Marvarnett's Group - Full (Page 13)

I use an Orca, no issues whatsoever. There was some mention that the neck could give you problems, if so, use Glide .... and I have a thick neck (something like my head).  I've never needed it.

If I remember right there were issues with a two piece crawling up at the waist. Big advantage you can buy different sizes in the top and leg but you look like a pretty standard build so the legs wouldn't be too long.

Anyway, my two bits.  

Ok...I've got lots of answering to do.

Cash:  Good job on the reverse tri.  That sounds like a really odd course if you can't pass on the downhills.  That's the fun part.  I've very happy you decided to race after your crash.  As you know, you have to swim lots to get use to it.  Do you use a seal mask or goggles?  You  mentioned your mask leaked.

I am proud of you for buying hard soled shoes.  You should see an improvement in your speed.  Depending on how out of true it was, you could have been rubbing your brakes during the race.  BUT...you should always check  your bike before you go out on it.  spin the wheels and see if they are rolling true.  What kind of a car rack did you get?  I have a Thule roof rack and love it.

You can't be pesimistic about your Time Trial...that's MY job about mine!!!  You'll be fine.  Just remember to stay focused and leave it all out there.  Use your gears on the hills and remember that you don't have to run or swim with it so go all out.  Also, get in a good warm-up!!  I just learned that you should show up to the line starting to sweat.  So warm up about half the time you'll be on the course.   I'll be on my trainer for 30 min before my 40K TT. 

Shaved Wookie:  WE miss you ART!!!  IM FL is coming...you'll be ready.

Mike:

I LOVE my Black Pearl (Arrgghhh).  I have also used an Orca (too tight in the neck) and an Xterra Vector Pro2 (great suit and recommend it)

Why I prefer the Black Pearl:  Buoyancy.  The purpose of a wetsuit is for buoyancy not warmth.  When you start to get tired, the first thing that drops is you hips and then your feet.  The 2 piece of the Desoto T1 give you 5 mils in the hips (3 from bibs 2 from top) and that keeps your hips high in the water.  The neck is very forgiving and it's actually easier to get out of than a 'normal' wetsuit.  But I think it's a bit harder to get into.  Plus if you are a weird size, the 2 piece works out well.  I've got a different size top and bottom.  They ask for specific measurements and figure you out.

What to look for:  Fit fit fit... you want it to be tight when you put it on.  It will release a bit in the water.  And when you put it on, jack that sucker way up into your crotch and under your arms.  You want those two areas to be tight.  Too many people don't know how to put on a wetsuit.  If you feel arm fatigue, it's because you have the suit on wrong 95% of the time.  And like I said, a wetsuit is for buoyancy, not warmth.  So I recommend getting a full if you can afford it.  The only time I've ever 'overheated' in my wetsuit was when I swam a 2500 in the 84 degee pool when I got it.  And the catch panels that a full has help a lot.

Oh...and I've never had it crawl up my waist.  And you don't have to worry about the leash getting caught anywhere.  It's down around your waist.  So if someone catches it, they will only make sure it's zipped.  I've seen people get their wetsuit partially unzipped in the washing machine start. 

Everyone:  Almost forgot.  You don't have to  have a loop on the back of your shoe to put the rubber bands on.  You put it around your shoe itself.  And it's ok if your shoes are on upside down.  You flip them up when you get on.

Awesome Cash. Its all about meeting people and having fun. The fitness is the side benefit.

How were the new booties??? 

Thanks Dan!  Just a quick follow up question re: the Black Pearl, who did you go through for the purchase?  You mention that "they ask for specific measurments" for the top and bottom to determine if you need two different sizes.  Did you go directly through DeSoto or another tri shop?

Thanks!

Emilio Desoto himself sent me an e-mail because I won it as part of a BT raffle.  So I got it directly through Desoto.  I am pretty sure they have the same process when you go through their site. 

Unfortunately, local Tri shops are limited on the brands they carry.  But that's the nature of the game.  That's why I got an Xterra the first time.  I was able to put it on.  The awesome thing about Desoto's suits is that they have a 14 day return policy.  No questions asked as long as you haven't written your name in the tag.  I've heard of them sending you 2 sizes and you send back the one that doesn't fit. 

Fantastic Customer Service.

Cash,

There is no pride in climbing hills.  Remember that just because you go to the small chain ring in front doesn't mean that you have to be on the easiest gear in the back.  Basically, big ring front and big 3 rings back is equivalent to small ring front and small 3 rings in back. (basically).  So that means that you have lots of overlap...especially if you have a triple.  The point of spinning up the hills is to save your legs for the run.  Mashing just thrashes you legs for the run.

When you go out and ride, practice spinning up the hills.  Find the gear that you are keeping a 90+ cadence at but still "working".  Also, keep in mind as the hill continues, you might just have to get out of the saddle.  But upshift about 2 before you do it.  This helps you crest the hill and keep the speed you've built up as it goes.

Don't worry about the huffing and puffing thing.  I do it when I climb.  I understand it can be frustrating and embarrising, but try to not let it bother you.  Try to exhale on your down stroke of your pedal.  Work your breath.  It will come.  But practice on your rides...you'll get better and it will get easier.  Or you could move to Kansas....your call!

My Time Trial Race Report is up:  http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=69545&posts=1&start=1

Cash,

Chalk it up to a bad run.  Remember that you DID race recently.  Let you body recover my man.  It's all about mixing up the easy and hard workouts. 

You need some Revcover-Ease.   :P

Hi Dan:

I am registered for Lorient and have finalized some of the travel. I guess what they are doing is they will get you to Paris and then you have to take the train from there to the south coast. Problem is the planes flying there can't take bike boxes. I can get one from our Tri Club but this is going to be a pain in the a$$. Never had to travel around with one before. Any comments or tips would be appreciated.   

John