Super Cats Mentor Group - CLOSED (Page 25)

Hang in there and check in when you can. Work sounds completely insane! Hope you are getting through it ok.. that is a LONG time to be stck on one project!

The Bike

Dont forget that there is a drafting rule... so you have to be a distance of 3 bike lengths behind the cyclist in front which makes crashing VERY unlikely because the only time you are all close is when you are passing. So dont worry about it!!!

Not that i think i am going to be passing people left and right (in fact, my fear is that I will be ahead of many after the swim and then get dejected at the number of folks who pass me on the bike and especially on the run.  But if I do want to pass someone, is there a speed I should do it? Or can I gradually pass them? Do i give them an "on your left" or "passing?"

Finally... The BIG QUESTION: What am I going to wear?

Well what do you have?

I really don't have anything specific fro TRI. I hesitate to buy a trisuit unless i really like it. (I mean, where else are you gonna wear one of those?)

I think I will probably wear sports bra (definitely a necessity for me and my girls), under my Speedo for swim. Then, hat, sunglasses, shorts (something quick dry, like Umbro material?) and a wicking shirt of some sort. Will just do running shoes for the bike, as i don't have clipless pedals. (Actually, this is good. one less thing for me to worry about setting up in transition.) Helmet, obviously.

Is there a good checklist on BT? Will I want a water bottle for the bike? 

Thanks for all the help!

You are going great!!!

Let me try and answer your new questions:

if I do want to pass someone, is there a speed I should do it? Or can I gradually pass them? Do i give them an "on your left" or "passing?"

You have 15seconds (around to pass someone)... what yuo do it when you get within their draft zone (that 3 bike legnth distance I mentioned) you first look over your shoulder to check there is no one on your outside trying to pass you... you then pull outside them and pass before pulling back infront of the person.

It is the person who has BEEN passeds job to then drop back out of your draft zone after being passed (same applies if you are passed its your job to drop back).

Should i wear my goggles inside my cap? I have heard this, but was wondering about peoples' thoughts on it.

The idea with this is that if your goggles get knocked off they are still attached so you wont lose them... smart thinking... however I dont do it!!! Im used to swimming with them over the top so I stick with that... maybe try it and see what you like best?

Is there a good checklist on BT? Will I want a water bottle for the bike? 

Yes there are some great checklists under the articles on BT. I might also have the one I wrote for our tri girls at the beginning of this year... will post it up if I can find it.

Yes!!! Have a water bottle on your bike (you never know when yuo will want it). Also have a spare one in transition just in case! It can also be good for cleaning yuor feet off if they get icky running from the swim to transition.

If i missed anything let me know

Cat

You sound so positive!!! Thats excellent!

Ok... here is a list I wrote in January for our Tri girls doing their first race of what they would need.... its pretty exhaustive but Im pretty sure I made over personal adjustments to the list... cant remember what!!!

Race Day Checklist

Pre Race:

Comfortable Clothes (to wear while your race gear is in the transition area i.e couple of shirts, loose shorts/trousers etc)

Shoes/Thongs

Water – approx 3 litres

Digital Camera

Sunscreen

Spare Hat

Spare Sunglasses

ID (for registration)

Snack: Muesli Bar/Sandwich (if you are going to be waiting awhile before your race – if possible make sure its something you CAN stomach before a workout. Ideas include Snakes + Gatorade/Electrolyte, Vegemite + Lettuce Sandwich)

Swim:

Goggles

Swimsuit (wear it)

Bra (wear it)

Bright Coloured Towel (in transition area so its easy to spot)

Sports Watch (if wearing)

Bike:

Bike

Helmet

Shoes

Socks (if wearing them)

Shorts

SBS Singlet

Sunglasses

Water Bottle

Multi Tool (if reassembling bike)

Pump

Run

Cap

Water Bottle

Spare socks (if required)

Running Shoes (if changing)

Post Race

Change of comfortable clothes (including underwear!)

Spare Towel

Water/Sports Drink (some will be supplied by the race organisers but you may want additional supplies especially if hanging around)

Snack: Whatever you fancy after your race (there is a small kiosk onsite)
 

Rules:

·       No ipods/mp3 players

·       Have your helmet on your head and done up before touching your bike

·       Do not remove your helmet until after your bike is racked

·       Do not hop on your bike until you pass the mount line

·       Hop off your bike at the dismount line at the end of the bike leg

·       On the bike leave 3 bike lengths between you and the person in front

·       Over take riders on the right

·       No outside assistance: You must have everything you need for the race in the transition area. You cannot take anything from spectators or other competitors.

Other Things that might help:

·       HAVE FUN!

·       Smile for the cameras

·       Thank volunteers

·       Encourage other competitors

·       Drink plenty of water – pouring it over your head will keep you cool

·       If you finish and there are others still out on the course go cheer them on

Race Day tips:

- Try to eat a normal breakfast you are used to eating

- Don’t worry if you have trouble sleeping the night before, its normal and wont affect your day

- Don’t forget to breathe

- Just keep moving forward

- Start the race out slowly and see how you go

- HAVE FUN!!!

Ooops - just one thing... I say overtake riders on the 'right' but we ride on the opposite side of the road to you guys so any traffic type stuff yuo need to translate to the opposuite side!

Smart move patch! Sounds like you are doing exctly the right thing!

Me either...that one doesnt appeal to me at all!!! Im more a toast girl!!!

Oh yes!!! Will right something up later inthe day (morning for me) when Im less tired

Speaking of the bike, this is going to sound like a silly question but you all humor me so that I can ask it:

Since I am using good old fashioned running sneaker and pedals on my bike, where exactly should the contact point with my feet be?  I can't find a good answer anywhere...is it the ball, like I've been thinking, or somewhere else?

A not so silly question is after an hour long bike ride, I tried a short jog to see how my legs would react and my calf cramped uncotrollably.  I think it was a dehydration issue because I tend to sweat alot and only drank 1/3rd of a bottle of water.  What do most of you take in during an hour long bike ride in terms of fluid?

Thanks everyone for dealing with me.