Matt Gilmartin's Group- CLOSED~ we're swimming! (Page 18)

I thought we could just race the entire race in a wetsuit (short sleeved and short legged of course). I know that they only allow them when the water is a certain temp, and in my first tri this season the water will still be in that temp range. So, is this a bad idea? Just treat me like I know nothing, because I KNOW NOTHING, LOL!!

Wendy- LOL, only if you want to sweat to death!  You'll need to practice stripping your wetsuit in T1 and racing in lycra.  

Aaron, a 6 mile ride is nothing- you'll be fine.  Only thing I don't like about jammers is how tight they can feel on your quads, although I suppose this a matter of perception more than anything.

I'm starting to look for an indoor bike trainer to replace the one I have and was wondering if anyone has tried or is using the rollers. I wanted to step up from the 3 setting magnetic trainer that I have that is about shot, and I like the concept of the rollers. If anyone has any comments - good or bad - I'd like to hear them.

Thanks

I have not tried rollers, although I would like to! I was told that you really have to pay attention to what you're are doing while on rollers and can't really "zone out" like you can on a trainer.

What trainer do you currently have? I have a Kurt Kinetic Road Machine and LOVE it. My son has a CycleOps SuperMagneto Pro and I don't really care for it too much.

Good luck and let us know what you end up doing!

Hey everyone (although aimed at the chicks),

It is only ten days until my first try at tri'ing and I have no idea what to wear.  I have taken on board the shorts conversation of late, but what do I wear up top?

I will have my togs and shorts on for the swim, then a t-shirt over the top for the bike and run but what about my .... girls...?  In the event of a miracle and I can actually run after swimming and riding, how do I keep them under control?  Are togs supportive enough to get you through the run?

Sorry guys, but a girls gotta ask...

Catie

Mariah, the transition is 10 minutes, so I wore my swimsuit, then changed into tri shorts and shirt for the rest.  I'd say wear a swimsuit, because tri-specific clothes will get eaten up by the chlorine.

Even though I'm a guy, I can chip in here- I know a lot of girls that just wear a sports bra for an entire race.  Not sure what the weather is like down under (it's summer, right?) I'd say go as minimal as possible.  Extra clothing will weigh you down.  Just my opinion... I'll defer to the ladies

I had that question too - but when do you put the sports bra on? There won't be anywhere private... and they will get waterlogged if you can even wear one under a bathing suit. But I can't run comfortably without one. There must be ones that don't get wet, but they still probably look funny under a traditional swimsuit. 

I saw on a blog where a woman wore a tri tank with this underneath - "Moving Comforts Melbourne Sports Bra" So I guess you have to wear a tank or under the wet suit? 

Catie- also consider posting on the main forum, under Triathlon  Talk or Gear Questions:

http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/discussion/forums/forum-view.asp?fid=7#s

I too have a Kurt Kinetic road machine, and I like it a lot.  I've never tried rollers so I can't comment.  One thing I would suggest for everyone- get a tire that's made for a trainer.  I couldn't tell you how many "regular" tires I have worn out due to the heat that a trainer generates.

I bought a Zoot Tri top that has a built in shelf bra. It works for me as I don't need a ton of support (I missed out on the issuing of "girls"). I used it during a du last summer and it worked fine. I wore it along with my tri shorts during the OWS and then just put on my shoes/sunglasses in transition. Hopefully that answered your question...maybe not?

Jen, why wouldn't you just swim in the sports bra, thereby not having to change at all?  Maybe I should shut up on this

 Seriously though, this is a great issue because you all have the same questions.  I'll check with the other female mentors and get the info.  LOL

I bought a Travel Trac fluid trainer from Performance Bike a few years ago for about $125.  Very similar stuff on Nashbar and you'll pay an arm and a leg to have it shipped.  Definitely a good value though.  The model I have is fluid, but it also has magnetic resistance that you can increase for days you're feeling extra saucy or for climbing drills. 

Check out Craigslist and similar sites as well, I have been seeing a few float around. 

Rollers are another story.  I've seen rollers that have a fork mount - basically remove the front wheel and mount it on a stand in the middle of the rollers.  Helps you get used to the rollers and lets the rear wheel move around a little bit - something you're not going to get from a stationary trainer.

+1 on the trainer tire, or in a pinch, an old tire.  You'll wear out your fancy race tires in an instant. 

I have my eyes peeled for a trainer myself. I keep an eye out on craigslist but cant seem to align when I have money and when one is for sale cheapish. Would love to be able to jump on it whenever I feel or when the weather is crap.(as it has been here for the last few weeks)

Last year my wife did alot of research on tri stuff when she was considering it. She has a "large" chest and had concerns, but was suggested by a veteran here that she find a good sports bra and wear it under her swim stuff or tri singlet. I know in my state forums there are some seasoned woman that would answer, suggest ideas if asked. Prolly in yours also.

Hi catiek,

After some horrible "chub rub" experiences with Under Armour and Moving Comfort sports bras, I made it my life's work to find the perfect bra that didn't cause bleeding and subsequent scars on my shoulders or upper chest (seriously!).  I'm pleased to report that the solution I found actually comes from Australia!  I wear this bra for all long runs and it didn't even leave so much as a red spot after a full marathon.  I'm new to the tri thing but fully intend to continue wearing it for multisport activities.

http://www.2xu.com/product/717/Femme-Tri-Top/279/288

Cheers,

Robin

Bryan,

You have two totally separate issues here.  Let's start with the upper body on the pull drills.  Your trunk is sinking?  What is your head doing?  Sounds stupid, but are you looking forward, down, or somewhere to the side?  Keep your tush at the surface.... it's kind of hard to diagnose without seeing you.

Kicking- make sure your kick is being originated from your core (you should feel it in your abs).  Keep your legs relatively straight- I see a lot of newbs bending their knees, and you're wasting power if you do that.  Remember to make your legs move like a pair of scissors, and keep your feet as parallel with the top of the water as possible.  I'd also STRONGLY recommend (again!) that you do strength training.  Calf raises, leg extensions, and hamstring curls are a good place to start.  You'll also find that this helps your bike and run, too

Great point, Robin.  Chamois cream will be your best friend too.  I go through a huge tube of it every year, and for $15 it's a great investment!

Body Glide is a WONDERFUL product.  I had an 11 mile run on Saturday in South Florida, 80 degree heat, lots of sweat, and no chaffing because of Body Glide.  I use it anywhere that seams are, or there are body parts rubbing (think armpits, between legs, or even waist bands).