Lots of Begginer's questions about 1st Race and Swimming - Triathlon Week

Das · 07-02-2005, 03:27 PM

I will be competing in my first Spint Triathlon in August. I'm so nervous. I've been training now fr over 2 months, but Im still nervous. I have a couple questions, if anyone could help me i would greatly appreciate it:

1) What is Drafting when swimming? I keep reading about Drafting and how your not allowed, but Im confused with the swimming one and the bike one?

2) In Florida, Miami Beach actually- where I will be competing, the water is really warm, and you dont need a swimsuit, but I have no idea what to wear. I keep reading all over different things. Some people say invest in a tri suit that you can wear for all 3 events, others say just swim in your bathing suit, then put on your cycling shorts or cycle without and then put on your running shorts? I am so confused. Can you really just wear the trisuit for all 3?

3) Some women keep saying you might need to wear a bra under the bathing suit or tri suit while running and that they swim with it to save time and receive support would i really need this while swiming?

4) What is swimmer's ear? Im training in the ocean, and I keep hearing it mentioned, but I dont understand what it is. I bought a couple books on Triathlons, but I'm overseas as I type this training and Im wondering what is this Swimmer's ear i keep hearing about and I can not look it up cause I do not have my books with me.

I know these are a lot of questions, but Im so nervous and I just want to keep on training, getting better and finishing my first race.

Thank you,
Das :bannana: [/color]undefined

sfricks · 07-02-2005, 04:06 PM

1) What is Drafting when swimming?

> Drafting while swimming is good. Drafting while swimming involves swimming immediately behind a comparably paced athlete as closely as possible while avoiding contact. THIS TAKES PRACTICE. I would suggest not trying this in your first race. You may find yourself with a face full of foot. DO practice this technique. It will save enegry and reduce your swim time.

> Drafting while biking is bad (except in draft legal races which most aren't). This involves riding directly behind a cyclist so that they block the wind, thereby reducing your energy output. Again, not allowed in most races. Just don't ride immediately behind another biker. If you have similar pace, ride to one side or the other or pass them.

2) In Florida, Miami Beach actually- where I will be competing, the water is really warm, and you dont need a swimsuit, but I have no idea what to wear.

> WOW. Don't need a swimsuit? Cool triathlon! *kidding* I assume you mean wetsuit and no. Water's too warm in Miami this time of year. Buy Tri shorts. They have less padding so don't wear them on your century bike but they're great for races up to Half Iron (now 70.3) events. No need to change shorts and I don't recommend layering as it could cause chafing.

3) Some women keep saying you might need to wear a bra under the bathing suit or tri suit while running and that they swim with it to save time and receive support would i really need this while swiming?

> Most female athletes I know (including my well endowed wifey) use a sport top. These have a "bra" (actually liner) sewn in them. P L E N T Y of support. Just swim, bike and run with it. No need to change tops.

4) What is swimmer's ear?

> No worries for 99.9% of ocean swims. Swimmers ear (Otitis Externa) comes from bacteria that thrives in warm moist places (your ears) after fresh water and pool swims. See [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] for more info.

GOOD LUCK! HAVE FUN!

Das · 07-03-2005, 09:48 AM

Thank you! Thank you! Haha..an yes, i meant a wetsiut...Haha, I cant believe I wrote that!
Thank you again for clariflying, I will not draft in either swiming, because I'll have to learn that technique frist and never during biking. I have some good cycling friends, that want to take me out to teach me how to ride together and all that. I just want to make sure, I am not doing anything illegal in my first or any other races I choose to do! Thank you again, you really, really helped clarify!

Das

imhooked · 07-14-2005, 10:17 PM

Agree with everything Scott mentions. If it's your first tri, just focus on your race, use it as a learning experience, and have fun... don't worry, you'll get hooked and will do many more! In the swim, anticipate that everyone will get spread out (even with a sprint) and you don't have to worry about drafting, that's a more advanced technique. What to wear? What are you comfortable in? Make sure you train in what you plan on wearing. You don't want to try something new in the race. Also, don't worry, you'll dry off soon off after the swim and then you'll be drenched in sweat. On the bike, if you are ready to pass, pass the rider and create at least a 3-4 meter gap between you and the person and pull back to your right. No matter what advice you get, you'll still be nervous... we all were too during our first tri. But, once you are done, you'll be looking forward to your next one. Good luck and have fun!!