General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Ironman Shirt? Rss Feed  
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2013-08-15 5:33 PM

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Subject: Ironman Shirt?
Man, I can't figure out what to wear at Wisconsin... I recently got a tri-top that everyone swears up and down is a good fit for me, but I hate the thing!! I'm thinking of using it under my wetsuit in the swim, then changing to a bike jersey, then running shirt.. But I know that'll cost me minutes!

I just hate the tri top!

If I were skinnier, it would probably be okay. I've lost a lot of weight over the past year and have gained a lot of muscle. Good on that! But the belly still has some flub that won't seem to go..... I wore the tri top on an 18 miler 2 days ago and felt every...single...step....

Apparently the next size up tri top (in several different brands) is too loose upstairs and I'm told it's more of a problem than a tight belly. Sigh.. I think it's pre-race jitters kicking into gear, but I can't make up my mind on this..

It's not a self-conscious thing.. I earned every bit of that belly and am earning it's loss too. It's so much flatter than it was a year or even two ago.. But seriously, it just feels dang uncomfortable..

Thoughts? I'm not sure there really is an answer other than "do what you want." Maybe someone has a magic suggestion for a tri top for the beer-gut-centric triathletes? I don't know..

The taper begins....Sigh....


2013-08-15 6:00 PM
in reply to: julio26pt2

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Subject: RE: Ironman Shirt?
Screw the tri top. Just my opinion but DON'T YOU DARE WEAR THAT TRI TOP!

Changing shirts may cost you 2 minutes. If you're not comfortable now, multiply it by 112 + 26.2 miles. If 2 minutes will make or break your IM goal then it's worth saving the time, but otherwise, discomfort will cost you a lot more over the distance.
2013-08-15 7:59 PM
in reply to: wanderwoman11

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Subject: RE: Ironman Shirt?
I agree, if you're not gunning for Kona go for comfort! It's a long enough day without adding any unnecessary discomfort into the mix.
2013-08-15 8:14 PM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Ironman Shirt?

If you are considering wearing the tri top for the swim only then you may want to try the following:

1. Put on the tri top

2. Take a shower in the tri top

3. Get out of the shower and stand on a rug. Do not dry off.

4. Jump up and down for 3-5 minutes to raise your HR (you can also invite 8-10 family members to crowd into your bathroom if you want the full IM changing tent experience. Some of them will have to be nude)

5. Try to take off your tri top while wet.

6. Put a bike jersey on before drying off.

Then make your decision regarding taking off the top in transition. It is very difficult to take off clothes when they are wet. There is nothing wrong with switching out clothes during T1 if that is what you want to do.

If you don't like the tri top then don't wear it at all.Do you have to have a top on under your wetsuit? Buy something that fits and makes your feel wonderful and fast.  Have a wonderful race!!



Edited by Catwoman 2013-08-15 8:31 PM
2013-08-15 9:06 PM
in reply to: Catwoman

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Subject: RE: Ironman Shirt?
I changed shirts for my race and I felt fine. I didn't bother to wear anything under my wet suit though. I had no chaffing issues due to that. My bike jersey I brought zips all the way down and that took about 5 seconds to get on. My transitions times were horrible due to other reasons though but it all worked out in the end. I decided against the tri top for IM since my shoulders got burnt to hell in just a HIM. I had sunscreen but it can only do so much. I also stay cooler if I have a semi loose shirt on for the run instead of a tight tri top with more skin exposed to the sun. It's a long day, chose comfort over style and I think just staying cooler by staying out of the sun more than made up my shirt change times.
2013-08-15 9:10 PM
in reply to: Blastman

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Subject: RE: Ironman Shirt?
don't wear what you are not comfy in! Look good in those photos! Change if you need to. I doubt it will add more than 30-45 seconds on your time!


2013-08-15 9:27 PM
in reply to: julio26pt2

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Subject: RE: Ironman Shirt?
beer belly brother, I dont have a full IM under my belt, but I would have to think that feel good is better than look good.
2013-08-16 7:23 AM
in reply to: jetsers

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Subject: RE: Ironman Shirt?
Changing shirts in transition will cost you at most 1 and a half minutes. Be comfortable. I agree on scrapping the tri top under the wetsuit though. it really serves no purpose.
2013-08-16 7:57 AM
in reply to: jellyfish74

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Subject: RE: Ironman Shirt?
Haha.. This thread was funny! Thanks for the pick-me-up!! Catwoman, that was hilarious, yet very very helpful!

Welp, I guess that settles it. I'll stick with what's tried-and-trued. Thanks for the input, everybody!!!!
2013-08-16 8:15 AM
in reply to: julio26pt2

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Subject: RE: Ironman Shirt?
Originally posted by julio26pt2

Haha.. This thread was funny! Thanks for the pick-me-up!! Catwoman, that was hilarious, yet very very helpful!

Welp, I guess that settles it. I'll stick with what's tried-and-trued. Thanks for the input, everybody!!!!


A sprint you suck it up for a little over an hour in something that isn't really comfortable. An Ironman... you change so you are comfortable. Good luck!

2013-08-16 9:01 AM
in reply to: julio26pt2


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Subject: RE: Ironman Shirt?
I'm going for comfort at Louisville. For me that means same kit all day. IML (most likely) won't be wetsuit legal. I'm going no top on the swim. Was thinking jammers but my tri shorts are too hard to get on wet so I'll swim in the tri shorts. I'll put on tri top in T1 and wear it the rest of the day. I've tried unzipping it, stepping into it and pulling it up rather than putting on like a regular shirt. Seems to be easier and faster. Mine fits really tight too but I don't care how it looks. It's going to be hot and I'll be soaking in sweat and water I dump on myself all day. I can't stand loose clothing when it's wet.


2013-08-16 10:08 AM
in reply to: julio26pt2

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Subject: RE: Ironman Shirt?
I would NOT wear anything you hate at your Ironman race!, no way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You don't want those 'hate' messages in your head while you're out there... you want to hear 'I love what I'm wearing, I feel good, I look good!!", right?

Good luck!!, wear what makes you feel like a rockstar!
2013-08-16 1:27 PM
in reply to: julio26pt2

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Subject: RE: Ironman Shirt?

What is the point of wearing it under your wetsuit then taking it off and putting on a bike jersey? I don't get that at all.

Rock the onesie!

2013-08-16 1:53 PM
in reply to: 0

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Subject: RE: Ironman Shirt?
Originally posted by mrbbrad

What is the point of wearing it under your wetsuit then taking it off and putting on a bike jersey? I don't get that at all.

Rock the onesie!




There is no point. I read somewhere in the athlete guide that a shirt must be worn at all times.....but that's just for the bike and run, it's okay to be shirtless from swim to the changing tent... Forget I said that.

Edited by julio26pt2 2013-08-16 1:54 PM
2013-08-17 1:56 PM
in reply to: julio26pt2

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Subject: RE: Ironman Shirt?
I'm kind of in the same boat but think I've decided on wearing the tri top! But it will be accompanied by a bike jersey for the cycle - this is fully due to it just not being damm warm enough in Ireland to wear the tri top on its own on the bike! for the run its just the tri top - its comfy enough - don't really care how silly I look - I doubt other competitors will even notice - as for spectators - who cares - I'll be an IRONMAN!
2013-08-18 8:54 AM
in reply to: grahamclarke_6

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Subject: RE: Ironman Shirt?
If you with a bike jersey, think about one with a full zipper. It takes almost no time to put on a full zip jersey, even when wet.


2013-08-19 8:53 AM
in reply to: g_shotts

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Subject: RE: Ironman Shirt?
I would also echo be comfy. Its a long day. An extra minute or 2 in transition in exchange for being comfortable all day is well worth it.    I would also suggest to be prepared for hot or cold  esp in WI where it could be 100 or 50 on race day. 
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