Hello from VA! - Triathlon Week

SGG · 12-26-2006, 08:03 PM

I'm a newbie to triathlon. Using the winter training to prepare for the 2007 season. Since I'm into endurance sport for a couple of years I'm aiming for olympic distance. Swimming is my weakest part, but it is amazing how fast one can see the results of regular training. woohoo

I'm looking for some tips (especially regarding the transitions at a race) and wouldn't mind to find a training partner.

Cheers,
Andrea

sfricks · 12-27-2006, 06:34 AM

Welcome on Andrea. Good luck in your 2007 season. Here's info on transitions. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

SGG · 01-01-2007, 02:12 PM

Hi Scott,

Happy New Year!

Thanks a lot for the link and the detailed information. I’d like to be prepared and getting to know as much as possible in advance will help me to concentrate on the race.

However, I have some further questions and I do hope that you (or fellow triathlets) may shed some light into my darkness while sharing some experience with me.

It seems like most of you in this forum participate in open water swims and in (very) warm weather conditions, the first races in my area will be under different conditions:
First, the swim part will be in a pool: Are skinsuits allowed in a pool or are they seen as wetsuits?
Second, the weather in March/April may still be a bit cold to exercise in shorts and a tank top. I normally wear long trousers and/or long sleeves until the temperature reaches low 70ies. (Yeah, you can see me wearing gloves and a scarf @ 50F.) Especially, if the clothes are still wet after the swim, I do not want to risk being cold while starting the bike part.
Do I need to layer some clothes? Or are there any insider tips to cope with situations like this?

Sooo many questions....

Thanks so much for your help!

A thankful newbie
Andrea

sfricks · 01-02-2007, 11:39 AM

Skin suits are not wetsuits. They'd probably be Lycra which most bike & tri wear are any way. Unless you intend to bike and run in your skin suit, I'd skip it. Its just another thing to deal with and slow you down. Prferably, you'd wear one outfit for the entire race.

Your aclimitazation to cold would determine your bike clothing. You'll likely see some athletes in colder weather still wearing weat tri gear but putting on Lycra arm & leg warmers.

My guess is you'll be uncomfortable on the bike but will warm up on the run.

Hey, if triathlon was easy (& comfortable), they'd call it football! :)