shaving

Two primary reasons : Minimizes damage if you go skidding across the pavement, and vanity.

And, it's just like shaving your face. You get stubble, you shave some more. I never had much luck with the nair/neet methods. (Used to shave for swimming a lot).

Plus a massage feels so much better on smooth legs.

Just be careful around knees and ankles. Oh and the "ridge" of the shin.

John

You forgot aero savings. Probably several seconds over an IM.

-Jot

I use a regular razor and you will get stuble as it grows back in. It feels a bit odd at first, but you get use to it quickly. I do weekly maintenance.

I have been shaving my legs for a few years. At first I did it because everyone else did. And I believe in the old saying that to be successful you must do what successful people do.

Then I got to the point where I was also looking at other people and noticing whether they shaved or not. It clearly identifies a person as an athlete or not, even if body composition doesn't.

Then a few weeks ago I crashed on a training ride and tore up my right arm and my back. The fact that I do not shave my arms actually came into play. I had to scrub the wound and I actually thought to myself "I should have shaved"

I think I will wait till after my first triathlon to go to the shaving extreme.  I know that my friends and my wife will give me hell for it.

Remember to stop at the eyebrows.

-Jot

It is nice to know even the experienced guys crash too.  I had a wicked wreck on the highway the other day.  Lots of fun.  No way to look cool doing that!

As long as you don't break bones, it's all good.

-Jot

Your wife will really give you hell if your legs are smoother than hers.....

Your wife will really give you hell if your legs are smoother than hers.....

How do you guys keep razor burn away?  I shaved my chest once a long time ago and got razor burn like a mother, and then it itched like crazy growing back.

As Long as you shave with soap or something(shaving cream) you should be fine.

I generally don't shave my arms or anything that will be under clothing, stubble does drive you mad.

Use warm (Not hot - hot water opens the pores, easy to get bits of hair, etc trapped) water (I usually draw a bath), shaving cream and I don't use the same razor I use on my face. Rinse well in COLD water, then put lotion or other balm on. Works wonders.

John

yeah Mel Is right, I just use soap.

I've only shaved once, in high school before a swim meet. It was mostly as a goof, because none of us were any good. My girlfriend HATED my stubbly legs. I remember her getting really annoyed when they brushed up against her.

Yes, bone breaking sucks.  It'll ruin your season.

Back to shaving. It's totally optional. Lots of us race a lot and do okay while never shaving.

Here's some female input on avoiding razor burn:

-Use a new, sharp razor.

-Use shaving cream (as stated above) or conditioner.

-Don't press the razor to your skin, be gentle, go slowly.

-In the beginning you can shave with the hair (start at knee, pull razor down leg to ankle) and you'll avoid razor burn but won't get quite as close a shave.

-Definitely use lotion after.

-If you want to avoid stubble, you're going to have to do it more than once a week depending on how fast your hair grows.


Your legs will get used to it.  Some of us like shaved legs.

I'm with you Chad. It's definitly a preference to shave or not to shave. It doesn't define you as an athlete at all, athletic ability defines the athlete and the will to acheive ones goals. Don't do what the others do just because they do it. In fact, be different and define yourself as an athlete, don't let others define you. I'm new to the sport and getting better every day mainly because I am an athlete, a good one with hairy legs.

You're defined by your empty training logs. LOL

Well I am not sure if that was a jab at me for my " do what successful people do? comment or not, but no bother.

I'll continue to watch the tour de France and be inspired. I'll watch the Kona Ironman and be inspired. I'll read Triathlete magazine and do what is suggested.

And if learning from and being inspired by those who are better than me is a negative thing then to hell with being positive.

I want to be known henceforth as the Electron!

By the way, I want to give credit to Tanya! She has actually been a big inspiration to me over the last year and I am happy to do what she does so that one day I can be as good as her.

That was in no way a jab directed toward you Koachman. I was only stating to the OP that asked about shaving that shaving or not doesn't define you as an athlete. We are all in this "race" together and are all trying to acheive our own personal goals. I agree that following or taking advise from those that are more experienced is helpful and can be beneficial but everyone is different. What may work for some may not work for others.

Anywho, have a great day and if training try to stay cool. It's way too hot. I just got a new bike and haven't taken it out much due to the heat. Once again, not a jab at you, just my opinion. Like noses, huh?

Did you end up selling your old bike that you had for sale?

Ken