Last minute Questions

1. (typing in the dark here before my run so the spelling may be worse than usual). Put the tri shorts on, if you feel like it, in T1.

2. Rack from the seat, not the handlebars. Just lift your seat over the bar. You will see others like it. I put the horn of my seat on the bar. I have to pull back and off but that is not a problem.

3. Go to Target and get a Sports Bra. I cannot remember who makes it, but I am wearing it right now. It is Coolmax, not cotton. I can see myself swimming in it.

You are going to be great Courtney! Really. You have worked so very hard these last weeks and you are so nervous but you earned your right to be there. Remember "I trained for this" is you mantra. Oh and when you are on the swim don't think of T1, and when you are on the Bike don't think about T2 and the run. Just do your best in each portion and it will all come together.

Use the kickstand, its geeky, but its more efficient.

You can do the whole tri in your swimsuit style tri suit if you want. Just be sure to give a try prior to your race. I would have a quick swim(or shower) and then hope on the bike wet for a short ride. If you notice the saddle more than usual, I would Bodyglide that area really well. Last season my daughter only wore swimsuit type trisuits and had no problems. This season, she has been wearing a longer style tri suit, thanks to Team Javelin. She did one race in her regular swimsuit style tri suit and had a major chaffing problem. She had switched saddles a few months prior, but had only ridden in her longer trisuit. Learn from our mistakes!

As far as the sports bra goes, you can also check out Marshall's and TJ Maxx. They usually have a good selection of Coolmax or DriFit style sports bras at nearly 50% off retail. Good Luck and remember to have fun!

Ditch the kickstand.  Put the seat on the rack, as described above. 

If the kickstand is old, it's possible for it to extend, making for a dangerous situation if it hits the pavement.

If you have a tri-suit, why would you also want to wear the tri shorts?  I would think you'll be suffering in the TX heat as it is - more clothing is NOT the answer.

Now, I'm just kinda guessing wildly here, but if you have a Coolmax-type sports bra, that will offer the necessary support along with the tri-suit.  This close to your race, I'd think twice about trying something new.  However, if you typically run with one, I'd say go with it.  Sure, it'll get a little soggy during the swim, but about 5 minutes into your bike ride, you'll probably wish it had retained more cool water...

Edited by joeinco 2005-07-21 8:36 AM

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courtney_leone - 2005-07-21 12:36 AM Here goes-
1) I have a tri suit ( like a swimsuit but with a higher neck and padding and pockets) and tri shorts. Do I wear the tri shorts during the swim and put them in T1 or not? Or maybe not at all?

When you say you have a tri suit... do you mean a One-Piece covers all suit? If yes, then the tri shorts are unnecessary. Tri shorts are meant to be worn with tri tops (as a 2 piece ensemble). Tri suits are meant to be worn alone.

2) Will I be able to properly rack my MTB? Or will I have to use the kickstand? (How embarrassing)

The front of your seat will rest on the top of the rack bar. See my albums (Mad Dog Tri) for a picture of how the seat will rest on the rack. You should have no problem.*

Edited to add: I just looked at the pic; all the bikes are racked with the handlebars resting on the rack bar. During Sunday's tri, they were racked with the seat resting on the bar. Either way works. Don't use the kickstand.

3) I ordered a tri top to wear under the suit ( yes, I have boobs) and there were problems and it hasn't arrived and I don't think it will. Can I wear a regular sports bra or will it be super uncomfortable and cause chaffing?

What is a "regular" sports bra? What is it made of? Cotton is inadvisable. Jump in the pool tonight with your sports bra and tri suit on and swim, then go for a light jog. See how it feels. You should be okay but without knowing what your bra is made of or how it's cut, it's hard to say.

And, Courtney, good luck on your tri!

Edited by Renee 2005-07-21 8:50 AM

The PC side of me wants to say this delicately, but the paratrooper side is winning out...

Slather the Bodyglide between your thighs, where they would rub 1) against the bike seat, and 2) where they would rub against each other, if you have muscular quads (meee-YOW!)

Sorry, I knew I couldn't do that and be 'proper'... 

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I think you'll be ok putting it on before the swim, but it only takes a couple of seconds and a couple of swipes) so if you wanted to put it on at T1, you'd be fine.

Oh yeah - don't forget to have someone take race pics!

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Body Glide is very light. It's not messy and when you put it on, it's so light that you wonder if you've put it on. You won't even notice it.

Take a disposable camera and do self-portraits. You will want pics of your first tri. Also, other people will be happy to take photos of you pre and post race.

Edited by Renee 2005-07-21 9:21 AM

Body Glide EVERYTHING!  Even if you don't think you need to. Especially around the pits and upperarms and your inner thighs if you are just wearing a swimsuit-like tri suit.  Too much Body Glide is NOT a bad thing!

Melanie

Ditch the kickstand, save a pound and a half or so of bike weight.

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My tri suit comes down my legs. If you get rubbing then take a moment in T1 to put on your shorts!

Ditch the boyfriend too -- all they do is weigh you down.

Mike

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I might carry around a cooler full of ice to keep me cool too, but the real world application leaves me wondering...

Good luck this weekend and I hope Chad is the one cheering the loudest for you!

Mike

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