HIM under wetsuit question

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2009-07-12 10:21 PM


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Subject: HIM under wetsuit question
Hi - I'm doing my first HIM in a few weeks (Steelhead) and I'm wondering what to wear under my wetsuit.  In the past when doing Olympic distance tris, I have worn tri shorts with less padding and a tri top under my wetsuit. Though for the HIM, I'm thinking I would like wear my bike shorts that have more padding but I unsure about wearing them under my wetsuit. What do people usually do in HIM?

Thanks!!
Erin

2009-07-13 5:22 AM
in reply to: #2280070

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Melon Presser
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Subject: RE: HIM under wetsuit question
Welcome to BT and good luck with Steelhead!

Don't wear the bike shorts under the wetsuit. The reason it's called a wetsuit is because it allows a layer of water under it--which will immediately soak into the bike padding, making you carry more weight around on the swim, and cause you to feel like you're wearing a big wet diaper on the bike.

If you can do some of your last long rides in tri shorts, you'll know whether they are tolerable.

Some people I know put bike shorts on OVER the tri shorts they wear during the swim (I'd definitely recommend toweling off to get the excess moisture out of the tri shorts if you do this. Also definitely try the double combo on a long ride first). Seems kinda weird to me, but it works for them.

I assume Steelhead doesn't have changing rooms, but some 70.3s do ... look into it. That way you could strip your tri shorts off and put bike shorts on if you are worried about comfort on the bike.

2009-07-13 7:09 AM
in reply to: #2280070

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Master
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Subject: RE: HIM under wetsuit question
I'll be there - so we'll have to catch up!!

I'm planning on wearing tri shorts under my wetsuit.  I wouldn't want to run in biking shorts - the padding would be awful.  I'm debating buying a tri skirt - I normally race road races in a skirt - so that's my dilemma right now.

There are no changing rooms at Steelhead. 
2009-07-13 11:46 AM
in reply to: #2280070


2

Subject: RE: HIM under wetsuit question
Thanks for the suggestions - I think I'm going to try putting the bike shorts over my tri shorts.  I've rode over 50 miles in my tri shorts before and it wasn't pretty.  My poor butt HUUURT!
2009-07-13 11:53 AM
in reply to: #2281214

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Sensei
Sin City
Subject: RE: HIM under wetsuit question
I guess if you KNOW it's a problem...

However, in a race, I think you don't notice those things.  I have done HIM's and an IM in my try suit/shorts and never really noticed an issue.

However, I would probabably not do it for a training ride.

I really suggest going with the tri shorts for the race and forget about changing IMO... 
2009-07-13 12:30 PM
in reply to: #2281238

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Alpharetta, Georgia
Subject: RE: HIM under wetsuit question
Aikidoman - 2009-07-13 11:53 AM
I really suggest going with the tri shorts for the race and forget about changing IMO... 


x2... I can't imagine riding in 2 pairs of shorts. To me, that would be much more awkward and uncomf than a little discomfort from tri shorts.

I think it's one of those things you just have to do more to get used to - like lots of things in this sport.

 

2009-07-14 2:56 AM
in reply to: #2280070

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2009-07-14 9:54 AM
in reply to: #2281382

Master
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Subject: RE: HIM under wetsuit question
lisac957 - 2009-07-13 12:30 PM
Aikidoman - 2009-07-13 11:53 AM
I really suggest going with the tri shorts for the race and forget about changing IMO... 


x2... I can't imagine riding in 2 pairs of shorts. To me, that would be much more awkward and uncomf than a little discomfort from tri shorts.

I think it's one of those things you just have to do more to get used to - like lots of things in this sport.

 


X3 on this.  I had on Trishorts and a Tri Top under my wetsuit for IMCDA a few weeks back.  I put on a ton of Body Glide under my tri shorts and I had no issues with the 112 mile ride.  I wouldn't wear two pairs of shorts. 

Just keep training in them and you'll get used to it.  You may want to try out a couple of brands (TYR, Zoot, DeSoto, etc...) to see which work best for you. 
2009-07-15 10:19 AM
in reply to: #2280070

Veteran
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Des Moines, IA
Subject: RE: HIM under wetsuit question
i was thinking of putting on bike shorts over tri shorts in T1 but I haven't ever tried that so i'm not sure how comfortable it would be.  I know I can ride 56 miles in my tri shorts as i've done it before, but if it will save me some comfort going in to the run then i'm willing to give it a shot.

See you at steelhead!  Have you popped in to our race thread?  I believe we're putting together a friday night meetup.
2009-07-15 11:23 AM
in reply to: #2280070

Subject: RE: HIM under wetsuit question
I wore tri shorts under my wetsuit for Mooseman and didn't even start chaffing during the race.

I'm gonna do that again for Timberman
2009-07-15 9:04 PM
in reply to: #2280070

Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: HIM under wetsuit question

Hello erinmarie from another Erin Marie.  Steelhead will also be my first HIM.  A good pair of trishorts should have enough padding to get you through 56 miles.  I personally like Zoot ultra.  They are a little more expensive than some others but I'd rather pay a little more than have a sore hoohah.

2009-07-16 9:29 PM
in reply to: #2280070

Extreme Veteran
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Manitoba, Canada
Subject: RE: HIM under wetsuit question

I just went through this decision with my first HIM last week. I did my training rides in shorts without padding and was fine (though my longest training ride was 3:20hr, and I figured with the hills/wind the HIM ride would be closer to 4 hrs), however I was not going to do my tri in them b/c they are old and kinda see through! 

I had planned on wearing my one peice tri suit - but I had not worn for three years (Oly distance then), and when I put it on a week before the race it was not as comfortable to run in as I remembered it being and had to make a decision on wearing it for the comfort in swim/bike and dealing with a 'wedgie' feeling for the run -  or wearing my running skort/tank top under my wet suit. I choose the skort/tank combo 'cause I figured the wetsuit would streamline it enough for the swim, it would eventually dry on the bike (which IMO is no different than riding/running in the rain) - and would be great for the run since I was my normal running gear. I put body glide on my legs where the shorts and saddle might rub and had no problems with it.

It WAS fine - it felt very simililar to my training bike shorts and did eventually dry with the wind/sun on the bike.  I would be careful to not suddenly be doing a long ride/run in shorts with less OR more padding than you are accustom too if it can be avoided though.

Good luck with Steelhead 

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