General Discussion Triathlon Talk » First tri, First Post, First batch of questions :) Rss Feed  
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2011-07-28 2:28 PM

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Cranford
Subject: First tri, First Post, First batch of questions :)

Ok, so I completed my first sprint tri last weekend. I did the NJ state triathlon hosted by cgi. This was also my first time doing any type of organized swim or run. I really didnt prepare well for the swim, and I think it showed in my times. I thought my transition times would be better, but upon review of my splits, I was clearly wrong lol. This really leads me to a couple questions.

I am looking in to a suit, but I'm indecisive on which one. From what I've read, a full suit is preferred over sleeveless and/or a speedsuit. (fwiw, wetsuits were not allowed last week, so this is for future reference). If I plan to just do sprint/short distances for the remainder of this season and beginning of the next, is a full suit really beneficial given the short distance of the race? Or am I just going to lose any time that I gain taking that damn thing off? I cant seem to imagine that in a 500 +/- meter swim that I would come out ahead in time gained when it comes time to transition time? The next one I'm doing is only a 300m swim (ocean), then the next 2 are in the 500m range, one lake, one ocean. I know the last one I'll probably need it b/c of water temp alone. Anyway, advice is appreciated! Thanks

 

Fwiw, heres my numbers from last week. (500m/11.5mi/3.1mi)

 

Age: 32 M    

Bib:312 

Swim/pace/place:13:11  2:24  708 

T1/Place: 2:55  605

Bike/pace/Place:  33:54 20.4  186

T2/Place: 2:24  808

Run/Pace/Place:  25:51  8:20  249

Total:|1:20:15

Penalty: 02:00 (apparently they claim I didnt drop back fast enough after being passed by a faster rider )



Edited by Chris(NJ) 2011-07-28 2:29 PM


2011-07-28 3:03 PM
in reply to: #3619412

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Not a Coach
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Subject: RE: First tri, First Post, First batch of questions :)

Welcome to BT and congrats on finishing your first (on a very hot day, no less)!

As to your question, a full suit is faster and I would always recommend someone choose that (IMO, if it's too hot for a full suit, it's too hot for a sleeveless as well).  Removal of a sleeveless is no faster, as you should have any wetsuit down to your waist immediately out of the water as you run to transition.  If removal is a problem, it's likely to happen at the feet regardless if the suit is sleeveless or not.

Good luck with your next races!

2011-07-28 3:20 PM
in reply to: #3619412

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Master
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Subject: RE: First tri, First Post, First batch of questions :)
First off congratulations on finishing your first tri.  As it was only your first I think your times are good.  And don't worry about transitions, they will get faster.  As for your penalty, I have often had people pass me who use so much energy to pass that they then slow down.  That should be a penalty to them, not you.  I think that is a poor rule and very difficult to call correctly.  Good luck going forward.
2011-07-28 3:36 PM
in reply to: #3619412

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Chicago
Subject: RE: First tri, First Post, First batch of questions :)
Man, cheating in your first tri...that's hard core, you don't F around!!
2011-07-28 4:01 PM
in reply to: #3619412

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Elite
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Subject: RE: First tri, First Post, First batch of questions :)
Congrats and welcome to BT. As mentioned above, go with the full. However, eventually you may want to consider a sleeveless too. I have both and use the sleeveless in training very often. They're just so much easier to put on, if I don't need the full sleeve for warmth, I use the sleeveless in training.
2011-07-28 4:18 PM
in reply to: #3619560

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Subject: RE: First tri, First Post, First batch of questions :)

duder5189 - 2011-07-28 4:36 PM Man, cheating in your first tri...that's hard core, you don't F around!!

 

lol nope! :D



2011-07-28 4:20 PM
in reply to: #3619412

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Subject: RE: First tri, First Post, First batch of questions :)

Thanks guys!

 

I guess I should've worded this part more specifically. Lets say, if the water is bearable, am I better off w/ a speedsuit to save time in transition or am I still better w/ a full suit. I suppose the answer may still remain the same though

2011-07-28 4:22 PM
in reply to: #3619524

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Subject: RE: First tri, First Post, First batch of questions :)

blynott - 2011-07-28 4:20 PM First off congratulations on finishing your first tri.  As it was only your first I think your times are good.  And don't worry about transitions, they will get faster.  As for your penalty, I have often had people pass me who use so much energy to pass that they then slow down.  That should be a penalty to them, not you.  I think that is a poor rule and very difficult to call correctly.  Good luck going forward.

 

Thanks! I completely agree. I dont agree w/ some of their interpretations, however, since theres nothing I can do about it, I guess I'll just have to be more aware the next time!

2011-07-28 4:27 PM
in reply to: #3619412

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Subject: RE: First tri, First Post, First batch of questions :)

Way to go Chris at NJ State sprint.......the heat got me on the run but I was out about 45 minuts after you getting into the water.....

I have gone sleeveless for a couple of reasons--

  • area we live in
  • I like my arms free
  • I got it cheap


Edited by nakdboardr 2011-07-28 4:29 PM
2011-07-28 4:29 PM
in reply to: #3619412

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Subject: RE: First tri, First Post, First batch of questions :)

 

For me, as long as the water is warm enough to not freeze to death I wouldn't wear a wetsuit for a sprint. I'd just wear tri shorts and top, get the swim over with and get through T1.

Takes to long to get a wetsuit off to make it worth the marginal time gain from the swim.

2011-07-29 8:41 AM
in reply to: #3619412

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Elite
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Subject: RE: First tri, First Post, First batch of questions :)
Always wear a wetsuit if it is legal.


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