Congrats on the decision to tri ! And thank you for your service.
Most any MTB
(mountain bike
) slick tire will do
(typical sizes 1.5 or 1.75" wide
) & improve your speed significantly
(for me 17-8 mtb on MTB w/knobbies= 20+mph on slicks
). Get some soon so you can get a feel for how your bike handles with 'em on the street.
(Assuming the bike portion of the tri is on road
). And get a helmet if you don't have one as most tri's now require 'em ANYTIME you are on the bike
(even riding in to set-up
(transition
) area before the race starts
). You can usu find MTB slicks for ~$15ea or less
(on-line if no good local shop
) & helmet for ~$20
(all meet same safety standards-so you can buy a cheapie at base exchange or Wal-Mart
). Slicks & helmet are useful for commuting, too.
I'm an experienced cyclist
(usu 4-5+k mi/yr
) but also a tri newb
(2 sprints so far
). +1 on the advice to slow down. Pace yourself. Common tactical mistake is to let excitement of your 1st tri take over at the swim start & waste all your energy. Unless you're a competitive swimmer, swim SLOW at the start & watch your breathing. Early in bike, rehydrate & maybe take a gel
(if you like 'em
). Last 1mi or so on the bike-pedal quicker in a little lower gear to help loosen the legs for the run. Start running easy and in rhythm first 1/2mi or so until the legs feel right, then up the pace based on how you feel.
Between now & the tri you might practice transitioning a little, esp that bike-run to get used to running just after a hard ride. Think about & rehearse both transitions: swim-bike
(T1
) & bike-swim
(T2
). Don't try for top speed in transitions, but preparation will make you more relaxed on event day.
Plenty of good articles about 1st tri stuff on this site or do web search.
Most important- HAVE FUN!!!!!
Edited by Oldteen 2009-07-22 7:04 PM