General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Who knows the secret to a good T1? Rss Feed  
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2007-08-14 11:14 AM

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Lewisville, nc
Subject: Who knows the secret to a good T1?
ok, I'm about to run my 3rd Tri in Sept. I've been practicing my transitions. My bike dismount is pretty good, but my mount still needs a little work. I'm trying to run and jump on the bike with the shoes already clipped in. I've ALMOST got this perfected, but I keep running in to the same problem. When I cram my feet in, I always push the tongue down some (cramping my toes a little), and my heel always ends up pushing the back of the shoe down and folding it over some (causing a little discomfort on the heel). I can ride sprint distances like this with little problem, but what's the "trick" to getting them on correctly while riding? I know some people ride sprints without socks, is it BECAUSE of my socks? I'm assuming that when my feet are a little wet, this problem will be even worse. Thoughts???


2007-08-14 11:19 AM
in reply to: #925279

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Resident Curmudgeon
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Subject: RE: Who knows the secret to a good T1?

Sounds like the secret you're looking for would be to get some triathlon-specific shoes. My shoes are tonguelss, so you don't have that problem, open wide for your foot to go in easy, and have a loop on the back to pull up the heel.

I also put a generous amount of powder in my shoes to help lubricate the process.

2007-08-14 11:54 AM
in reply to: #925279

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Lewisville, nc
Subject: RE: Who knows the secret to a good T1?
Yeah, I was thinking about the shoes, but will probably wait on that investment until my next bike. Powder is what I was looking for. I never thought of that. Good idea! Pam cooking spray? Hmm??
2007-08-14 12:24 PM
in reply to: #925351

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Master
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Subject: RE: Who knows the secret to a good T1?
Pam is not the right thing to use.  It will be greasy and will probably damage the shoes.  Powder works great because it creates  a dry lubricant and also absorbs moisture.
2007-08-14 12:32 PM
in reply to: #925279

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Lewisville, nc
Subject: RE: Who knows the secret to a good T1?
I know sarcasm doesn't show up too well in the font I use, but I really was just kidding!
2007-08-14 12:40 PM
in reply to: #925427

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Master
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Subject: RE: Who knows the secret to a good T1?


Edited by ditchdoc 2007-08-14 12:40 PM


2007-08-14 12:46 PM
in reply to: #925279

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Subject: RE: Who knows the secret to a good T1?

Skip the transitions altogether.





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2007-08-14 1:01 PM
in reply to: #925279

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Lewisville, nc
Subject: RE: Who knows the secret to a good T1?
Now we're talking... it wouldn't matter what shoes I wore...
2007-08-14 3:38 PM
in reply to: #925279

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Subject: RE: Who knows the secret to a good T1?
The tongue on my shoes is only open on one side, so if yours is open on both sides, you could use velcro or a rubber band to pull the tongue out of the way until you foot is in.
2007-08-14 3:53 PM
in reply to: #925279

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Subject: RE: Who knows the secret to a good T1?

I think the amount of time saved by a running mount/dismount can be easily over-estimated. It won't hurt of course, and it can save you a few seconds, but I've seen plenty of pros that don't do it (I think I recall Michelie Jones getting off the "normal" way at last year's Kona).

To really save time in T1, you have to shave seconds off of everything, there is no silver bullet. Be focused, be fast, don't dilly dally.
- Go without socks if you've trained your feet for it
- Have your stuff properly laid out and know what you are doing and when
- Wear the right clothes (ie no pulling on a tshirt when you're wet, no pulling on or taking off anything other than your helmet, wetsuit and shoes). What you start with is what you should wear the entire race
- Run the whole time, don't walk.
- Hurry

Murph
2007-08-14 4:03 PM
in reply to: #925279

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Who knows the secret to a good T1?
secret is to pratice, pratice, practice.

seriously go out get yourself nice and wet and then jump on your bike as fast as you can. Then enjoy the ride.


2007-08-14 4:08 PM
in reply to: #925882

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Who knows the secret to a good T1?

I would recommend ditching the socks, at least until T2.  Your feet will be dryer by then and the socks will go on easier too.  Also, put as many items on your bike as possible.  All you should do in T1 is lose your swimming stuff and grab the helmet and shoes.  Any extra stuff (Gu, sunglasses, etc) can be put on while riding.  I recommend a bento box.  Keeping it simple in both Ts will save time.

The other benefits to tri-specific shoes (aside from the tongue) is a single strap and they are more ventilated and fit like a glove.  You wouldn't even want socks with them.  They are a good investment and you can wear them for training too.  I switch back and forth between tri shoes and regular cycling shoes, depending on how much I have to walk in them.  If I'm riding to something (not a training ride) I wear the cycling shoes because they ahve more bend and I can easily wear socks.  Just something to think about. I have a cheaper pair of Lake's, which run well under $100 if you shop carefully.  Check out Nashbar or Performance Bike catalogs.

2007-08-14 5:45 PM
in reply to: #925890

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Sensei
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Subject: RE: Who knows the secret to a good T1?
I probably have the wrong attitude regarding transitions. I DO care about them, but I don't practice them, but I don't dilly dally either. But, since I'm not fighting for podium spots, I care more about comfort and care than top speed through T1 and T2.

Just looking at my last race results, I am solid MOP when it comes to transitions. I was at 3:00 minutes at T1 because I like to put my socks and shoes on and I took a little time to get some extra water in me due to the HOT conditions we have here in Las Vegas. The BEST at T1 was just over 1min - so I could have saved just under two minutes on the best time.

I put my socks on in T1 because I figure that either I spend the time then, or in T2 to put them on - It's a wash to me. I never ran into any problems with "sticky socks" if I'm wet.

I would LIKE to keep the shoes in the peddles, but I wear a size 13. They tend to drag or "pole vault" my bike when I run with them in the peddles and they get caught on the pavement. That seems to scuff my shoes up badly or send my bike in all wierd directions. Plus, (I know it takes practice), I would probably lose more time trying to get my feet in while riding than just getting them on and just hammering right when I clip in.

My T2 times were only 40 seconds slower than the BEST time.

So all said and done, I might have moved up one or two spots overall if I was the FASTEST in transitions (which I wouldn't be) and no spots in my AG or Clydes. I just figure untill I can improve my bike and run times to get me close to the podium, an extra couple minutes over the fastest times in the transitions are not important to me.
2007-08-14 6:05 PM
in reply to: #925279

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Subject: RE: Who knows the secret to a good T1?
i agree with the powder idea if you're not going to purchase tri shoes yet...i use powder on my running shoes and when i come into T2 i slide in very easily....the best thing to do is go sockless for the sprints....if you're not going to clip the shoes in ahead of time, just put them on your feet no socks, and dont worry about the sand and stuff on your feet, once you're in the race, its the last thing on your mind...good luck with things
2007-08-14 10:42 PM
in reply to: #926014

Elite
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Subject: RE: Who knows the secret to a good T1?

i can't believe nobody has said this.

Duct Tape. 

I'm serious.  Take a very small piece of duct tape and loop (roll) it.  Place it between the tongue and the shoe so that it holds the shoe open.   Run it long ways, so that when you close the shoe, it rolls off.  Use real duct tape and not the fake stuff.  The 3M stuff is too sticky and doesn't release.

And pre-roll your socks down at least past the heel, so all you have to do is get your toes in and roll the sock up your foot.  Easy to do even with wet feet.



Edited by vortmax 2007-08-14 10:44 PM
2007-08-15 5:16 AM
in reply to: #925279

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Lewisville, nc
Subject: RE: Who knows the secret to a good T1?
I'm telling you, this is the best and most useful web site ever. Thanks all for all of the tips/tricks. I've gotten a bunch of good advice from this thread. I'm certainly not racing for any podium spots, but I've gotten so addicted to watching these olympic Tri's that are on on Saturdays, that I've got it in my head that I'm gonna shoot for this 9 second transition or something(sarcasm). I guess we'll see how it goes.... at any rate, I just want to have better transitions than my last race (2:58 and 1:35). Again, seriously, thanks for all the tips.


2007-08-15 6:06 AM
in reply to: #925999

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Master
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Subject: RE: Who knows the secret to a good T1?
Aikidoman - 2007-08-14 6:45 PM

I would LIKE to keep the shoes in the peddles, but I wear a size 13. They tend to drag or "pole vault" my bike when I run with them in the peddles and they get caught on the pavement.


Rubber bands to the chain stays.
2007-08-15 6:31 AM
in reply to: #925473

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: Who knows the secret to a good T1?
Actually, based on the pic, it looks like cleats would be best...
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Who knows the secret to a good T1? Rss Feed