Running without socks - Triathlon Week

Spike10 · 04-28-2006, 12:33 PM

O.K. guys I wasent sure where to start this thread so I decided to go at it here, not only have I started to train without socks in the run, but also on the bike. My buddy sfricks says go for it and you will like it, well scott, your right, however, some pain has set in. On my bike rides of all distances going sockless has no ill effects at all and the feel of the inside of my cycling shoes is quite nice. Now to the run, my toes are taking quite a beating with blisters and just being rammed into the front of my shoes, my form is not what you would call stellar but I have been doing it for a long time without blistering. I read somewhere that superglue is a good form of rub protection, being a avid model airplane builder and weekend pilot I know what superglue on your skin is like (just wait until its dry before puting on your shoes) and don't glue your toes together. Maybe my shoes are the real problem and I need to get some new ones. I will try some of the other things that were suggested and stop whining

Any other options would be appreciated since I now think that going comando (at least where my feet are concerned) is the way to go.
Thanks for letting me ramble.
Spike.

sfricks · 04-28-2006, 01:18 PM

Congrats Spike. Welcome to the naked feet club. What distances are you running? I'll only do 4-6 sans socks. Don't over do it. If you're blistering, build up slowly. Keep those pups happy. They've got to carry you a long way!

On Oly + distance races the few seconds spent putting on socks in T2 is worth it for me. I use Defeet ankle socks (with Ironman logos :)) and have run 20 + in those with no lube at all. Super Glue would work well on hot spots I'm sure but might negate the calousing effect. I'd save that for racing. I have used liquid bandaid before and know it works well.

Remember, if you sweat a lot, are running on damp terrain or in the rain, you run a much greater risk of blistering. This shouldn't be a problem on Sprints though.

Occaisionally, I'll dump water on my head and it makes it way into my shoes. That's the primary reason I wear socks on longer runs. I ALWAYS carry a small tub of vaseline in my Transition bag. When doing Oly +, if there's a chance of wetness, I'll lube my pups in T2.

Now for cycling, I'm naked under 70 miles. I've never blistered on the bike but don't want to risk it either. Can't imagine being 20 from the house and having one starting to grow! The big advantage to cycling naked (feet of course :)) is running in and out of Transition. That can rarely be done with socks.

All that said, I've really only blistered badly one time. That was last years St Croix IM 70.3. I thought I'd grabbed my Defeets but instead grabbed a pair of cotton socks. In T2 I didn't lube. M I S T A K E! Cotton doesn't work! Would have been better off commando! Ended up with a blister between my toes of all places. That was very odd and very painful. Won't make that mistake again :)

Keep up the training. It'll come and you'll wonder why you weren't commando sooner. :)

Spike10 · 04-28-2006, 01:53 PM

I did just a 3.1 at lunch today (56 deg. and light misty rain) I diddn't even feel the big one on my left big toe, about the size of a dime until right about mile 3, the right foot has a tiny one on the second toe not even big enough to drain. I will sock up for my Oly and Half this season, and I will give the defeets a try. Thanks for the input and keep in touch, I assume you are tapering this week, best of luck next weekend and I will be watching the stats.
Spike.

sfricks · 04-28-2006, 03:00 PM

Nah... Taper is for wusses! :)

Doing a H I L L Y 39/6 brick Sunday. That's it for the bike. Off Mon. Run 6 Tues. Run 3 Wed. 5k race Thurs. Run 3 Fri. Off Sat. 70.3 Sun. Swim 1500-2000 each day except Sun and next Sat with decreasing exertion. That's the plan anyway...

So... I know what you're problem with blistering is... Your feet are in rebellion from the cold! Running sans socks requires temps in the 90-125 degree range! :) Time to move south!

Enjoy your weekend.

Spike10 · 05-05-2006, 01:49 PM

As usual you are right Scott, my feet are rebelling but I have forced them to do what I want inspite of the cold (today 45 deg. and rainy again). I have discovered that a thin sock is way better than a thick one when I need to run in the cold, however I will be racing in much warmer weather (I hope) starting next month and I will be ready. By the way I saw "The Beast" on the web site for the race, man that's a steep one, I can't wait to get enough money to come there and go face to face, maybe sometime soon, it's on my to do list. Kick some butt on Sunday and I'll be there in spirit.
Spike.

sfricks · 05-06-2006, 06:43 AM

Thanks Spike. I appreciate the encouragement. As usual, I have managed to injure myself RIGHT before the race. Every Thursday preceeding the STX 70.3 we run a very hilly 5K (part of the IM 70.3 course). As I'm sure you know by looking at my times, I'm not especially fast but am fiercely competitive so... Last year I ran 7:28s and was determined to set a PR this year. Went out easy, picked up at the right time the blew it on a sharp decline about mile 2. :( My left ham went. OK... back to the competitive part... ----> me talking to myself... "Don't be a wuss! Your're acting like a litte girly girl! Speaking of which... Look at all those girls ahead of you. Run through the pain!" So... I say competitive, you say stupid. Kinda the same to me I guess. The good news is the pain has subsided today and I'm getting a massage at 12:20 when I get of work! (YEAH! :)) At best it's going to affect my gate. At worst, I may be relegated to walking. Not sure how, if at all, it'll affect the bike. I'm riding an easy 6 this evening just to see.

OK... That said, I'm mentally there. The beast is just 8-10 minutes of hell. Hey! If it was easy, they'd call it football! Nutrition plan is down, Gear already packed. Numbers on the bike, helmet and race belt. Bike is ready. I did buy and plan on racing in a new STX IM 70.3 logo'd singlet & tri shorts. (Remember the "nothing new on race day" rule?) Watch it rub the hell out of me!!! If so, you can laugh if I can cuss. Might be a good lesson for me.

As for the competition... We've become really good friends with Tara Norton ([Only registered and activated users can see links. ]) and a few other pros. Tara is a real sweetheart, an inspiration and a true champion. Some of these athletes are super (of course some are not). Those will remain nameless. I expect to finish 2/3 down the oveall list and 1/4 down on the VI list - barring a completely trashed run.

That's my pre-race report. Thanks for the good wishes and again for the wonderful support! Please do get down when you can. Put STX in your expedia.com or travelocity.com fare watcher alerts to look for airfair sales. We also have some great sprints here in Sept, Oct (BVIs),Feb (St Maarten), Mar, Apr, June (07), Aug (07) as well as an International (Olympic) in Nov and of course the hardest IM 70.3 in the world (and a Kona qualifier) The St. Croix Ironman 70.3 - Beauty and the Beast.

Perhaps you can join me in Florida in Octover for the Great Floridian - USAT Long Course Championship. Your choice of Iron or Half in a lovely area of Central Florida. The great news is the short sign-up times. No need to sweat the M-Dot 1 year in advance issues.

Spike10 · 05-09-2006, 09:33 PM

I would love to join you in Florida, we shall see what the schedule holds for me, great job in the race on Sunday, I see from the web site that the transition times weren't posted?? What's up with that? didden't we discess this very topic at great length just a week or two ago?, anyway that aside I have got to tell you that my loving wife did the most unexpected thing just last Friday, she bought me my new Trek, and let me tell you it's a great ride and I don't know how I went so long with out it! She's the best wife a guy could ask for! My times are sure to improve now, if the first day's outings don't repeat too often (yep, flat tire, mile 8) as for being a bad boy scout I went out fully unprepaired, no tubes no spare and thinking it's a new bike, how can I get a flat. Well luckily I do carry the multipurpous tool kit (my cell phone) and it worked like a charm, one call and a ride picked me up and whisked me home. The undersaddle pack is now on the new steed (soon to be viewed in all it's splendor on this very site) now on to the breakin peroid where we get to know each other a little better before we race. Speaking of which, did you chafe on Sunday or were the new duds O.K.?, I had to chuckle when I read that you were going to do something we should never do, the dredded race day new thing. Well I think I have rambled long enough, I have a story to tell you about the new bike later.
Talk to you soon.
Spike.

sfricks · 05-10-2006, 07:19 AM

WOW!!! You're a lucky guy!!! Lets start a new triathlon reality series: Trading "Iron Wifes". My wife would likely be the cause of the flat :)

OK... Spill the beans... What model? Road or Tri geometry? Tri bars or road bars? New pedals? What color? I can't wait to see!

Do think about FL. It's a great venue. It also has a pretty nice race related forum ([Only registered and activated users can see links. ]). I got a lot of great tips there.

Transitions were in the bike split. I knew they would be and didn't break them out so can't tell you what they were. Both were fast though. I'd guess less than 1:30 inside the fence.

Thanks Spike. I'm pleased with my time. Though slow in contrast, I bettered last year by 25 minutes. Best of all, I learned many new things about equipment, planning and my body. I'll give you a more detailed race report later (when we chat about you new stallion).

hmullett · 05-11-2006, 12:38 PM

Okay guys....simmer down. Spike, what a wonderful woman you have! A new Trek? I'm so jealous. I keep eyeballing a new tri bike, but just not in the funds right now. Alas...

Scott, how was Sunday? I thought about you out there on Sunday and was a little jealous. You didn't answer Spike's question about the new suit on race day...how was it? My husband would relate with your wife. He says he's an IM widower. Lost his wife to racing. Oh well, it's in my blood and here to stay. I'm jonesn for a race, next month is my first. Few sprints, a half, an olympic and then IM Florida. I get butterflies just thinking about it.

Heather

sfricks · 05-11-2006, 02:53 PM

Heather, you're a REAL woman. Let your husband know that there are lots of us Tri-guys out here that think buff Tri-chicks are the hottest thing around! :)

Sorry for not answering the question... No worries. It was fine. Just to be sure I used about a pound and a half of body glide on every tender spot and every seam. The singlet was tight but felt great and never bothered me. The shorts were perfect. Here's a pic of me coming out of the water with the new duds on. Don't look at me (I look beat!), look at the design. Pretty nice outfit. Louis Garneau Tri gear.

Thanks for thinking about me. Our spouses would be jealous! :) The race was great. The pain's all gone and I'm ready for round 2. Not much in the way of Tri's happening here until September so I put my road bars on last night. I'm going to start racing with the Virgin Islands Cycling Federation again. I know, I'm a Tri traitor! I’ll keep up the Tri training though and will begin working towards the GFT 140.6 in October shortly.

Heather, have you ever done Iron before? I have some neat tricks and an Iron race checklist you may want. Keep us up to date with your training.

hmullett · 05-11-2006, 03:11 PM

Scott,
Nope, this is my first IM. That's why I picked IM Panama City Beach, because I heard that it was an easier course. Flat. Any pointers or checklist that you might have would be fabulous! I did hire a coach but any successful IM that might help me will not be balked at! I have no shame in saying "What the hell was I thinking?!"

I would love to just do a bike race one day (maybe next year) I have found a deep love for the cycling discipline and have found that I'm pretty good. I race the guys on our bike trail and usually win. I've also found that I can get my little 51cm bike going pretty fast, and with that knowledge, I want to go faster. 27 mph is my record, held it for 3 minutes then the pain set in and had to back it off to 22. You have to know that I'm 5'3 1/2" , so the serious cyclists are a little shocked that I can keep up and even beat them! Maybe a new bike...(Spike I'm still jealous!)

Spike10 · 05-11-2006, 08:39 PM

Ah the smell of a new bike, it's one of the best things in life, to answer the questions as asked.
Model - Trek 1000
Geometry - Road
Bars - Road (for now)
Pedals - Look Racing
Color - (here is where the story begins)
Open a beer and relax and I hope enjoy, I got home from work on Friday to see a note on my front door that said that I was not to come in, so I hung out on the porch for a few minutes until my lovely wife brought me in, she covered my eyes and led me to our dining room, this is when she said that she loved me very much and then she showed me, the shiny new bike was wraped with a bow and a card, I was so blown away I could not even speak. The bike was black and silver just like you would see on the Trek web site (it is also my computer wall paper at work) As I started to breath again I swung my leg over this aluminum beauty only to find out it was just a tad too tall for me (5' 5 1/2", yes Heather I'm short too) I was whisked away to my LBS for the exchange and fitting, when I got there the guy that sold my bike to my wife said that he diddn't have the right size put together but he could have it bright and early the next morning. I said "go for it and I'll see you tomorrow", I diddn't get too far from the shop when my cell rang, it was my friendly bike tech telling me that the right size bike was a different paint scheme and could I come back and O.K. it before he put it together. I walked into the back of the shop and saw the most beautiful bike in the world (in my eyes anyway) It was tricked out with the "Discovery Channel" paint and it looks like a Madone and nowhere on it does it say 1000. I couldn't believe it, and I asked if it was the same price? He told me it was and off we went. By the way Heather, the first day I had it I went 40 mph with the biggest grin on my face :) and I'm with Scott, Tri chicks are HOT!!!
Well I hope that I haven't bored anyone, I'm just so jazzed abot my new ride (pics to follow when time permits)
Talk to you all soon.
Spike.

hmullett · 05-12-2006, 05:04 AM

40MPH!! Cool! I was actually looking at a Madone a few weeks ago, very smooth bike. Congrats! Can't wait to see the pics. By the way, you have a really awesome wife for doing that.

sfricks · 05-12-2006, 08:33 AM

OK Heather, now we're all really curious. Need a pic of hot Iron Mom and her ride.

FL is mostly flat. I think 110' is the climb profile for IM FL. I'll send you a few race tips & the checklist. Email me at [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] with your email address.

Anything over 20mph puts you in the top 1% of cyclists nationally (according to the USCF). So... YOU ROCK CHICK! You need one of those t-shirts that says "beaten by a girl" on the back :)

Spike, I'm SOOOO jealous. I can't even get my bride to by me new swim goggles! (She says all those scratches make me look macho :)) As hopped up as you are about your new steed, I bet you were doing 40MPH UP hill! Need pics soon dude!

Spike10 · 05-12-2006, 10:53 AM

Pictures will be uploaded tonight after I get home from work around 5 p.m. mountain time (that's some time tomorrow for you Scott :p) and I agree with you guys, my wife is "THE BEST", now I have to do well in my races or I'll never hear the end of it! First race of the season is still 5 weeks away and I can't wait.
Scott's right Heather, we need a pic of you smokin somebody on the bike!
Later guys.
Spike.