Oriolepwr and QuincyF's Magical Mys-tri Tour "The Sequel" -On Tour!! (Page 6)

I need some help/advice!

I was thinking about doing my first tri (sprint) this weekend. There's one fairly close to my home, and I think I can pull it off, but I have a couple of issues:

1) I don't have a wetsuit, and the swim is in a lake. The weather is going to be in the high 60s at the start and the day should warm up to the mid/high 80s. I don't know the water temp. Should I wait this out until the weather warms up, or until I have a wetsuit?

It really depends on the water temps as for if you need the wetsuit or not.Other than that the temps might actually be a tad on the warm side for a tri, definitely wouldn't need to wait for warmer weather- l0l.  I did a sprint tri in October and the temp was 44 to start and "warmed up" to the mid 60's. It was actually perfect weather for the tri. Of course it was a sunny day so that helped. The water temp was 74ish degrees and only one or two of the 1200 participants wore a wetsuit. I did not and I was fine. It actually felt warm getting in the water because the out of water temp was so darn cold. Of course once I was s/b/r ing it was perfect. I have swam as low as 68-70 degrees water temp without using a wetsuit. It was extremely cold and hard to make myself get in, but once I started swimming I was ok. Anything colder and I wouldn't do it but that's just me.

2) I have only one pair of cycling shorts. I know that doesn't seem like an issue, but I'm just thinking logistics here. Do you just put your shorts over your bathing suit? Then do you take the shorts off and put on running shorts to run?

It's very difficult to pull clothes on/off over a wet body. I would actually recommend just wearing your cycle shorts and a fitness top for the entire race. When I say fitness top I mean one that is made out of swimsuit type material. A tri top is best of course but for my first tri several of my friends wore shirts sold at JC Penney. For my second tri I wore one from Academy because I liked it's colors  better than my tri shirt. It was champion brand and worked perfectly. The ones at JC Penney were the exact same. Now some others might say wearing the cycle shorts would be too uncomfortable because of the large padding. That really is a personal preference thing. I wore my bike shorts for weeks in OWS when I was training for my first tri. It didn't bother me at all. My brother wore his for a HIM and did fine as well. For me it was a cost issue. I couldn't decide if I wanted a one piece tri suit or tri shorts and bottoms when I first started training and I didn't want to spend money on tri shorts if I decided on the one piece suit. So it really isn't a big deal although there's usually quite a few people who will say it is and talk about having a big wet diaper- in my n=1 experience this just wasn't the case.

I feel kind of silly asking these questions, that are probably pretty basic to most of you, but if you've never done one, it can be a bit confusing.

And it totally isn't silly questions. I asked all the exact same things before my first tri. I learned quickly that it has more to do with personal preference, money and timing ( can't get tri stuff in time etc. ) type issues than a true right or wrong way of doing things.

hth,

Shelly

HELP!

Last week I became a partner in a new business.  I am returning to the kitchen cabinet business and opening a showroom by the end of May.  This weekend we started preping the space.  So no formal training but a lot of physical labor.  Then Sunday I started getting sick.  Still feel lousy today (Tuesday), My first Tri (Sprint) is this Sunday.  Based on my schedule I may be able to get in the pool on Thursday night and a run Friday afternoon.  Unless I totally feel like crap, I'm going to the tri.

Does this sound like a good plan?  I'm fairly confident I will get through the swim and bike (200 yd, 10 mi). I'll do my best for the run(5k)

guess I'm getting a little nervous 

Tom

Shelly,

Thanks for the welcome! I'm excited we'll be so close. I never seem to know any athletes in my area, so it will be nice to commiserate with someone about the heat and humidity during the summer!

After my husband finished his interventional cardiology fellowship in Toledo, Ohio, we just wanted to head somewhere warm (and my parents live in Montgomery, AL). So we are now in Columbus, GA, which is nice, but things just didn't work out with the group he joined. So, we started looking again, and there was a group in Ocean Springs looking for a new partner. I have to admit, even as an Alabama girl, I was a bit hesitant about moving to Mississippi, but once we saw it, we were hooked! I'm a psychiatrist, and will probably start working part time again once we get down there, but I want some time to check out the place first...maybe get in a few races

What kind of RN are you? It is a pretty small world. I know my husband really relies on the device reps quite a bit, so he has already hooked up with some of the Ocean Springs reps.

I noticed that there are not too many races listed in Mississippi, so it looks like I might be headed over to Louisiana for some. I'll have to get your input before I sign up. Have you lived in Louisiana long?

Sarah

HELP!

Last week I became a partner in a new business.  I am returning to the kitchen cabinet business and opening a showroom by the end of May.  This weekend we started preping the space.  So no formal training but a lot of physical labor.  Then Sunday I started getting sick.  Still feel lousy today (Tuesday), My first Tri (Sprint) is this Sunday.  Based on my schedule I may be able to get in the pool on Thursday night and a run Friday afternoon.  Unless I totally feel like crap, I'm going to the tri.

Does this sound like a good plan?  I'm fairly confident I will get through the swim and bike (200 yd, 10 mi). I'll do my best for the run(5k)

guess I'm getting a little nervous 

Tom

Yvonne, Sarah, & Shelly,

Thanks for all the input. No I don't have a fever so I'm looking to go.  You all would make GREAT TRI MOM'S if I wasn't older than all of you.  LOL. 

Sarah, your questions about shorts are great because I've been pondering the same question (NO, not which ladies shorts). Do I wear my tri suit or go for cycling shorts and a shirt. 

Now, here is the funny part (laughing allowed - cause I can't hear you)  I bought an Orca brand tri suit 2 years ago, XL of course.  I still feel like an orca in it.  So I'm thinkin' cycling shorts since it's a pool swim.

I actually ran in my cycling shorts last week and they did feel really great.  So I think I'll wait till I get below 200 before doning the whale outfit.  hehehe

HELP!

Last week I became a partner in a new business.  I am returning to the kitchen cabinet business and opening a showroom by the end of May.  This weekend we started preping the space.  So no formal training but a lot of physical labor.  Then Sunday I started getting sick.  Still feel lousy today (Tuesday), My first Tri (Sprint) is this Sunday.  Based on my schedule I may be able to get in the pool on Thursday night and a run Friday afternoon.  Unless I totally feel like crap, I'm going to the tri.

Does this sound like a good plan?  I'm fairly confident I will get through the swim and bike (200 yd, 10 mi). I'll do my best for the run(5k)

guess I'm getting a little nervous 

Tom

Yvonne, Sarah, & Shelly,

Thanks for all the input. No I don't have a fever so I'm looking to go.  You all would make GREAT TRI MOM'S if I wasn't older than all of you.  LOL. 

Sarah, your questions about shorts are great because I've been pondering the same question (NO, not which ladies shorts). Do I wear my tri suit or go for cycling shorts and a shirt. 

Now, here is the funny part (laughing allowed - cause I can't hear you)  I bought an Orca brand tri suit 2 years ago, XL of course.  I still feel like an orca in it.  So I'm thinkin' cycling shorts since it's a pool swim.

I actually ran in my cycling shorts last week and they did feel really great.  So I think I'll wait till I get below 200 before doning the whale outfit.  hehehe

I need some help/advice!

I was thinking about doing my first tri (sprint) this weekend. There's one fairly close to my home, and I think I can pull it off, but I have a couple of issues:

DO IT!!     Just sayin...    I bet you already signed up this afternoon. 

1) I don't have a wetsuit, and the swim is in a lake. The weather is going to be in the high 60s at the start and the day should warm up to the mid/high 80s. I don't know the water temp. Should I wait this out until the weather warms up, or until I have a wetsuit?

Like Shells said,  It's the water temp that matters.   Since you are in the South,  if its not a large lake,  I would think it's plenty warm,  But I wouldn't know.      really in a sprint,  a wetsuit can be more of a hassle than it is worth.   So even if you had one, it may not be best to use it anyway.    

2) I have only one pair of cycling shorts. I know that doesn't seem like an issue, but I'm just thinking logistics here. Do you just put your shorts over your bathing suit? Then do you take the shorts off and put on running shorts to run?

For this event hmmm  wait a sec  I'm not a girl.  Oh yeah     Shells did a great job answering this already.   One thing I would say is go ahead and  buy tri shorts for future.   Cycling shorts are great fro long rides  but not fun to run in.   Well worth the investment even if you buy a tri-suit.     

Besides you really need more than one short anyhow.   Very hard to stay on top of the laundry and be assured of having clean bike/tri shorts to use if you only have one.   The pad can harbor bacteria or whatever and its rubbing on your skin ya know?  so easy to get an infection and that can STOP you from getting back on a bike.  so never ever wear a dirty  bike/tri short.   

To give you an idea.   I have 4 pairs of Tri-shorts  and 2 pairs of cycling shorts   and this is in addition to multiple tri-suits.   do you need this much  no    But I pretty much do all my running and cycling in these  and they ALL get used.      Are they expensive?  YES  but they can last YEARS of being used multiple times per week.  I'm actually really impressed with how durable they are.  

I feel kind of silly asking these questions, that are probably pretty basic to most of you, but if you've never done one, it can be a bit confusing.

Sarah- do not feel silly.  This is what we are here for.  We are happy to have questions!!   And to help usher you into the world of TRI!    It's an honor really.

Hi Dave, hi everyone , thanks for the welcome and welcome Sarah.

Dave, I was mostly joking about shrinking, but I was using some inserts for arch support. Now, I am trying to change my form to more of a mid sole strike, instead of heel-toe while running. It seems to be working, and I have taken out the inserts and have not experienced any arch pain so far.  Having said that, I don't think that I will ever go completely to the barefoot method.

Shelly, I googled the New Orleans Chapter (neworleanshash.com) and they had over 7000 participants at their Red Dress Run! Wow, New Orleans really knows how to party. 

I am very interested in everyone's thoughts on the Racine HIM. After reading the race blogs here of the last two years-really, really hot, lots of DNF's, so my number one concern is nutrition and hydration. 

Thoughts?

Thanks Rob (Turner100)

Rob,

 I need cushioned shoes.  Absolutely.  I get the minimalist thing, but it's not for me.    My honest opinion of  the vibram five fingers (and I could get REALLY flamed for posting this by their viral fans)   I think they are a fad.  Kind of like pet rocks,  lava lamps,  mood rings  and black light posters.    But you know some people swear by them, and if it helps them I'm happy for them and don't want to rain on their parade or be judgmental.     The reality is of course wearing the lightest shoe that gives you enough of whatever support it is you need to stay injury free  is the way to go.  

Racine-Heat/Humidity    I will tell you what.  I have given up thinking that event will ever not be this way.   So ya plan on it.    You are smart for doing your homework on it.       Generally I find that the hotter/humid it is the more nutrition you need.    Just tape extra gu to your frame.   If you don't use it you don't use it.     Also think electrolytes.   Endurlyte tabs is what I use.   I make sure to have these at regular intervals when its really hot/humid out.

Here is my race report from 2010  One of the few races I ever took the time to report on.   There are some good lessons in it  that hopefully you can learn without having to experience them for yourself.

Racine 2010

ITA agree with both of these statements...vibrams are a fad and Racine will be hot. Just to add, pacing, on the bike and in the first 5-10k, is the key to a finish or a DNF...

Tom   do you have a tri-suit  or a wet suit?    or or  both?    If you have a tri -suit  go ahead and wear that.   You can swim in it and cycle in it and run in it.       If you try and put a shirt on in transition on a wet body,  it will be tough to do, and takes up time.     So wear the tri-suit!   Don't be concerned on what you think you look like.   Seriously everyone is self conscience   Just wear it and be proud!          

That is a Killer of a whale pic!!!  ha I crack me up.

Sarah,

I am a labor and delivery nurse. I have done that for 19 years and still love what I do ;-).

And I have lived here all my life. I was born in New Orleans, grew up in Metairie/ River Ridge and then moved to Hammond/ Ponchatoula  after graduating high school. My familly and my dh's family are all within 45 minutes of us and we are all very close. We have often thought of moving to other states but just aren't willing to give up the family ties. My parents are 6 miles from us and my sister and bil are 20 mi from us. My husband says my sister is our 4th child- lol. I am older than she is by 8 years but we are extremely close. And all of our extended family is just as close. My kids have been blessed with knowing their grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins etc. And of course New Orleans has so much flavor and character that we really can't imagine not being close to it ;-).

And the heat and humidity is soo much fun for training. I mean we just love to sweat.

Shelly

I need some help/advice!

I was thinking about doing my first tri (sprint) this weekend. There's one fairly close to my home, and I think I can pull it off, but I have a couple of issues:

1) I don't have a wetsuit, and the swim is in a lake. The weather is going to be in the high 60s at the start and the day should warm up to the mid/high 80s. I don't know the water temp. Should I wait this out until the weather warms up, or until I have a wetsuit?

2) I have only one pair of cycling shorts. I know that doesn't seem like an issue, but I'm just thinking logistics here. Do you just put your shorts over your bathing suit? Then do you take the shorts off and put on running shorts to run?

I feel kind of silly asking these questions, that are probably pretty basic to most of you, but if you've never done one, it can be a bit confusing.

Sarah

Thanks everyone for keeping me in the saddle.  I will post orca-ish pictures when I'm done.

I WILL BE ONE FAST WHALE! 

Everybody has gone surfin'  SURFIN' USA

Thank you all so much!! The answers really helped!

I think I'm going to try to contact the race director and find out about the water temp, since I couldn't find a race report from last year. There are no tri shops in the area, and the selection from craigslist is pretty minimal, so I would have to order off the internet, which would take too much time.

I'm pretty hardy - viking blood, ya know....and I can't imagine this will be colder than swimming in the fjords of Norway - so maybe I'll just jump in and try it out!!

I really do appreciate all the input, and I'm sure there will be many more questions to come!

Good luck this weekend, Tom!! I can't wait to hear your race report

Sarah

Well lets all just keep our fingers crossed that it doesn't turn into this...

Atta boy, own it, this is supposed to be fun, and honestly nobody else cares about what you look like, they are all too busy obsessing over their own body worries...

Quincy,

That really made me laugh out loud for at least a couple of minutes! I promise I will not go naked, and I will not undress in front of any other racers! I'm pretty sure there will be some funny stories to report, though, 'cause I'm known for being pretty goofy. Plus, having no experience in open water racing, transitions, and cycling in general - something has got to happen!

Sarah

Any more room in here for a big, slow, clyde? Don't worry, what I lack in speed I make up for in sarcasm. 

I have no logs entries yet. They are all on dailymile. I can't import them can I? Dang.