General Discussion Triathlon Talk » My first tri this Sunday!!! Rss Feed  
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2009-07-24 8:09 AM


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Subject: My first tri this Sunday!!!
Hi All,

A newbie here.  I'm going to be doing my first tri this Sunday and I'm excited/nervous.  I'm a little concerned about getting a flat during the race...  In any event, can newbies and veterans alike provide some last minute pearls before my big weekend.  All advice is welcomed!  I'll be doing a sprint.

Thank you!

Mike

 


2009-07-24 8:11 AM
in reply to: #2305364

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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!
Not tips from this newb but I'll give you a sincere "Good Luck!"  Please post your experience afterwards. 
2009-07-24 8:16 AM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!

Good luck!!! When you cross that finish line and able to call yourself a triathlete will be a special moment. 

As for the flats, you can only do so much to prevention yourself. Yes, they just happen, but before the race check your tires, first look at wheel closely, with your eyes to see if anything is stuck in your tire, then wear a cotton glove or put your hand in a sock. and slowly turn the wheel, if there is anything stuck in your wheel, the cotton will get snagged, then carefully use a pair of tweezers to remove the item.

Cant wait to read the race report.

2009-07-24 8:19 AM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!
Good luck, this is what you trained for!!!

Only pearl of wisdom i can give is Have fun, it is your first, and thank the volunteers, you will be amazed on how the pain subsides when you do!!!!

2009-07-24 8:19 AM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!
mleibowi - 2009-07-24 8:09 AM Hi All,

A newbie here.  I'm going to be doing my first tri this Sunday and I'm excited/nervous.  I'm a little concerned about getting a flat during the race...  In any event, can newbies and veterans alike provide some last minute pearls before my big weekend.  All advice is welcomed!  I'll be doing a sprint.

Thank you!

Mike

 


enjoy the day....take it all in...go out there to have a good time and meet people...don't be afraid to talk to people or ask questions...encourage/cheer others

GOOD LUCK!!!!

Edited by jsoza 2009-07-24 8:20 AM
2009-07-24 8:29 AM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!

First sprint...hmm:

-Bring duck tape and put it in your bag. I and a couple of my rack mates needed it before the race and it was good to have.  Bring a couple of extra safety pins too.
-Spend a couple bucks and get a race belt.
-Don't bother wearing socks for a sprint.  I had some chaffe and bled a little in my first one, but I forgot to put body glide on my achilles.  For a short run though, it isn't worth messing around with socks in T1 IMO.
-Apply body glide where needed, which is all over the place.
-Have transition nice and simple.  No need to overcomplicate it.
-Search on this site because there is a couple of good threads on this topic with alot of tips.
-Get there early and get a spot close to the T1 exit.
-Don't worry about getting a flat.  If you do, the race is over for you in a sprint so you can just take your time after that.

Those are the first few that came to mind.



2009-07-24 8:32 AM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!
have fun !
2009-07-24 8:33 AM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!
Don't do anything different than you've done at any other time in training.  I did my first and had a bad experience with a gel flavor I had never used before.  Otherwise relax, chat with people around you and have a good time.  My favorite part of the experience was networking with other racers.

Had my first flat as well, but I think that was from leaving my bike in the van for two days after the race.  Warm temps, plus tube pumped to its max... pooof!  
2009-07-24 8:37 AM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!
Two tips.  Go to the Race log and download the check list.  Make sure you bring everything you NEED.  Keep it simple.

Secondly, just relax and enjoy the experience.
2009-07-24 8:54 AM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!
I also have my first sprint coming up but I still think I give give you a piece of advise...

Pack everything up the day prior to the event. Make a list and place everything in one place. That way when you wake up at 4 am you can relax eat and go, with out having to worry about anything.
2009-07-24 9:08 AM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!
Smile for the camera!  Even if it hurts.
Thank the volunteers.  They do appreciate it.
If you see someone struggling (and you can manage it), offer some encouragement. 

You're going to have a great time.  Enjoy your first!


2009-07-24 9:45 AM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!
Thank you all!  I'm sure the adrenaline will help wake me up (I haven't been sleeping well these past few days)!!!  Good luck to all the other newbies racing this weekend!

Mike
2009-07-24 9:50 AM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!

That is GREAT!! I have my first one next weekend and I’m already nervous. \

I didn’t even thing about a flat, so thank you and good luck!!

2009-07-24 9:53 AM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!
GOOD LUCK!!!! Have fun!!!!

2009-07-24 9:59 AM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!
mleibowi - 2009-07-24 10:45 AM Thank you all!  I'm sure the adrenaline will help wake me up (I haven't been sleeping well these past few days)!!!  Good luck to all the other newbies racing this weekend!

Mike


I have my first this sunday also and glad to hear not the only one starting to have some restless sleep.
2009-07-24 10:11 AM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!
JC5066 - 2009-07-24 8:37 AM Two tips.  Go to the Race log and download the check list.  Make sure you bring everything you NEED.  Keep it simple.

Secondly, just relax and enjoy the experience.


x2 the checklist on here is a lifesaver! Have fun and fill out a race report. Good luck!


2009-07-24 10:15 AM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!
good luck!  hope you have a blast!
2009-07-24 10:35 AM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!
Soak it all in.
Smile for the cameras on the course.
Have someone take pictures.
Thank the volunteers.
Throw your arms up when you cross the finish line.
Say 'on your left' while passing.
Encourage your fellow racers.
2009-07-24 10:47 AM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!

Have fun! 

Checklists help, as long as you remember to grab the bag with all of the gear
Get there early in case something doesn't go quite as planned
Relax (before the swim and during the swim especially, but the whole day is supposed to be fun). 
Have a race strategy that works for you, and don't worry about the other 30, 300, or 3000 other athletes racing their races. 

Thank the volunteers, officials, and spectators.
Encourage other participants.
Smile for the pics. 

As for a flat tire, if you haven't practiced changing a tire, don't try it tonight, but look online at how you would fix it if it happens.  Don't overinflate your tires hoping for that last little bit of speed, and pay attention to where you ride to hopefully avoid things that cause flats (glass, sharp rocks, potholes, etc. )  Later, if you're still concerned about flats, get some bombproof or nearly indestructible tires (Continental Gatorskins, Bontrager Hardcases). 

2009-07-24 10:48 AM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!
I had my first one this past Sunday, a sprint. I was pretty nervous too. My only piece of advice is not to focus on time but rather finishing. Learn the mechanics and flow of the sport first prior to trying to achieve time goals. And most importantly, have fun, this shouldn't feel like work.
2009-07-24 4:11 PM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!

I was also concerned about a flat before my first race. But, as you did, I came to this site for some insight. I read something to the effect of "The odds are well in favor of NOT getting a flat during the race" That little pearl set my mind at ease. (thanks to whoever originally posted that)

Good Luck. and Have A Blast!

Lou



2009-07-26 7:39 PM
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Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!
I had a blast completing my first tri. Thanks for all your support. I wrote a novel of a race report for you, but mostly for me so I don't forget it!Mike
2009-07-26 7:48 PM
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Hamilton
Subject: RE: My first tri this Sunday!!!

Good luck man,.,
      I hope to read your report soon!

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