Back after 10 years... - Triathlon Week

SporaticSue · 05-07-2006, 06:37 AM

I'm doing my first tri in 10 years next month (Five weeks from today to be exact).

Unfortunately, I have some serious training to do before I get to where I want to be. I do it for myself, although as I get older, I'm finding the competition in me. I've read a lot of the boards, and I'm going to try some workouts mentioned. You know, the one thing I remember about the swim was getting kicked, so I keep telling my kids to swim around as I'm training, just so it doesn't get me so worked up!! I like all the advice I can get, so thanks to all of you "teachers!"

sfricks · 05-08-2006, 05:47 AM

Welcome back Sue. Glad you're back in the fracus! Let us know what support you need and we're there for you! :)

Hernan96 · 05-08-2006, 03:48 PM

Welcome back. I also back after a 10 year hiatus from the sport. I have been training in the pool since November, stationary bike in January road in March and runnning in January. I was coming off a knee injury and I have also lost 20+ lbs since November. The posts on this site and the group I train with have been a huge help to me. I congratulate all who comeback and those who never left.

SporaticSue · 05-08-2006, 07:07 PM

a few questions... First, I'm going to wear my speedo for all three events, but I'm going to put regular (cotton/spandex) shorts on after the swim to bike and run in. I saw a picture of someone wearing the shorts under her suit, but doesn't that make the swim more difficult? Next, I'm going to get some new running shoes, but how long should I train in them before I actually do the race? Finally, what's the best thing to do after finishing a tri?? Banana split, or a margarita?

Hernan96 · 05-09-2006, 08:42 AM

Sue,

What length of race are you doing? You may be able to hold off putting on the spandex/cotton shorts till the run. Are they a running style short?

I would get several runs in your new shoes before you try to race in them. Even when you"break" them in start with a short run and build up. Continue to run in your old shoes,unless they are horrible, and alternate between the two.

sfricks · 05-09-2006, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SporaticSue

a few questions... First, I'm going to wear my speedo for all three events, but I'm going to put regular (cotton/spandex) shorts on after the swim to bike and run in. I saw a picture of someone wearing the shorts under her suit, but doesn't that make the swim more difficult? Next, I'm going to get some new running shoes, but how long should I train in them before I actually do the race? Finally, what's the best thing to do after finishing a tri?? Banana split, or a margarita?

Sue, it's best to race in Tri shorts for 70.3 races & less. Tri shorts are spandex with light padding in them to cushin the bike but not hinder the swim or run. These will not hold water either. No need to change. One piece for all three events. A sport top or Tri singlet (depending on your endowment) will serve the same purpose.

If you're running sockless, I'd give it a month of light running to make a hppy foot/shoe marriage. Otherwise i'd think one or two runs of similar to race distance runs would suffice.

Go get 'em!

sfricks · 05-09-2006, 12:24 PM

Oh yeah... Recovery drink... Patron Tequila with a little salt & lime. If that's not available, my personal favorite is Minute Made Orange Juice. Great sugar kick after a hard work out and ALL natural!

Spike10 · 05-09-2006, 09:03 PM

Sue, just my two cents worth, Scott turned me on to Defeet socks and their the best I have ever run or ridden in, and I have just done a few bricks with my tri shorts and what a difference they make when you don't have to worry about changing. Also don't forget the glide if your doing it "Speedo", the ole thighs will give you a wake up call you diddn't order, you want to cross the finish line with your hands in the air and not doing the duck walk :) As for the recovery drink I'm surprised that Scott diddn't suggest rum as the main ingredient since he is is deep in rum country, my personal favorite is very, very cold gin and tonic with a twist if lime and lots of ice for the legs and the drink.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Spike.

SporaticSue · 05-10-2006, 06:38 PM

I'm going to get some tri shorts tomorrow, and I'll have to find out who carries Defeet socks and check those out. I'm doing a sprint, which I'm sure you all can do in your sleep, but I am starting to feel some anxiety and the race isn't for another month... Anything that will make my life easier will be a plus. Maybe I should try some very, very cold gin... :p

sfricks · 05-11-2006, 07:53 AM

Sue, skip the socks on the run. See the thread I started on triathlon transitions. Don't forget T1 & T2 are important parts of the race and need to be practiced, thought through and done as quickly as possible. Spike may be able to give more input on starting a naked feet program. I've been running without socks so long, I've forgotten how I acclimated my feet.

Back to the socks thing... They don't have to be Defeet brand socks. Just a good cycling sock. You should be able to get these from your local bike shop. I prefer ankle length. If you can't find them locally, order them from [Only registered and activated users can see links. ].

It's natural to be nervous before a race. Good drugs help (**** KIDDING!!!****). You'll get it done, no sweat.

I'm attaching a cropped area of a photo taken May 7, 2006. Disclosure: This picture was not taken specifically of this person. There is no malice in showing this, RATHER there is admiration and inspiration to be found here! The picture is of an amazing athlete, who despite her size was right in the middle of a large sprint triathlon. If she's got the nerve, ability, drive and motivation, we should all be pushing ourselves to achieve.

Spike10 · 05-11-2006, 08:03 PM

Great photo, she is part of a great group of people, the TNT team, my daughter has a friend who races under the TNT banner and they are a motivated group. As for training the feet, do you remember the saying Sue? "pain is beauty"? well the same applies to feet going comando. Just grit your teeth and do it, and I have a fairly painless way to treat blisters, first you apply an ice cube then when it starts to feel better, lance that little dude and then reapply the ice until it either goes numb or you can't take the cold anymore. This method has worked for me. Good luck and know we are behind you all the way.
Spike.

SporaticSue · 05-12-2006, 09:24 PM

Well, I'm not sure I'm ready to give up my socks just yet... But, I've got to ask about the lube that I've been reading about for the ride, to prevent leg chaffing. Is that really necessary for a sprint? What exactly is it, like Vasoline? Do you put it on your seat?

hmullett · 05-13-2006, 06:04 AM

Body Glide. That's an absolute need for any triathlete. It prevents chaffing (OWWW). I personally don't go sockless. #1 Ruins a good manicure #2 I'm too much of a baby to deal with the blisters. I do, however, buy really good socks. Wigwam and IM are good ones. Worth every penny. If you're planning on using a wetsuit, don't use Vasoline. It's petroleum based and will eat the neoprene. Welcome back.

sfricks · 05-13-2006, 06:18 AM

IF you didn't need it in training, you probably won't need it in your race. Whether you need it or not is up to you. For example, I can only ride about 15 miles and run about 4 miles without any lube. After that, I start to chafe in the groin (hairy legs - no nair for me :)). So as a rule, I simple lube up before every race/run/ride and I never chafe. Body Glide works best for me in most cases. It's readilly available everywhere. In the 70.3 I Body Glided the tops of my feet, my groin (all of it) , my nipples, my armpits and every waist, leg neck and arm seam and used Chamois Butt'r in the groin area as well . This was probably excessive (except the groin and nipples) but I was wearing a new short/singlet set and my Sidi Diadora Tri shoes are less than a month old (ergo tops of feet) so I wasn't taking any chances. Chafing can cause more than blisters. It can actually cause you to change your pedal stroke and run gait. I have actually seen this cause repetitive use injuries. Again this is the extreme case but for me it's just cheap insurance.

As for vaseline, I don't recommend it outside of Iron Distance. It will destroy any rubber item it contacts including some bike seats and the rubber compression rings found in a lot of lycra wear. If you're in a race requiring a wetsuit avoid vaseline contacting the suit at all costs unless you can afford a new one every race. Finally, I would lube your body, not the seat. You don't want to be sliding around in your race. You can however, lube your shoes. I often do heal and tongue if T2 is real sandy and I know I'm going to get abraised. HTH.

SporaticSue · 05-15-2006, 09:09 PM

Wow, who knew? All of this info, I feel like I'm getting free school! :) Thanks!!!