First Tri - what do I wear?

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2009-08-04 1:07 PM


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Subject: First Tri - what do I wear?
Hi all!

My first sprint tri is coming up (Pleasant Prairie) and I'm trying to decide what to wear/buy. I'd like to have something that can be used the entire race and need some advice on how to choose.  I'm going between separates (tri shorts/bra top) or a full tri suit but don't want to spend more than $100.  I expect that this will be the first of many triathlons so any advice you can give me would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance!!

2009-08-04 1:11 PM
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Subject: RE: First Tri - what do I wear?
If female, wear absolutely nothing.
2009-08-04 1:16 PM
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Subject: RE: First Tri - what do I wear?
I would suggest going with the tri top/bottom combo...if only for ease of going to the bathroom.  I'm also on the vain side, and don't think a onesie is a look a ton of people can pull off.  That being said, we're all in spandex, so really, how flattering is that?

But, my personal preference is tri top/tri shorts.  Being a female that is a bit larger in the chest area, a good wicking sports bra is a must as well. 

Oh, and nothing new on race day...find what you're going to use and try it out. Don't want to end up with some unexpected chafing.

Good luck!
2009-08-04 1:19 PM
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Subject: RE: First Tri - what do I wear?
I agree with the tri top/bottom/tri sportsbra comments Peggy made as well as the nothing you haven't already tested out.  I would also add Body Glide to the list in case there are chafing issues.  I would make sure to get a sportsbra made for tris as they tend not to stretch as much in water.  Just don't ask how I know this.
2009-08-04 1:39 PM
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Subject: RE: First Tri - what do I wear?

I have worn Tri shorts with a sports bra for the swim (under my wetsuit) then just add a tech t-shirt for the bike and run.  I have used a race belt for my number rather than pinning it on and that has worked well too.

Good luck on your first tri!  Have fun!

2009-08-04 1:46 PM
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Subject: RE: First Tri - what do I wear?

Don't want to end up with some unexpected chafing.

I dont want the expected chafing either, but at least its nice to know its gonna be there.  Its like chafing is being polite.

2009-08-04 1:57 PM
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Subject: RE: First Tri - what do I wear?
jszat - 2009-08-04 1:46 PM

Don't want to end up with some unexpected chafing.

I dont want the expected chafing either, but at least its nice to know its gonna be there.  Its like chafing is being polite.



LOL...

precisely my point.  You want to know if there will be chafing so you can do something to possibly prevent it come race day.

**giggling**

2009-08-04 1:58 PM
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Subject: RE: First Tri - what do I wear?
runs_with_jasper - 2009-08-04 1:19 PM I agree with the tri top/bottom/tri sportsbra comments Peggy made as well as the nothing you haven't already tested out.  I would also add Body Glide to the list in case there are chafing issues.  I would make sure to get a sportsbra made for tris as they tend not to stretch as much in water.  Just don't ask how I know this.


Yikes...that could not have been fun.
2009-08-04 2:21 PM
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Subject: RE: First Tri - what do I wear?

maggyruth - 2009-08-04 1:58 PM
runs_with_jasper - 2009-08-04 1:19 PM I agree with the tri top/bottom/tri sportsbra comments Peggy made as well as the nothing you haven't already tested out.  I would also add Body Glide to the list in case there are chafing issues.  I would make sure to get a sportsbra made for tris as they tend not to stretch as much in water.  Just don't ask how I know this.


Yikes...that could not have been fun.

actually, i bet it could have been!!!

 

2009-08-04 2:57 PM
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Subject: RE: First Tri - what do I wear?

Thanks for the advice! I have to admit though I was kinda partial to the full suit, I felt like a superhero trying it on! I'm just hoping the lake won't be too cold and then regret my decision - I hear the Lakefront tri in Milwaukee was brutal last weekend

Anyone know a place in Milwaukee to buy the separates, preferably one with a decent selection? 

2009-08-04 3:21 PM
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Subject: RE: First Tri - what do I wear?
madtown22 - 2009-08-04 2:57 PM

Thanks for the advice! I have to admit though I was kinda partial to the full suit, I felt like a superhero trying it on! I'm just hoping the lake won't be too cold and then regret my decision - I hear the Lakefront tri in Milwaukee was brutal last weekend

Anyone know a place in Milwaukee to buy the separates, preferably one with a decent selection? 



Trust me...Pleasant Prairie will feel like bath water compared to Lake Michigan.  Lake Andrea is a small, inland lake, and it warms up pretty quickly.  When I swam there regularly, I was swimming in June with no wetsuit and was fine.

If you like the uni, and it works for you, get it. 

You do know that the trisuit is not going to keep you warm, be it a onsie or a top/bottom, correct?  If you're looking for something to keep you warmer in the water, then you're talking about a wet suit.

REI has Danskin tri gear.  Emery's should have stuff as well...

(I've only had team kits...so I have no clue where to actually buy suits!  Sorry!)

2009-08-04 3:28 PM
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Subject: RE: First Tri - what do I wear?
Good point about the tri suit NOT being meant to keep me warm. Thinking more material = warmth. 

I popped into Emery's the other night (Menom Falls) and the selection was skimpy. Two types of bottoms, no tops, and a few suits.  I'll give REI a try so I can practice this weekend. So excited!
2009-08-04 3:32 PM
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Subject: RE: First Tri - what do I wear?
Wheel and Sprocket might be another place to check out.  The Emery's in Milwaukee might have more.

I would say Triathlon World in Kenosha, but unfortunately they closed up shop about a month ago.
2009-08-04 4:03 PM
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Subject: RE: First Tri - what do I wear?
While a onesie has a very "Batgirl" quality to it, I must say that after completing my first HIM a few weeks ago I'm very glad I didn't have one. When you gotta go you gotta go...

I personally wear tri bottoms (2XU) I purchased from Wheel and Sprocket and a Speedo tri top I purchased online. I took a chance by buying tri gear online without trying it on first but got lucky and it's served me well. REI has a good selection as well.
2009-08-04 4:24 PM
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Subject: RE: First Tri - what do I wear?
The onesie rocks. For women it's prolly not as easy to go if you gotta go, but in a sprint you should be OK.
2009-08-04 5:16 PM
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Subject: RE: First Tri - what do I wear?

Emery's in Milwaukee has a good selection.  They are on 100th and Lisbon.  I believe they have more seperates than "onsies" tho.............basic colors or emery's logo'd attire.

 

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