[Beaner]

are triathlons rain or shine? what if there is lightning? will they still let you swim. I have never trained in the rain. Should I? Today is POURING here. Should I go for a run?

[Smartt/RST]

Triathlons are usually run rain or shine, but lightning will cancel a race...check the website for the oly nationals this year.
If you suspect you will be racing in the rain, then you should do a couple of b/r workouts in some modest rain/drizzle so that you are familiar with the bike handling/foot landing (if trails are involved) changes of being in the rain.
Keep in mind, that if you run or cycle in the rain, it's much more important to stay warm than dry; which can be quite hard to do on the bike w/o a lot of gear.

[Beaner]

Well,

Tomorrow is my first tri. The weather for tomorrow's race is 60 Degrees F and 100% chance of rain. I'm not too concerned (a bit though) that I haven't trained in the rain. What I am concerned about is 1) what to wear/how to ensure warmth 2) how to keep my stuff dry in the transition. I was thinking of throwing a polyproplene long underwear top underneath a bike shirt for the bike, and if it works, just wearing it for the rest of the race. On the bottom, not throwing on longs at all--just sticking it out in my shorts. Any advise?

[Smartt/RST]

Quote

Well,

Tomorrow is my first tri. The weather for tomorrow's race is 60 Degrees F and 100% chance of rain. I'm not too concerned (a bit though) that I haven't trained in the rain. What I am concerned about is 1) what to wear/how to ensure warmth 2) how to keep my stuff dry in the transition. I was thinking of throwing a polyproplene long underwear top underneath a bike shirt for the bike, and if it works, just wearing it for the rest of the race. On the bottom, not throwing on longs at all--just sticking it out in my shorts. Any advise?

Polypro can be a great way to go, and not covering your legs should be ok at 60deg. Some gloves, wind stoppers on your shoes and a skull cap or cycling hat under your helmet can do wonders to keep you warm. Yeah, it adds time to both transitions, but a significant drop in core temperature will result in a re-distribution of blood (away from limbs - i.e.: arm/leg muslces) that is likely to result in a time loss greater than the time it takes to put on a couple articles of clothing. The trick is knowing in what environmental conditions this would happen to you and to a certain degree, it's just trial and error....just bring options to the race so you can make a decision at race time and not be wishing you had brought "....".