General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Expertise Needed - racing in the rain Rss Feed  
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2013-08-16 10:56 AM

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Expert
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, Michigan
Subject: Expertise Needed - racing in the rain
Any advice for race day? Swim is a non issue of course. What about the little things a beginner might not think about....like should I still wear glasses on the bike? I guess I'm trying to identify the things I don't know I don't know.


2013-08-16 11:00 AM
in reply to: DV 1

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Member
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Subject: RE: Expertise Needed - racing in the rain
How far?
2013-08-16 11:16 AM
in reply to: DV 1

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Veteran
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Queen Creek, AZ
Subject: RE: Expertise Needed - racing in the rain
Clear lens glasses if it's cloudy, if not, normal sunglasses or lighter tint are okay.
Go a tad slower (or whatever you feel comfy with) around corners.
Put your socks/shoes in a ziplock bag in transition (and anything you wish to keep dry).
Maybe bring 2 pairs of socks, one for the bike and one for the run so they are somewhat dry.

HAVE FUN!
2013-08-16 11:26 AM
in reply to: DV 1

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Pro
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Melbourne FL
Gold member
Subject: RE: Expertise Needed - racing in the rain

On the bike, stay off of the painted lines in corners, especially if there are painted stop lines at stop signs, be very aware of these.  I'll wear sunglasses all the time when on the bike, I never want something hitting my eye at spend, rain is even worst.  Best thing I did for one sprint race where it rained was have my visor on my aero helmet.

For the run, depends on the shoes I wear, on some I found I have to bodyglide a few spots that will get bothered. My latest shoes don't bother me when they are wet but they also have drain holes in them.  Also, I like to wear a hat or visor as it keeps the sun/rain from beating on my face.

2013-08-16 11:42 AM
in reply to: DV 1

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Champion
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Sarasota, FL
Subject: RE: Expertise Needed - racing in the rain

On the bike stay off painted lines on the road and avoid any standing water.  Some folks also recommend lowering your tire pressure 5lbs or so. Be careful on the brakes to avoid locking up a wheel and hydroplaning.

I have sunglasses with tinted, clear and amber lenses that I can swap out depending on conditions.  Really a judgement call.

Lots of BodyGlide, Vasoline or other lubricant on any areas subject to chaffing and blistering.  For me that's my heels and top of my arches (I don't wear socks for most races).

Pack some extra towels and a change of dry clothes.  A long-sleeve shirt/jacket and some sweatpants if you think you might get chilled aferwards.

Mark

 

   

2013-08-16 12:00 PM
in reply to: RedCorvette

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Expert
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, Michigan
Subject: RE: Expertise Needed - racing in the rain
Half and Full distance are what I'm most interested in.


2013-08-16 12:18 PM
in reply to: DV 1

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Apex, NC
Subject: RE: Expertise Needed - racing in the rain
Main thing that bugs me is that the gear in transition gets soaking wet so you're putting on wet stuff to begin the leg. If you're doing a half or full it's going to be sitting there for a long time. Many races you're putting the gear in a bag anyway but if you're not then I would do it myself.

Glasses or not is a tough one. If you wear them they can get really clouded, especially in heavy rain. If you don't you are vulnerable to the inevitable road grime being thrown up by the splashing, not to mention the rain in your eyes. I tend to start with them then take them off if it becomes too problematic.
2013-08-16 12:21 PM
in reply to: smoom

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Apex, NC
Subject: RE: Expertise Needed - racing in the rain
One other thing... an idea I heard is to use RainX on the lenses of your glasses to help with visibility. It was a suggestion for sweat but should work for rain. I haven't tried it but is seems like a good idea.
2013-08-16 12:22 PM
in reply to: smoom

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Extreme Veteran
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Maryland
Subject: RE: Expertise Needed - racing in the rain
If it is a long race, be careful of getting cold. 70 degrees out with the sun and no rain is great, it can get a bit chilly being soaking wet on a bike for 5 hours.
2013-08-16 12:35 PM
in reply to: DV 1

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Master
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Burlington, Vermont
Subject: RE: Expertise Needed - racing in the rain
I apply vaseline liberally to my feet/toes before a run in the rain. I also swear by merino wool socks in the rain. Darn Tough makes a great pair.
2013-08-16 12:37 PM
in reply to: DV 1

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Pro
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Bellingham, WA
Subject: RE: Expertise Needed - racing in the rain

Be careful when braking on the bike.  I did a relay last year where I had the bike leg.  There was a 90 degree turn at the bottom of a fast downhill.  It was wet out and at that speed I underestimated my slowing capacity.  I slid past the closed lane into the open for traffic lane and would have got crunched if a car had been coming.

On the run, I think you are more susceptible to chafing and/or blisters so take adequate precautions. 



2013-08-16 2:40 PM
in reply to: popsracer

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Veteran
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Austin, Texas
Subject: RE: Expertise Needed - racing in the rain

All the above is great info.

As for braking, one additional thing is to brake before the turn (always a good idea, but even more so on slick roads).

For regulating body heat, I'd consider getting into the wetsuit a little earlier than normal, as well (and you can always warm it up by...  never mind).  The early wetsuit thing can help keep you from a shiver fest at the start, at least.

Matt

2013-08-16 3:34 PM
in reply to: DV 1

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Expertise Needed - racing in the rain
Originally posted by DV 1

Half and Full distance are what I'm most interested in.


I wear tinted sunglasses no matter the weather....the wind drives my eyes crazy regardless of rain. Definately be careful on turns and painted syrfaces.

In IMLP it began to rain around mile 13 on the run and I wish I had a breathable poncho in special needs or something warm.......depends on how fast you are, and if you run into any delays........if you are going to finish a long course/IM before sundown you may not need anything in the rain but if you are slower or have a mechanical issue on the bike which makes you finish in the dark and late you could get cold
2013-08-16 4:08 PM
in reply to: FELTGood

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Regular
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Wisconsin
Subject: RE: Expertise Needed - racing in the rain
Take a clear garbage bag or rain pancho to put over your important items in transition!
2013-08-16 5:59 PM
in reply to: Swimbikeron

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Regular
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Subject: RE: Expertise Needed - racing in the rain
Socks for the run in a waterproof bag.

If you don't bother wearing covers for your bike shoes, socks are pointless IMO as your feet will be wet in no time. I've been stupid twice and thought socks would help me out in wet conditions for a race. Maybe next race I do I'll get smarter.

But slow down sooner than you think you need for corners and go slower around corners.
2013-08-16 11:52 PM
in reply to: spie34


287
100100252525
Subject: RE: Expertise Needed - racing in the rain
Rain? Watch out for water filled potholes. I crashed three weeks ago and had surgery the next day. Do not use carbon brake rim wheels in rainy conditions. Good luck.


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