Getting ready for my first IM. I’m wondering, do you wear bike shorts for that long ride. What do you wear for run? Do you take the time to change? Keep in mind, this question is geared to a normal age grouper not Peter Reid. I was thinking about doing tri shorts underneath bike shorts (I typcially wear a light pair of spandex under my bike shorts anyway), then I don’t have to change for the run. Perhaps it is better to change and feel fresh. Any thoughts?
I just did my first IM at LP and I also had the same question. I choose to change outfits in order to stay as comfortable as possible. I will not change outfits on my next IM just because I felt like I spent forever in transitions. My T1 was a bit under 8minutes and T2 was a little under 5minutes (with a pee). Anyhow, I would say that the best choice you can make is the one which will make you the most comfortable for you first IM. If you don’t think a few minutes will make a big difference in your overall goals then I’d say do the outfit change. If you are comfortable on long rides and runs with a race outfit or if you think a few minutes will matter than I’d say to use the one outfit. Most importantly though, use the method that will make your decision seem easy…go with your gut instinct on this one and I think you’ll figure that out during race week as you prepare your bags - at least that is how it worked for me. Best of luck and have fun - remember to really take in the moments and think about how you want to enjoy that run down the finish-chute…have fun.
Dave
I just completed my first IM @ Lake Placid and I went with the following strategy:
Swim: Below the wetsuit: bike short.
Bike: bike short and during transition I put the top on. I wanted a dry top to stay warm during first miles of ride… however it was unecessary and I should have wear it under my wetstuit. No socks…
Run: run short + new top (I do not feel that comfortable on the top and used on the bike and I was not going to buy a new one) + socks.
Fred.
I’m pretty much about keeping it simple. Oomph 2 piece suit with bike shorts over top under the wetsuit. Shed bike shorts in T2 in all of 5 seconds. I prefer the comfort of real bike shorts and it costs me almost nothing in time. I’ve heard some people like fresh socks but I didn’t bother last year at IMC as it was hot and the feet got wet in a few ks anyway.
Why would you wear anything under cycling shorts?
I have IM #2 coming up (IMC) and I’ll go with the same thing as my first IM.
Swim: Tri top and tri shorts under wetsuit
Bike: Pull bike shorts over tri shorts for bike and slather copious amounts of Chamois Butt’r on crotch in T1
Run: Pull bike shorts off and run in tri shorts
Works great for me.
yeah, why would you wear anything under your bike shorts? 180km a long way with tri shorts UNDER bike shorts???
what do you wear for long rides/runs now? wear that, unless you have time to train with what you plan on wearing.
I wear tri shorts and top the whole way, but that is what I ride in and also run in anyway. Ok I dont always run in tri shorts but, I can. Dont try anything new and stupid!
KISS.
Swim - tri top and shorts under wetsuit.
Bike in same
Run in same. (I do put on dry socks in T2 however)
If you want more padding for the bike, why not get a neoprene seat cover, rather than thicker padded bike shorts? But yes, you could also put on bike shorts over tri shorts, or better yet - ride a lot in your tri shorts and get used to it, one less thing to hafta worry about.
I take a few seconds to slather on a bunch o’ assos chamois cream in T1 (and I bodyglide whatever needs it before the swim), but otherwise I’m wearing the same stuff all day.
Never could figger out all the wardrobe changes people do for IM. Yer gonna be gross and sweaty within minutes after changing anyway, what’s the point?
Depends on what you train in. I did IMLP in nothing but my DeSoto Tri shorts and was fine. If you are use to padding you may want to wear some cycling specific shorts.