Stupid Half IM questions

Triathlon Forum
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First, thanks to all those who gave me some advice on my cramming training for Timberman. I am back on schedule, though I suspect I will be showing up more with a flan than a cake for race day.

Anyhow, two questions - both pretty stupid, but could use some clarification.

  1. Running and heat - yeah I have read all the stuff, but here is my situation. I sweat like a pig, and if it gets up into the higher 80s or 90s, the only way I can keep cool enough is to run shirtless. My shirts are literally soaked and provide no cooling what so ever. I mean I can ring out a couple of ounces from a good dri-fit (Desoto, brooks, sugoi). Given the USAT rules - any suggestions? Take the shirt off after a couple miles and put it back on for the finish? God help me - get a man bra - and if so, where on earth do you get one. If my skin is exposed to air, I can do pretty well even in 90s and high humidity, so am looking for a decent solution here

  2. Bottle handoff - I will be using a podiumquest for bike fluids. Now I haven’t had a whole lot of practice at refilling on the fly, and I can probably get my wife to help me try a few handoffs. But if I don’t feel confident that I can do it without screwing up either myself or other people coming in - how are these things set up (never had this in a race before). Is there a way to grab the bottle and pull over to the side and do a refill and not mess anybody up behind me? I have never seen one so I just don’t know.

Like I said stupid - so I will put on my abuse shield and let you guys take your best shots.

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Those aren’t stupid questions.

For the shirt, try a top that zips all the way down. You can either completely unzip the front (like a vest) or unzip it 99%. You might find it gives you some cooling on the front while keeping some sun off your shoulders. Easy enough to zip up if circumstances dictate. (like winning a TdF stage).

In the races I have done, they hand you a bottle the same way they hand you water on the run – you ride toward the person holding what you want (water, gatorade), look at them and say “water” or “gatorade” and then grab it with your right hand. How you handle the next step seems like just a matter of practice, as you suggest with your wife serving as a volunteer. I can’t say whether, in the end, you’ll find it better to stop and refill (in a safe spot) or refill while on the bike. I would note that people sometimes are not aware of how much coordination they lose as the race goes on – better to have a plan that you can execute easily rather than have some complicated system that barely works in training and probably will fail while on an unfamiliar course surrounded by other racers.

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  1. I’d suggest looking into the DeSoto Skin Cooler Solto Tri Singlet. http://www.desotosport.com/products/product.asp?Category=MSolto&ProdID=SNG7 Although it’s technically made to be loose-fitting and a training garment, I got mine for racing. I am typically a L or XL when it comes to tri shirts/jerseys (ie. those made from Lycra to be snug), but got my Solto in a Medium. It’s snug enough for the bike (ie. doesn’t flap around in the wind), but doesn’t have that constricting feel of a Lycra top. The added bonus is that it’s also just a bit longer than a typical tri top, so there’s no worry of getting that weird sunburn between your shorts and top from being aero on the bike. No belly shirt look, either. I wore it for the first time in a race yesterday and was extremely impressed with just how little moisture it held, despite dumping water on my head twice during the run. It was a noticeable difference compared to the Nike Dri Fit singlet that I normally wear. Comfortable, too. If there was one thing I would change, though… I wouldn’t get White again. Coming out of the swim and putting it on left a bunch of little smears on the shirt from my body mark. (It did come out with a little Shout, though.)

  2. Although I don’t have any experience with the Podium Quest, it appears to be very simple to refill on the fly. No lids to remove, drop, etc. I’d suggest just practicing. Best bet is probably to get on the base bars and coast while refilling.

Steve

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  1. I agree on the full zip. I also sweat heavily but would would never do another long race shirtless. I use the Oomph tri top and LOVE it. Do you keep nutrition in your pockets on the run? If you sweat a ton you might want to put some salt tablets in a baggie and carry them with you.

  2. I pulled over during my first half (gulf Coast–2nd ever tri) because I had to swap out bottles (I forgot to discard mine before the aid station). I just made sure I was a good quarter to a half mile past the aid station before pulling over. I actually turned and yelled “STOPPING” just so everyone knew what was going on. The above poster was right–people lose a LOT of coordination at these stops. If the volunteers are on the ball they will be yelling what they’re holding–I usually point to the person whose bottle I want and yell “water” or “gatorade.” It makes it easier on both us.

Good luck!!