Wetsuits (again!)

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2008-09-29 4:20 PM


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Subject: Wetsuits (again!)

Okay, so I'm signed up for my second tri on October 12th. (I did the Irongirl sprint in Columbia, MD in August.) No wetsuit needed for that one. For this one (Brierman sprint) the water temps are expected to be around 70 degrees and wetsuits are okay. Everyone I've talked to says I should wear one if they are allowed.

I am a bit claustrophobic and the thought of squeezing myself into one was already making me panicky. I read a lot of good things here about F2R, and I like the 30 day rental policy. Although I ordered a used one, they sent me a new Sockeye. I am female, 5'4" and 190 pounds. Apple shape with muscular legs. I gave them all that info when I ordered the suit.

It came today and I tried to put it on. I have absolutely no experience with this. I had to stop before I got it to my hips for a few reasons: I felt REALLY tight, I was sweaty and getting sweatier, and I was starting to hyperventilate.

How hard to put on should this be, really? Should I call F2R and talk to someone? There is a tri-club nearby and they are meeting next week. Should I take the wetsuit and possibly humiliate myself by asking someone to help me with it and tell me if it's right or not?

Over the past 9 months I have lost 60 pounds and was feeling pretty good about myself, but this wetsuit ordeal is bringing up alot of emotional stuff for me....any words of wisdom, comfort, encouragement?

Thanks,

Michelle

2008-09-29 4:39 PM
in reply to: #1704573

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Subject: RE: Wetsuits (again!)
Michelle,
I think your best bet would be to go the local tri club. They will most likely be enthusiastic about helping you make sure it fits right and can even help you address your fears about wearing it. You will probably come out with some new friends as well.

And by the way, they are really tight and hard to put on for the first time. But having someone help you out in person will be the only way for you to be sure that everything is okay.
2008-09-29 5:25 PM
in reply to: #1704573

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Subject: RE: Wetsuits (again!)
Yes, they do feel very tight and you will get very sweaty. Best to at least have someone help you. be sure to pull the suit up snug in the crotch and armpit areas. These places are crucial. Also, Ideally, you don't want a large pocket at your lowerback.

BikeSportMichigan has a great article about trying on wetsuits, I would check it out.
2008-09-29 5:30 PM
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Subject: RE: Wetsuits (again!)
Oh, congrats on your weightloss. It feels very strange the first few times you wear your suit. Be sure to wear it as often as you can, even in the pool so you get the feel for it. It will feel MUCH better in the water than on land.

A wetsuit lube makes putting on and taking off a little easier. Bodyglide is OK but I like Tri Slide better.
2008-09-29 5:38 PM
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Subject: RE: Wetsuits (again!)

First off, congrats on the weight loss and on finishing IronGirl.

One of the tricks I've learned is to use Pam (yes, the cooking spray) as a lubricant to help you get the suit on.  Just spritz your legs and arms if the wetsuit has sleeves.  It will be easier to slide on.  

When putting on the legs, you want to work them up like you are putting on a  pair of pantyhose (and don't ask how I know about pantyhose, but trust me on this).  You want the crotch of the wetsuit as far up as you can get it before you try and slip your arms in.  

The first couple of times you try it on, you will feel claustrophic and sweaty.  It is a bit of work getting into the suit but you'll get more comfortable with it over time.

2008-09-29 5:48 PM
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Subject: RE: Wetsuits (again!)
Most manufacturers recommend NOT using cooking spray (Pam) on the suits. I know a lot of people do it though...

But yeah, some lube will certainly help get it on.

2008-09-29 5:54 PM
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Subject: RE: Wetsuits (again!)

jeffy_101 - 2008-09-29 6:48 PM Most manufacturers recommend NOT using cooking spray (Pam) on the suits. I know a lot of people do it though... But yeah, some lube will certainly help get it on.


Definitely DON'T use anything like Vaseline.  I haven't found that the light amount cooking spray causes any issue or you can use an olive oil spray if you want something organic (and don't mind smelling like a salad).  

BodyGlide works, is recommended by manufacturers, but doesnt work quite as well unless you shave your legs and arms.  Otherwise it just mats in the hair. 

2008-09-29 7:35 PM
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Subject: RE: Wetsuits (again!)
I've found that using Suit Juice (a spray lubricant designed for wetsuits) sprayed generously on the legs and arms, works the best with getting the suit on. Also...either wear some socks OR put plastic grocery bags on your feet to aid in sliding the suit over the feet. Like others already stated, make sure you snug up the suit firmly in the crotch area..this is important in getting the proper fit in the upper body area. Have another person help with getting the suit snugged up into the armpits properly...again, this will ensure that the suit is not restrictive in your arms & shoulders. They can be quite uncomfortable on dry land, but rest assured...once you are in the water and you get a layer of water into the suit, it gives a bit and becomes much more comfortable.
2008-09-30 4:29 PM
in reply to: #1704573


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Subject: RE: Wetsuits (again!)

Thanks for all the advice and encouragement! After I put the kids to bed last night, I decided to face the demon again. First I checked the F2R website to see what size they sent me. It said they SS size was for people who weigh between 190-220 and are 5'3"-5'6". I felt better after seeing that because I am at the bottom of both of those ranges. I figured it HAD to fit, I just needed to get it on!

I put some Body Glide on my ankles and lower legs to help me get the suit up and then did what I do when I'm training....relax, breathe slowly and stop to rest when I need to. I had only minor panicky feelings this time.  (It helped that my husband kept poking his head in our bedroom and cracking me up with his "hot mama" comments.)  Anyway, once I relaxed and took my time, it actually went on easier than I thought. It only took me about 20 minutes. John (my husband) helped me pull the arms smooth and zipped me up. I looked like a stuffed sausage, but it felt kind of neat, and made me feel more like a "real" triathlete....

I kept it on for about a half hour, but got too hot and sweaty and had to take it off. I plan to take it to the gym tomorrow to practice in the pool.

Thanks again for all your help! I'm sure I'll be posting again.

Michelle

2008-10-03 3:36 PM
in reply to: #1707207

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Subject: RE: Wetsuits (again!)
Chelle128 - 2008-09-30 5:29 PM

 It only took me about 20 minutes. John (my husband) helped me pull the arms smooth and zipped me up. I looked like a stuffed sausage, but it felt kind of neat, and made me feel more like a "real" triathlete....

Make sure you are rolling the legs inside out before you put it on. It makes a huge difference. That probably doesn't make any sense until you see what I mean though. There are videos out there that show you what I mean. You do the same things with the arms and it will speed up the whole process.

I can't find a link right now, my google-fu is weak today, but someone probably has a link to the "how to put on a wetsuit video".

Brent

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