one's left on the rack, so it's easy to find ;-)
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [CatIsTriing] [ In reply to ]
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Cat!!! Good luck! I read thorugh the posts and everyone had really great tips! This womens forum is great. I wish this was around when I started! We will all be so proud of you. Good Luck!! You are ready enjoy all your hard work! My first tri ...what really sticks out for me is the swim. I'm not a good swimmer in fact I learned to swim for my first race. It was 200 yards. I was really nervous and I wanted to quit right after the gun went off. I wasn't used to swimming with other people around me. I just gave myself a positive talk durning the swim. I remember saying to myself "you have done so much to train for this race stick with it". I just let them all go around me. And you know what I was fine and you will be too!!
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [QRgirl] [ In reply to ]
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Me too! I look forward to the day when I have that "I can't find my bike among all the other ones" issue.

M

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The beatings will continue until morale improves
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [PC] [ In reply to ]
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When I tried my wetsuit in open water (ocean - key largo) a few weeks ago, my kids were in a boat nearby - the current and waves were definitely HARD - and I tired rather quickly. They started singing like Dorie 'Just keep swimming....just keep swimming' - I laughed so hard that they keep doing it around the house - they have threatened to bring a bullhorn in June when they actually come to a race and play the soundtrack from the movie or just sing it during the swim....lmao

I love the ideas everyone is giving me - from walking through transitions....that will give me something to do with all the nervous energy the morning of the race!!!

and I hope to make you all proud ;-)

cat

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cat
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [CatIsTriing] [ In reply to ]
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Hi Cat,
This is my first post on ST, but wanted to let you know that I'll be at the Wildman Tri too. I've done one sprint before, but this will be my first OW. I'm excited! Good luck in your training - this post has a lot of great advice that I've enjoyed reading as well.
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [CatIsTriing] [ In reply to ]
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cat; i wish someone had told me that it's not rocket science--relax, have fun, and enjoy every minutes of it!
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [jumagirl] [ In reply to ]
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PM me we can grab dinner before or just cheer each other on!
which race are you doing? sprint?

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cat
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [QRgirl] [ In reply to ]
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Now you see - I am such a lousy cyclist I have the other problem - I am one of the last into T2 so it is hard to find my spot amidst all the already racked bikes.

I should be the poster boy for the other thread on training with faster men - Ladies - if you want to feel good about your cycling - come ride with me!!!!

Jim
"In dog beers, I've only had one"
http://www.shakercolonial.com/
Creating custom made furnishing to your requirements
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [CatIsTriing] [ In reply to ]
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Cat....I've been away....sorry.
First the funeral then a nice get a way to Florida...just back in the middle of the snow storm last night.
I know your first rae is in just 3 weeks, but in the spring we should get together and do the P-Man course....we can swim as early as May in the fresh (albeit cold) water then go through all the motions. I'd also recommend one of the FIRM pool races after Wildman so you can practice all your learn in Florida just to get your game face on for the rest of the season. I always do the Lions Spring Sprint! PM me if you are interested. But...I know I need to call you first to chat!!
Anyway, back to reality for the time being....leave for St. John next Friday so I will try and call your office Monday, What's a good time??
Kat D.

Kat Donatello
2015 Betty Designs Team
RD, The Pumpkinman Triathlon Festival
http://www.pumpkinmantriathlon.com/
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Re: Seeking Advice on First Tri [CatIsTriing] [ In reply to ]
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I wish someone had told me to SAVOR IT...

You will be enormously proud of yourself for even getting out there; you'll have fun; you'll encounter the unexpected and it will just roll off your back.

Invite some friends there to cheer for you.

I was more proud of myself and on Cloud 9 after my first sprint triathlon, than I was later with the first...Olympic, the first half ironman, the first Xterra, the first duathlon, etc.

Just savor it. Anything that might go slightly wrong, will only be a little learning experience or fodder for entertainment later.
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