Triathalon Rookie

Andrewf20

Hi all,

Ive been convinced to enter the olympic distance Tri-Athy in May (1500m swim, 40k cycle, 10k run), but I have never done a triathalon before! I am reasonably fit but need to work hard still, but I have a few questions.

-Im anxious about the swim - does the fact that we will be going with the current (river) make it much easier along with the "floatiness" of a 5.3 wetsuit?
-I assume most folks will wear their cycling gear under the wetsuit, meaning that when I get to the bike, its just a matter of putting on T shirt, shoes, and helmet?
-How do people top up with energy? Do folks keep a stash of energy bars or drinks on them during the cycle and run?

Any help appreciated. Thanks!

hunnymonster

there is a triathlon forum and the triathlon ireland website has all sorts of useful information.


Yes going with the current in a river with a wetsuit makes the swim relatively easy but it's still an open water swim, completely different from a pool go get some practice in before race day. Another factor with triathlon racing is the fist-fest that is an open water start.

I wear everything under my wettie so when I get to my bike I just ditch the suit, put on my helmet and away I go. I leave shoes attached to the bike. It doesn't save me any time but I don't forget them that way.

For an olympic I have a water bottle of sports drink on the bike. Sometimes take a breakfast bar as well but you don't actually need to take too much on board. There is usually at least one water stop on the run.

g'em

moved

tunney

The swim in Athy was short last year and with a fast current - its over very very quickly as opposed to other races of similar distances.

My old club runs the race and they have a good pedigee of race organisation. They used to run Dublin City Tri before they gave it to Piranha.

DO a few shorter races before it to get used to the protocol and ettiqute. (Excuse the spelling)

Andrewf20

Cheers guys,

Whats the best sports drink to have or does it really matter too much? I would have thought a load of food would be needed. Whats going to be tricky for me is that I dont have a race bike, just a mountain bike (Stumpjumper). My aim is just to just finish, even if I come last! I can see myself getting devoured, but what the hell.

interested

Andrewf20 wrote: »

Cheers guys,

Whats the best sports drink to have or does it really matter too much? I would have thought a load of food would be needed. Whats going to be tricky for me is that I dont have a race bike, just a mountain bike (Stumpjumper). My aim is just to just finish, even if I come last! I can see myself getting devoured, but what the hell.

Theres a stack of options for drinks - typical advice might include pick something you can stomach and that works for you - ensure the day of the triathlon isnt the first time you try something out.

If using something other than a road bike then consider switching the tyres to something more like the ones on hybrid bikes (I cant think of the right names for these but head to a bike shop and ask) - rolling resistance will help over 40k.

Getting yourself around the course is the right attitude for your first outing.

macinalli

Andrewf20 wrote: »

Cheers guys,

Whats the best sports drink to have or does it really matter too much? I would have thought a load of food would be needed. Whats going to be tricky for me is that I dont have a race bike, just a mountain bike (Stumpjumper). My aim is just to just finish, even if I come last! I can see myself getting devoured, but what the hell.

The bike you have doesn't have to be a top of the range time-trial bike, but the difference in weight between a regular mountain bike and a regular road bike can be huge. As mentioned above, rolling resistance is important too. I did an adventure race last year, borrowed a decent road bike from a mate, difference it made was huge! It sounds a tough enough event already, why make it harder?

Phil01

You should get yourself a tri suit, the cycling shorts have a big sponge on the arse, so this will soak up more water. Tri Suits have much smaller sponge plus there is no need to change at transistion.

jsilke

dude dont swim in a 5'3 wetsuit......your arms will die in the first 400m.......tri-suits have much more flex around the arm/shoulder area wetsuit are far thicker and really kill your arms.......i would recommend getting a tri-suit but they are kinda of pricey if you are considering keeping up tri i would definitley recommend the investment...........

hunnymonster

jsilke, welcome to boards. We generally don't boing threads that are older than a couple of weeks unless there is something very important to add. people's opinions change over time and resurrecting old threads confuses people.

jsilke

right sorry mate.......just trying to help.....it came up in a search........really didnt notice the date.......