OK so I continue to read and read and read … there seem to be hundreds of pieces of information on what to do, how to do it and why things are wrong so I need help in understanding better as I am new to the sport and have heard this is the best site for all things cycling and triathlon related. Below are some of the questions I am hopeful that I can get some feedback/ input on as I prepare for my first season. I plan to do 6 races with 2 sprints an Olympic distance a half Ironman and then a full Ironman followed by my desired finish in Hawaii. so here goes:
can you use a snorkel in the swim or not. While it may be useful, I would think looking like a snork (ref. 70’s cartoon show) would / should be grounds for a penalty. Its not like I am trying to be flipper (ref. 50’s tv show)and wear my fins in the race, that would just be silly.
I understand that now you can get a penalty for littering … not only on purpose, but also even if you don’t know that your high dollar cages hanging off your @$$ launch your bottles like a South Korean Missile haphazardly overboard (ref. recent Kim Jon Il debacle) . While I am not woods the owl (ref. old antilittering ”spokes owl” I can’t see how an inadvertent dropping (of something other than shorts, feeble attempt at humor) should be grounds for a penalty. Please help me to understand what to do and how to prevent.
The use of a gps watch on the run is illegal? Come on if this is considered pacing we should also consider the use of the Sub9 disc wheel which I have read in advertisements is touted to provide a benefit in certain conditions as illegal assistance as well. Or some of the performance enhancement supplements which say they will get you over the finish line stronger and enable you to race either harder or with a …oops that is the blue pill I get hundreds of emails about every day …
finish line assistance. I have read threads about it being grounds for disqualification if you bring someone over the finish line with you, like my kid … I think I understand it to be considered to be getting assistance … have you seen my kid? He is about 3 foot 4 and as big around as a full grown drum fish (for those not knowing look them up … they are big, especially considering my kid is 3) how is this an assistance, shouldn’t this get me some sort of family guy bonus time?
Transition area. I keep seeing reference to people asking if so and so was eating lunch in transition. While I think this is a joke, or at least I hope so what should I be looking to accomplish in transition? Is it feasible to think I will have time to get all my gear on as well as eat something before heading out the gate for my next leg? Will someone be there to help me get my wet suit off; I have tried several times to get out of it in practicing and what a hassle … it seems that having help would be a great option.
Final question, I sometimes get, well lets refer to it as a nervous stomach when I get in the pool for workouts. This sometimes causes me the immediate, need to retire to the restroom. While this is a fine solution, and has created some close calls getting out of my wetsuit, what should I do during a race?
While I know there is that other website fully dedicated to beginner triathletes, I figure the info and response I would get from them would be for people who are not competitive and only looking to finish.
your supposed to stop and pick up your ejected bottles
GPS watches are fine
No more family on the finish line
Take as much time in trasistion as you like
Hope that your nervouse stomach is cleared out before you get in the water
I don’t want to kill your plans for the season, but gently let you know that it may take a few years to reach the level of fitness required to do an Ironman, and it may be even more years before your’re fast enought to qualify for a Kona spot.
In any case have a good first season, Train smart and ride Safe.
I would plan to do the sprints and oly races this year. If that goes well, plan a half IM for next year and a full IM the year after.
It’s likely to take years to be able to qualify for the big IM in Kona though…they have qualifying standards…although there are lottery spots you can apply for too, so it could happen if you are lucky.
I’ve had my kids run across the finish line with me in little, informal triathlons. It’s imperative that no one interfere with any athletes or officials in the process so consider that carefully. It will be a no-no at any IM or a race sanctioned by Mdot.
As a beginner, take all the time you want in transition. Especially in an all-day race like an Ironman, it’s not out of the question to eat a meal during transition, but the elite athletes zip through transition pretty darn quick and eat on the go. ‘Eating’ can be a misnomer. It’s not usually possible and certainly not advisable to be chewing solid food for your calorie intake. And you’ll not need any food for your sprint/oly distance races.
Hopefully your nervous stomach will kick in when you arrive at the race site, if not sooner and in the intervening 1-2 hours you will clear yourself out before the race starts. At least it does for me.
There is no USAT rule that says you cannot use a snorkel.
Pick up your trash or bottles. A ref will know if you are aware of dropping something.
GPS watch is fine, there is no USAT or WTC exception that excludes them.
Finish by yourself, even in local races.
Take all of the time you need in transition. You will have to take your wetsuit off yourself unless the race provides wetsuit strippers.
Everyone does #1 in their wetsuits, #2 is a no no. If you have that kind of problem, get a Desoto Speed tube bottom and pull over top. (Google Desoto speedtube)
USAT you can use a snorkel, according to the rules. WTC no dice.
You hit a bump, inadvertently lose a bottle. Next guy comes around the corner, hits your bottle and wipes out. Safety is the reason for the rule. Also prevents trashed courses.
Not illegal. This was a bad presentation of the rules at NO 70.3
So, you hoist your kid on your shoulder, cramp and fall over. Or, your kid scampers along and trips another triathlete. Again, safety.
Take all the time you want. The shorter the race, the more critical it is to get in and out of transition quickly, but there’s no time limit other than the time to finish a leg (if the race has limits)
If it’s #1, just pee in the suit. #2, well, better evacuate well.
And, there are a lot of people on here that post on BT as well. There are some very very fast athletes there, and the atmosphere is much less predisposed to rip someone apart for asking if they can race with their mountain bike.
Was this first posted two weeks ago on April 1?
Not sure what you are getting at. If you read above seems like a number of other members of the forum have taken me seriously and that is appreciated. As for you and your cynical remark, I hope you end up with #2 in your wetsuit at the next race and double flats before the transition to the bike.
I have some other questions now that people seem to have respectfully, taken me seriously so here goes:
I understand that gears are important on a bike, I know that there are about a million bikes on the market and all are different. Is it / are there reasonable bikes that I can purchase to race to use not only to race on, but also be comfortable on as it look s like the tri bikes with the bars out the front are not so comfortable.
helmets seem to come in all shapes and cost. Not that I am a pufter (not that there is anything wrong with that) but I like to look cool, and be comfortable … the cool helmets that you see that look like a tear drop, are they functional, comfortable and safe(also worried that my melon be protected)
along the same line above what about the one piece biking suit (which I’m not sure how cool they are, but want input) as opposed to a bike shorts and a tee-shirt … and where do I change out of my bathing suit into my biking shorts then into running shorts?
I constantly read about the right shoes and ensuring that my feet are comfortable. Has anyone ever run in those running sandals, they seem interesting and my feet will stay dry and cooler.
Again, I know I am new to the sport and asking a lot of questions, but I don’t appreciate someone questioning my integrity and I do appreciate everyone helping me with all my questions.
I think that what the jedi was refering to is a combination of the fact that this is an extremely sarcastic board and your questions are not only newbie questions, but topics that are covered adnauseum on this board. Add in that a couple were real hotbed discussions re families at the finish/swim aides that had threads that had hundreds of replies and it is reasonable to think that you might just be trolling, especially since you added that you plan on at least one IM this year with an aim at Kona. Not that it is bad to have lofty goals, jsut that most of the posters here have been racing for years and have never come close to going fast enough for a Kona slot, and many are still trying to get to the IM distance.
Now that being said, Slowman et all have published a great many articles on the main page pertaining to bike selection. I suggest that you read those articles. Next will be questions and comments about fit. Fit is the single most important factor when selecting a bike. (I reccommend a Road bike first and then a Tri bike, but if you will be using the bike exclusively for Tri then you might just get a tri bike)
Get a regular helmet. One that fits like a baseball cap (comfortable and snug). I recommend either a Giro Atmos or a Bell Sweep (yes they are top of the line, but they are light comfortable and well made. what is an extra $50 when it comes to your brain bucket?)
you will need bike shorts, tri shorts and a couple of jerseys. Bike shorts for training, trishorts for training and racing and enough jerseys that you cna launderthem regularly.
Get real running shoes. Go to a running store and let them tell you what kind you need. Pay no attention to how ugly they will be.
It sounds like you don’t have a background in cycling or running, and maybe not much in swimming either. It is impoetant to start all these sports on the ground floor and work your way up. Especially running. Nothing like a 25mile first week to injur you for the whole season.
Look up some tri clubs inyour local area too. they can help alot.
Everyone does #1 in their wetsuits, #2 is a no no. If you have that kind of problem, get a Desoto Speed tube bottom and pull over top. (Google Desoto speedtube)
I think that what the jedi was referring to is a combination of the fact that this is an extremely sarcastic board and your questions are not only newbie questions, but topics that are covered adnauseum on this board. Add in that a couple were real hotbed discussions re families at the finish/swim aides that had threads that had hundreds of replies and it is reasonable to think that you might just be trolling, especially since you added that you plan on at least one IM this year with an aim at Kona. Not that it is bad to have lofty goals, just that most of the posters here have been racing for years and have never come close to going fast enough for a Kona slot, and many are still trying to get to the IM distance.
Thanks for taking the time ... I obviously understand sarcasm and appreciate being set straight. Kind of like how the public did to Happy Days when they tried to have the fonz jump the shark tank on water skis(thus the term jumping the shark). Yes I may have gotten a bit ahead of myself looking form Kona glory before even starting my first event, but if you don't shoot for the stars you could end up like Al Bundy remembering your glory years wishing for that next shot at high school fame and fortune.
To everyone on the #1 in the suit ok and #2 a no, no … thanks. while obvious it is the only answer … what I was wondering more was if there are better options to help be well fueled, but not putting myself in a situation where I am percolating a bit o coffee? I have tried a number of options and it always seems to occur about the same time period in my workouts. I know that I am going to get “well don’t eat before you work out, and or relieve yourself before you swim”. Again those are the obvious ones. I usually swim in the AM post morning regularities and only on either a sports drink (usually the one which starts with a “P” and can be bought at o’thank heaven 7/11 …still same same. Is it nerves, should I just give it up and become a run bike run guy so I can run to the can when I need to and not worry abut this? Is this common amongst newer athletes in the swim? If I do that I can just fire one out like those runners who win the Boston Marathon I guess. again everyone’s input and help is appreciated.
have you tried imodium-ad before you swim? that might “slow” things bit. And as has been said on this board and others thousands of times, obviously give this a try in training before you do it in a race.
To everyone on the #1 in the suit ok and #2 a no, no … thanks. while obvious it is the only answer … what I was wondering more was if there are better options to help be well fueled, but not putting myself in a situation where I am percolating a bit o coffee? I have tried a number of options and it always seems to occur about the same time period in my workouts. I know that I am going to get “well don’t eat before you work out, and or relieve yourself before you swim”. Again those are the obvious ones. I usually swim in the AM post morning regularities and only on either a sports drink (usually the one which starts with a “P” and can be bought at o’thank heaven 7/11 …still same same. Is it nerves, should I just give it up and become a run bike run guy so I can run to the can when I need to and not worry abut this? Is this common amongst newer athletes in the swim?
First, welcome to the sport.
Second, you are asking good questions but if you’re going to hang on ST you gotta have thick skin sometimes.
For my first tri I was going to put my wet suit on at the car and head to T1. That’s what we do for surfing. A friend set me stright before the race…I’m sure that would of gottin a laugh. So my point is go with the flow.
As for the morning regularities thing. This is a problem for more then a few people. There is not a “right” answer to this question. It’s trial and error Kinda thing. Like you said, it could be nerves. But don’t give up on the sport.
consider taking anti-diarrhea pills with you. I always carry them along with other meds–antacid, caffeine, pain meds(to take just before the end, not before, and not if dehydrated) Defecating on oneself is not an uncommon occurence—a friend did it at IMFL this last year—poor guy going across the finish line.)it was truly a sh----y race for him. I have never had a problem with constipation since starting tris.
have you tried imodium-ad before you swim? that might “slow” things bit. And as has been said on this board and others thousands of times, obviously give this a try in training before you do it in a race.
I’m not telling you to take imodium but I’ve done this in the past. Like all meds it comes with it’s own set of side effects. So do your home work first.
And obviously give this a try in training before you do it in a race.
Your problems with diarhea are likely caused by the adrenaline you indicated gets dumped to your system when you go to swim practice. almost everyone is the same way. In a race situation, I’m guessing the adrenaline hits you much sooner relative to the race start and you might have a chance to evacuate it prior to race start…ever notice the large port-o-potty lines just before race start?
As for bikes…you can be really comfy on a beach cruiser, but triathlons will be slower (definitely never Kona!). I recommend you get a standard road bike. Later you can step up to the aero bars and perhaps a dedicated tri bike for some added aerodynamic efficiency.
Don’t do the sandals, it’s a bad idea.
You can not change out of your swimsuit. You CAN put bike shorts on over your swimsuit, but at that point you’d be better advised to swim in your bike shorts. Since bike shorts have a nice plush chamois, they could collect water and end up like wearing a wet diaper…so tri shorts were invented. They are a nice cross between the Jammers (swim trunks that look like cycling shorts) and the real cycling short: they have a thin non-absorbent chamois to help on the bike, but don’t hinder swimming or running.
You can throw on a t-shirt or a cycling jersey between the swim and bike if you want, but there are also tri shirts that are very tight fitting lycra that don’t drag in the water and dry quickly. That’s even better.
Thank you to Ti T’war for coming to my defense. I am a newbie on this site - newer than Tontotriguy whose first post was back in March 2008. On Nov 10, 2008 Tontotriguy posted that he had done a sub 12:30 at IMLP. On Nov 9, 2008 he posted that he had done the Eagleman HIM. On Nov 6, 2008, he added to the IM Florida Finman a post that included:
“The fins would have acted as a set of trim tabs and would have actually allowed him to remain just high enough in the water to make the snorkel we never got a shot of remain functional.”
So, no disrespect to Tontotriguy was intended. I honestly thought this may have been a troll. Fortunately, not everyone is as suspicious as me and Tontotriguy got answers to his questions.
I apologize to you, Tontotriguy. I hope you don’t get #2 in your wetsuit and that you have no mechanical problems in your races. I hope you qualify for Kona. I am way too slow to even dream of such a lofty goal.
newer than Tontotriguy whose first post was back in March 2008. On Nov 10, 2008 Tontotriguy posted that he had done a sub 12:30 at IMLP. On Nov 9, 2008 he posted that he had done the Eagleman HIM. On Nov 6, 2008, he added to the IM Florida Finman a post that included:
"
by Tontotriguy
I am hopeful that I can get some feedback/ input on as I prepare for my first season.
So, Tontotriguy which one is it, first season (which means you lied about IMLP and the Eagleman HIM, or not first season, and thus a troll?
newer than Tontotriguy whose first post was back in March 2008. On Nov 10, 2008 Tontotriguy posted that he had done a sub 12:30 at IMLP. On Nov 9, 2008 he posted that he had done the Eagleman HIM. On Nov 6, 2008, he added to the IM Florida Finman a post that included:
"
by Tontotriguy
I am hopeful that I can get some feedback/ input on as I prepare for my first season.
So, Tontotriguy which one is it, first season (which means you lied about IMLP and the Eagleman HIM, or not first season, and thus a troll?
guilty ... of using my library computer and not creating my own account. Jedi knight you are so masterful that I can not out with even your prowis ... are you a triathlete looking to help others get into the sport, or just another douche looking to help find reasons to keep people from pushing you further down the finish ladder and making it a bit more reasonable to accept your 1/2 hearted attempts at greatness. Yes I have come to the computer in my local library as I have been researching everything I can about triathlon. What I thought I had learned was that triathletes were as a whole cool, accepting and willing to help each other out. What I have found for the most part other then you was this to be true. I apologize that I have not created my own name on the site, nor do I understand all your cool lingo like trolling but without stooping to your level I wish a case of crustaceans on you and all you care about ... not barnacles, not clams nor oysters but CRABS! Yup I read about having a thick skin on this forum and understand from reading that everyone might be suspect, but you my friend SUCK! You are what make all organized sports worthless and why so many Americans are overweight and intimidated to come out to even attempt to get in shape. I guess when you look in the mirror you resemble the guy on the cover of one of the fitness magazines and obviously your wife is one of the ones we all sit and admire (won't continue that train, but we all know where I am going).
To everyone else thanks for your help. I appreciated it and Jedi has only proven on thing … he can do research (looser) and figure out that whom ever used the computer here at the local library and created this name (which I admit when I went to put my name in came up with a password may name starts with To … ) has previously unbeknown to me posted here. From here forward I will create a new name and thus help Jedi know who I am and not have to be concerned if or if not I have previously done races … I will make sure to post on here ASAP to ensure I have a “clean” and up to Jedi standards name so my questions can be OK’d and not be overly scrutinized.
