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2009-08-03 11:45 AM

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Master
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Redlands, CA
Subject: bio breaks

How do people deal with bathroom breaks on the bike?

The main problem I have while running or on the bike are my 'bio' breaks.  On my last training century I rode equated to 5 breaks off the bike to pee.   During an Iron distance race all these breaks equate to probably about 15 minutes lost or so.  It would be a shame to miss qualifying because you had to pee more than your opposition.

So how do people deal with this?  Do they just go on the bike during an event?  I'm sure that others have this issue and I'm really curious to see how its addressed...



2009-08-03 11:47 AM
in reply to: #2324143

Champion
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South Jersey
Subject: RE: bio breaks

If it's just #1, go on the bike. Five stops over a century seems a bit much, though. You're probably taking in more fluids than you need to.

2009-08-03 11:49 AM
in reply to: #2324143

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Subject: RE: bio breaks
Why do you think there are vents on the bottoms of tri-specific bike shoes? The lake water just isn't that overwhelming by the time you get on the bike to require drainage.

This is something I've not even slightly been tempted to do. It's just not worth it to get 128th place. I'll stick with 129th place if that's what it takes
2009-08-03 11:52 AM
in reply to: #2324143

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Pro
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Subject: RE: bio breaks
During training I'll get off and go on the side of the road. During my IM, I'm going on the bike. For me it's not about placing 128 instead of 129, it's about the loss of momentum and having to stop, get off and get started. That's doesn't work well for me even in training so I definitely won't do it in the race.
2009-08-03 12:04 PM
in reply to: #2324156

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Master
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Redlands, CA
Subject: RE: bio breaks
DanielG - 2009-08-03 9:49 AM Why do you think there are vents on the bottoms of tri-specific bike shoes? The lake water just isn't that overwhelming by the time you get on the bike to require drainage. This is something I've not even slightly been tempted to do. It's just not worth it to get 128th place. I'll stick with 129th place if that's what it takes


Its far from 128 to 129th, You'll probably lose 3-5 minutes per bio break.  However, if you're not worried about qualifying or setting some other goal, I agree with you.

I know it sounds abnormal, but my friends call me a sprinkler, I just pee alot more than the average person.  I've had a doc look at it, and its fine.  I can't even go through a movie without having to go.
2009-08-03 12:07 PM
in reply to: #2324143

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Champion
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Subject: RE: bio breaks
Like others...train, go on side of the road, and race on the bike.

You may need to practice as it isn't as easy as you may think..some try and try to go and can't....others find it easier.

I just check behind me to make sure no one is there.  I find it easier to go while coasting down hill and standing on my pedals. Squirt yourself with water afterwards to rinse off if not you will get smelly...and it's nasty.

It doesn't take 3' to pee....I ran into the woods in my race on the run yesterday...as a women took me 33 seconds from road to back on the road.


2009-08-03 12:13 PM
in reply to: #2324227

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Subject: RE: bio breaks
KathyG - 2009-08-03 12:07 PM Like others...train, go on side of the road, and race on the bike.

You may need to practice as it isn't as easy as you may think..some try and try to go and can't....others find it easier.

I just check behind me to make sure no one is there.  I find it easier to go while coasting down hill and standing on my pedals. Squirt yourself with water afterwards to rinse off if not you will get smelly...and it's nasty.

It doesn't take 3' to pee....I ran into the woods in my race on the run yesterday...as a women took me 33 seconds from road to back on the road.


You timed it? Surprised Well, I guess now you have to find a way to improve your time.
2009-08-03 12:43 PM
in reply to: #2324143

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Subject: RE: bio breaks
Five pee breaks in a century? As pointed out, you are probably taking in too many fluids. Centuries are one or two pee breaks for me.
2009-08-03 1:04 PM
in reply to: #2324254

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Subject: RE: bio breaks
Detroit Dan - 2009-08-03 1:13 PM
KathyG - 2009-08-03 12:07 PM Like others...train, go on side of the road, and race on the bike.

You may need to practice as it isn't as easy as you may think..some try and try to go and can't....others find it easier.

I just check behind me to make sure no one is there.  I find it easier to go while coasting down hill and standing on my pedals. Squirt yourself with water afterwards to rinse off if not you will get smelly...and it's nasty.

It doesn't take 3' to pee....I ran into the woods in my race on the run yesterday...as a women took me 33 seconds from road to back on the road.


You timed it? Surprised Well, I guess now you have to find a way to improve your time.


What are Garmins for

Just wanted to really know my run time not including nature break. Yah I know I'm werid..known it a long time
2009-08-03 1:08 PM
in reply to: #2324448

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Subject: RE: bio breaks

KathyG - 2009-08-03 2:04 PM
Detroit Dan - 2009-08-03 1:13 PM
KathyG - 2009-08-03 12:07 PM Like others...train, go on side of the road, and race on the bike.

You may need to practice as it isn't as easy as you may think..some try and try to go and can't....others find it easier.

I just check behind me to make sure no one is there.  I find it easier to go while coasting down hill and standing on my pedals. Squirt yourself with water afterwards to rinse off if not you will get smelly...and it's nasty.

It doesn't take 3' to pee....I ran into the woods in my race on the run yesterday...as a women took me 33 seconds from road to back on the road.


You timed it? Surprised Well, I guess now you have to find a way to improve your time.


What are Garmins for

Just wanted to really know my run time not including nature break. Yah I know I'm werid..known it a long time

But in a good way.  

2009-08-03 1:10 PM
in reply to: #2324143

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Resident Curmudgeon
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Subject: RE: bio breaks
If you're peeing on yourself in races, that's one thing. If you're peeing on yourself in untimed centuries, that's just plain nasty.


2009-08-03 1:12 PM
in reply to: #2324463

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Subject: RE: bio breaks
CitySky - 2009-08-03 2:08 PM

KathyG - 2009-08-03 2:04 PM
Detroit Dan - 2009-08-03 1:13 PM
KathyG - 2009-08-03 12:07 PM Like others...train, go on side of the road, and race on the bike.

You may need to practice as it isn't as easy as you may think..some try and try to go and can't....others find it easier.

I just check behind me to make sure no one is there.  I find it easier to go while coasting down hill and standing on my pedals. Squirt yourself with water afterwards to rinse off if not you will get smelly...and it's nasty.

It doesn't take 3' to pee....I ran into the woods in my race on the run yesterday...as a women took me 33 seconds from road to back on the road.


You timed it? Surprised Well, I guess now you have to find a way to improve your time.


What are Garmins for

Just wanted to really know my run time not including nature break. Yah I know I'm werid..known it a long time

But in a good way.  


But we love you anyway Kathy!!!      
2009-08-03 1:20 PM
in reply to: #2324227

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Regular
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Subject: RE: bio breaks
KathyG - 2009-08-03 10:07 AM Like others...train, go on side of the road, and race on the bike.

You may need to practice as it isn't as easy as you may think..some try and try to go and can't....others find it easier.

I just check behind me to make sure no one is there.  I find it easier to go while coasting down hill and standing on my pedals. Squirt yourself with water afterwards to rinse off if not you will get smelly...and it's nasty.

It doesn't take 3' to pee....I ran into the woods in my race on the run yesterday...as a women took me 33 seconds from road to back on the road.


T 1.5
2009-08-03 11:22 PM
in reply to: #2324143

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Master
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The Whites, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: bio breaks
Agree with the not needing 3' to pee - I've gone #2 in the woods off the trail in less than that! (find spot, cathole, covering, and all)

Besides, once you've gone on the bike, you too can join the yellow socks brigade!
2009-08-03 11:54 PM
in reply to: #2324143

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Champion
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Northridge, California
Subject: RE: bio breaks
Well, I learned one thing in my IM this weekend:  I now know that I'm just not that interested in saving the 3 minutes it took me to get off the bike at an aid station (timed it, actually), into a portapotty, and back on the bike by pi$$ing myself while riding.

Thought about it.  Actually thought, "WWBTD?"  Then thought, "WWICWBTWD?"

First time I've ever stopped for a potty break in any race of any distance, actually.  (Still haven't ever taken a restroom break on a run.)  I do tend to believe if you're taking a lot of potty stops, you're probably among the legion of people who are overhydrating.

2009-08-04 8:49 AM
in reply to: #2325824

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Master
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Redlands, CA
Subject: RE: bio breaks
Slugger - 2009-08-03 9:22 PM Agree with the not needing 3' to pee - I've gone #2 in the woods off the trail in less than that! (find spot, cathole, covering, and all)

Besides, once you've gone on the bike, you too can join the yellow socks brigade!


I think I mistated the 3 minutes.  I know it wont take that long but you'll lose 3 minutes.  If you are riding together at the same speed as someone, and slow down, dismount, pee, get back on the bike, etc. that person will be 3' minutes ahead of you.


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