Slornow's and Wannabefaster's Summer Mentor Group - CLOSED (Page 33)

It's not normal to have discomfort.  I had a similar issue (sides of my hoo-haa) two years ago and I had been riding for a couple of years at that point.  I was using my SEVEN with clip ons and started riding much more in aero.  It changed the position of my "stuff".  I went in search of a new saddle and I tested several before landing on the SMP Lite 209 which has a cut out.  It was much thinner and less padded than the Terry Butterfly I was using.  I've never looked back.  My advice is test saddles on a trainer to eliminate the no-ways and then take the one you think you like out for a few rides before buying it.  Your LBS should be willing to do that since you bought the bike there.

Good morning all! Sorry I've been scarce the last few days. Visiting family and friends in Virginia before beginning the drive home tomorrow. Zero training since the race Sunday but I did spend most of the day yesterday jet skiing with my buddies. Kind of like exercise . May try to get a short easy run in this afternoon.

Rachel/Randee-enjoyed the race reports.  I know I'm past due on posting mine from Eagleman.

Nancy-I do think shorts can make a difference. I have a pair or two with thicker foam padding and really don't like them. I don't think the extra padding really provides much cushioning and I am much more comfortable in a really thin padded short. On the saddles there are so many options and no single saddle is the answer for everyone. I use a Cobb saddle and they will allow returns within 6 months if it doesn't work for you.

I have a Desoto that I like quite a bit.  It has a separate area at the bottom that is plastic for your wetsuit once it's wet. Also has a couple of zipper compartments for various do-das and a clip for your helmet.  It is big on me, but I think it would be a good backpack for someone of normal size.

I couldn't agree more! I was just talking about that with a friend of mine and we both agreed that it probably has something to do with the legs being warmed up already. On standalone runs I warm up but I don't think I get the same warm up in that I get in the first two legs of the Triathlon. Thanks for posting this because at first I thought I was crazy when thinking that. 

In other news. I have been hit with some kind of viral infection that is really hurting my throat and I am feeling really weak. I went to the doctor and confirmed its not strep. I missed out on two really great training days this week due to it and I hope I can pick it back up again tomorrow. 

15 minutes and Generation UCAN is providing a free webinar "UCAN Triathlon Tips - Learn From the Pros" 

What a day...drove almost 1000 miles from Virginia to home in Fairhope, Alabama. Got a really early start. Great to get home but I am beat.

Transition bag-I have a Desoto as well. Have had it since my first tri. I will just put mine in the space under my rear wheel or somewhere out of the way after setting up transition. It seems like with most races its a pretty good hike to the car from transition. I'm trying to get better about how much stuff I take to races.....the Desoto bag holds alot of stuff and has a nice compartment for a wetsuit.

No workouts since my race Sunday but I'm going to run tomorrow and get an easy bike ride in as well. Time to map out the rest of the year so I can get refocused!

Anyone racing this weekend?

I am using a duffel bag as my transition bag. I empty the bag out fold it and put a towel over it. Then I lay my tri gear on top of that towel. I leave my keys in the bag under the towel. I always bring a small orange soccer cone with me to mark my transition rack. In one of the triathlons I did last year I came out of the water disoriented and it took me forever to find my bike. I have also seen a lot of people bring a bucket and the way you described it is how they are using it. When I go to a race where there is a chance of rain I bring 5-10 big black garbage bags with me. All my clothes and valuables go in the garbage bags to keep them somewhat dry.

I hope this helps. Here are two links that some of the local race guys put on youtube about transitions. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym97BL7yeRE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1g0TUJhe0k

That is one sweet looking ride ..... 

 Oooh oooh oooh Mr. Kotter!!

Saturday morning, I'm doing my first Oly.  Wish me luck!

Anybody got any inspirational (or funny) "first time at a new distance" stories?

Well, it's not a race, but I am doing the Horribly Hilly Hundreds this weekend for the first time.  Normally I don't tackle terrain like this until later in the season, but on the spur of the moment I entered the lottery and got in so off I go.  Goal is to make it up Blue Mounds without walking, swearing or crying.  I did a double on it last year so hopefully I still have it in me!

Just enjoy the fun! I think Olympic distance is a blast. Have a great race!

"I did the best I could do today. I will try to make my tomorrow best even better!"