Fingal Sprint Tri inaugural 15/5/2011

new2tri

Race website



Hi, just thought I'd start a thread for anyone else taking the plunge in a few weeks! I am absolutely 'bricking' it (pardon the pun :P). Having been someone who couldn't run across the road (never mind 5k) this time last year - I am very nervous about completing it.

So if there's any other newbies out there or any more experienced triathletes with some advice - please share tips!

Karlrove

im a newbie aswell,any tips welcome as in what things to bring etc...bit lost there. Afre you wearing a full wetsuit or a 2 piece tri suit...must buy

mloc123

Best tip I'llgive is... enjoy it. Your first tri is great, make the most of it and get ready to enter a second one

new2tri

2 stars (poor)

Karlrove wrote: »

im a newbie aswell,any tips welcome as in what things to bring etc...bit lost there. Afre you wearing a full wetsuit or a 2 piece tri suit...must buy

Thanks mloc123 that's great advice :rolleyes:
Karlrove - I don't think many people will be wearing wetsuits as the pool will be much warmer that open water, I believe a tri suit (one or two piece) is the way to go!

mloc123

new2tri wrote: »

Thanks mloc123 that's great advice :rolleyes:

Fine what advice do you want then? Swim, bike, run... finish the ****ing race.

If you want specific advice ask for specific advice.

new2tri

2 stars (poor)

mloc123 wrote: »

Fine what advice do you want then? Swim, bike, run... finish the ****ing race.

If you want specific advice ask for specific advice.

janey mac! Sorry I didn't realise that was a sarcastic smiley - I just thought it looked cute! Am new to tri and posting so again sorry bout that! Honestly I think that is great advice - thanks.

mloc123

new2tri wrote: »

janey mac! Sorry I didn't realise that was a sarcastic smiley - I just thought it looked cute! Am new to tri and posting so again sorry bout that! Honestly I think that is great advice - thanks.

Sorry, I was being a grouch. Anyway some general advice on each stage..

Swim: don't lead your lane out, its much easier to draft in 2nd or 3rd spot... so if you are a poor swimmer save your energy for the bike and run.

Transition: socks are very ard to get on wet feet, do not bother with them. Don't put on too much in T1, you will not be cold on the bike and don't need long sleeve tops etc..

Bike: Don't go out too hard, build into it. You will feel great when you hit the bike and chance are will overcook the first half.. hold back a bit, at the turn around give it all you have.

Run: Jelly legs are fun, you've got this far so just smack the run and give it all you have... its only 5k.

Overall: Like I said enjoy it, its your first and will be your most fun one. After that it'll all be about improving etc.. and you may never be as happy again at the end of a race

nomadic

-Do a couple of short runs now without socks. You will probably get small blisters or grazes but it will harden your feet and lessen the impact on the big day.

-Have a look at the bike course and be vaguely familiar with the route, there's only a couple of roundabouts but its nice not to have to slow down to see which exit to take. Take a recce of the bike and run course if possible.

-Practice your transition routine, stuff like putting on a top whilst wet if your planning on doing that.

adamski8

3 stars (average)

this will be my first tri, im thinking of wearing my wet suit as practice for the valentia tri that im doing the weekend after. do people think this is a good idea or i should go with just the tri shorts?

catweazle

adamski8 wrote: »

this will be my first tri, im thinking of wearing my wet suit as practice for the valentia tri that im doing the weekend after. do people think this is a good idea or i should go with just the tri shorts?

Don't wear the wetsuit, you will be the only one wearing one. Wear the tri shorts practice taking the wetsuit off in a few OW swims between the races. No big deal opening the wetsuit, put a bit of baby oil on feet and hands, grab the zip and pull you will be out in a jiffy

NeedsTraining

Hey all,

Did my first try last year in Nenagh in the pool and loved the introduction to tri, hope you get the same.

Advice I would give

1. Don't wear a wetsuit. Pool will be too warm and you will be the only one wearing one.
2. Enjoy it
3. Have fun
4. Do a few more during the summer.
5. Tell your friends
6. Report back and let us know how you get on

Best of luck,

NT

mloc123

On wetsuits, you will not be allowed wear one so that makes it an easy choice.

RedB

mloc123 wrote: »

Transition: socks are very ard to get on wet feet, do not bother with them. Don't put on too much in T1, you will not be cold on the bike and don't need long sleeve tops etc..

nomadic wrote: »

-Do a couple of short runs now without socks. You will probably get small blisters or grazes but it will harden your feet and lessen the impact on the big day.

I normally wear socks cycling and running but they were awkward to put on in Nenagh Sprint which was my first pool sprint. Obviously its a bit of a personal thing but would you also recommend losing the socks for the Oly distances?
I'm also wondering if the socks make the bike shoes more comfortable also . I'll have to try losing the socks on a few training cycles and runs to try toughening up the feet and see how it works out. Over the longer distance it may be worth it?

I wore only Tri shorts in the Nenagh swim and I was really held up trying to get on my Tri Top in T1. It kept rolling up and twisting on me. I would recommend swimming in it instead.

mloc123

RedB wrote: »

I normally wear socks cycling and running but they were awkward to put on in Nenagh Sprint which was my first pool sprint. Obviously its a bit of a personal thing but would you also recommend losing the socks for the Oly distances?
I'm also wondering if the socks make the bike shoes more comfortable also . I'll have to try losing the socks on a few training cycles and runs to try toughening up the feet and see how it works out. Over the longer distance it may be worth it?

I wore only Tri shorts in the Nenagh swim and I was really held up trying to get on my Tri Top in T1. It kept rolling up and twisting on me. I would recommend swimming in it instead.

In my opinion...


The less clothes you try and put on wet in T1 the better. When I started doing tris my transition area looked like a wardrobe. I would have a towel, socks, gloves , helmet, sunglasses, runners, a box to throw my wetsuit into etc..

Now I have: Runners, helmet and sunglasses.

For Nenagh I wore a one piece tri suit, out of the water I stuck my helmet and glasses on and was gone. Shoes clipped in already. Some shoes are more comfortable than others I guess, I have northwave tri shoes and they are probably more comfortable without socks.

Same on the run, my rnners are fine without socks but I have had others that cut my feet included a pair of Nike Marathoners that are still stained red from a race last year... it'll toughen you up, probably

adamski8

3 stars (average)

is it true you cant swim bare chest in this race? I heard you cant but dont see it in the race brief?

PWEI

adamski8 wrote: »

is it true you cant swim bare chest in this race? I heard you cant but dont see it in the race brief?

I wouldn't advise it though. Yesterday I decided to do this in the Joey Hannon Sprint tri. I had a two piece tri suit and left the top on my bike. When I got in to T1 I had a lot of difficulty getting the shirt on. It cost me well over a minute so never again.

adamski8

3 stars (average)

well im not worried about the transition as ill be putting on a loose running top after

PWEI

adamski8 wrote: »

well im not worried about the transition as ill be putting on a loose running top after

Can't see why they wouldn't allow you swim it bare chested so.
Loads of people doing it at Joey Hannon Tri yesterday & seen it at other pool triathlons also.

couerdelion

3 stars (average)

PWEI wrote: »

Can't see why they wouldn't allow you swim it bare chested so.
Loads of people doing it at Joey Hannon Tri yesterday & seen it at other pool triathlons also.

On the pictures of last years events there seems to be a few people running from the pool to transition bear chested. I think the rule applys to the bike and run only. ( I hope so as I was planning on only wearing shorts for the swim!)

catweazle

adamski8 wrote: »

is it true you cant swim bare chest in this race? I heard you cant but dont see it in the race brief?

This is probably a ruling more for the lady entrants

Karlrove

what time does the tri event begin?...am worried its the 2010 site!

NeedsTraining

You need to register before 9 on Sunday morning.

First wave off at 10.10 so give yourself plenty of time.

Best of luck

Karlrove

any advice on nutrition day before and day of race...big brekkie? Drinks before race?

mloc123

Eat and drink as if it were any other training day

couerdelion

3 stars (average)

2011 race briefing was published yesterday and swim waves and lanes are out.

Wave 2 and lane 7 for me

adamski8

3 stars (average)

i registered today but i didnt really listen when they told me what to do with those two small stickers with my number? is it to be put on the swimming cap?

also what about spectators, can they come into see the swim?

PWEI

Most races you don't get small stickers but when you do it's normally one to be put on your bike & one to be put on your bike helmet.

adamski8

3 stars (average)

PWEI wrote: »

Most races you don't get small stickers but when you do it's normally one to be put on your bike & one to be put on your bike helmet.

hmmm well actually only got one. i guess i ask some people where to put them.
i actually should have asked a few questions today. they didnt tell me anything about where to go get changed etc

couerdelion

3 stars (average)

adamski8 wrote: »

i registered today but i didnt really listen when they told me what to do with those two small stickers with my number? is it to be put on the swimming cap?

also what about spectators, can they come into see the swim?

I only got one small number. Was told it was for the bike.

Anyone any ideas how to attach the numbers to a race belt when's there's no hole in them? And as there's two is it one front and back?

couerdelion

3 stars (average)

adamski8 wrote: »

hmmm well actually only got one. i guess i ask some people where to put them.
i actually should have asked a few questions today. they didnt tell me anything about where to go get changed etc

You can get changed in the pool changing rooms I imagine(?)

adamski8

3 stars (average)

couerdelion wrote: »

I only got one small number. Was told it was for the bike.

Anyone any ideas how to attach the numbers to a race belt when's there's no hole in them? And as there's two is it one front and back?

well the race brief says on the bike you must have one on your back and the run it should be on the front. im using the pins they gave me to attach mine

couerdelion wrote: »

You can get changed in the pool changing rooms I imagine(?)

well i imagined that would be the case alright but transition closes at 9:30 and race briefing is at 9:40 but they dont state where this is! at the transition area? so we get changed after the briefing then and be poolside by 10 as the start is at 10.10
my first tri so im a litle confused

onimpulse

adamski8 wrote: »

well i imagined that would be the case alright but transition closes at 9:30 and race briefing is at 9:40 but they dont state where this is! at the transition area? so we get changed after the briefing then and be poolside by 10 as the start is at 10.10
my first tri so im a litle confused

Don't worry - there will be loads of marshals around to ask all your questions... its (usually) a well organised race. I'd recommend being changed an ready to go before the race briefing. For some reason I always find time tight enough after the race briefing - you don't need that stress on your first tri. Be ready to race before the briefing.

adamski8

3 stars (average)

well thats what i was wondering where the briefing will be? because im going to be only wearing trishorts so dont want to be standing around freezing.

does anyone know can spectators go into the stands to look at the swim?

adamski8

3 stars (average)

really enjoyed the race today.
i clearly should have not been in the first wave for the swim, i'll learn from that!
bike was quite windy.
run was fine.
good spirit there i thought, good that the rain held off

adamski8

3 stars (average)

just got txted my race times, that was fast (the posting of times not me )

new2tri

2 stars (poor)

Am thrilled to have completed this today... & with a pretty decent time (If I do say so myself!) Finshed just about half way down the rankings for my age group & about 20 mins better than my expected time. Am chugging around about 20 surplus Kilos & today's defo has given me the spur to try loose some more
Thanks to all the organisors & volunteers for what I think (although have nothing to compare it to!) was a wll run race.

Bicky

This was my second tri and I was dissapponted. First was portlaoise a month ago which was better organised.
I know the money goes to a non profit organisation(fingal tri club) but at 45 a head they earned almost 16k today so I think I have a right to air my grievance.
For starters the swim was turmoil. I was in wave four so I watched the first three in amazement. The marshals did not intervene as swimmers overtook mid lane often running into swimmers coming the other direction.
When I was in the pool it was even worse because everyone in the lane was a strong swimmer and each one estimated a time of 12:00 to 13:00 mins. When we started swimming it was like free for all. At one stage I had a swimmer on either side of me, shoulder to shoulder, all going in the same direction.
During the cycle I reached a roundabout but had no cyclist in view ahead so did not know which way to go. I had to shout at two marshals who were standing talking and then a Garda directed me to continue straight through.
I have a few more gripes but I think I already sound like a contrary old git so I will leave it at that.

onimpulse

Bicky wrote: »

I know the money goes to a non profit organisation(fingal tri club) but at 45 a head they earned almost 16k today so I think I have a right to air my grievance.
For starters the swim was turmoil. I was in wave four so I watched the first three in amazement. The marshals did not intervene as swimmers overtook mid lane often running into swimmers coming the other direction.
When I was in the pool it was even worse because everyone in the lane was a strong swimmer and each one estimated a time of 12:00 to 13:00 mins. When we started swimming it was like free for all. At one stage I had a swimmer on either side of me, shoulder to shoulder, all going in the same direction.
During the cycle I reached a roundabout but had no cyclist in view ahead so did not know which way to go. I had to shout at two marshals who were standing talking and then a Garda directed me to continue straight through.
I have a few more gripes but I think I already sound like a contrary old git so I will leave it at that.

First off - it's 3D tri that run this race not Fingal... never mind same principle.

The cycle route is your responsibility to know - marshals are there for safety not to give you directions.

As for the swim - what did you want people to do - stay behind you because you put the wrong swim time in? That wave was full of very experienced triathletes, among whom the winner and pretty much all the top finishers came from. Should the marshals have made them stay behind you?

DaveR1

National Junior Championships..... Look at winners presentation http://www.triathlonireland.com/index.php?id=107&nid=293

What is the point of giving a trophy like that? Either none or a real one! Triathlon Ireland/Organisers should be ashamed. The best youth racing to win that. Ridiculous!

mloc123

onimpulse wrote: »

First off - it's 3D tri that run this race not Fingal... never mind same principle.

The cycle route is your responsibility to know - marshals are there for safety not to give you directions.

As for the swim - what did you want people to do - stay behind you because you put the wrong swim time in? That wave was full of very experienced triathletes, among whom the winner and pretty much all the top finishers came from. Should the marshals have made them stay behind you?

Doesn't matter who is in your wave, passing mid length should not be allowed and is dangerous.

kingQuez

mloc123 wrote: »

Doesn't matter who is in your wave, passing mid length should not be allowed and is dangerous.

I'll admit I was surprised to see it was allowed in the rules for the race today, but I'm interested to know why you think it should not be allowed and that its dangerous. If its dangerous, then I'll agree it shouldn't be allowed... but is it actually dangerous, if someone overtakes properly?

As a spectator there was only one point I saw people swim three abreast, and that was in a sprint on the last length to exit the pool.

Bicky

Thanks for coming on to defend the club. Can I ask if you are affiliated or what is your relationship to today's race?

The cycle route is your responsibility to know - marshals are there for safety not to give you directions.

Is this the official TI line?
I looked at the google map on the website before the race. I had a general idea of the route but was relying on direction from the marshals. Surely this is not unreasonable?

As for the swim - what did you want people to do - stay behind you because you put the wrong swim time in? That wave was full of very experienced

My original post my have not been clear. I finished third in my lane, I*started in fifth. The scenario I described occurred as I was overtaking but slowed as I encountered another swimmer. The person behind me then tried to overtake.
In any case I was talking about all of the waves, not only my own.

*but is it actually dangerous, if someone overtakes properly?

I dont believe it is dangerous, but I do think it prohibits all swimmers when it inevitably gets chaotic.

Triathlon Ireland/Organisers should be ashamed. The best youth racing to win that. Ridiculous!

These were on a table at the finish line. Two other racers were laughing at them. I agree. They look like something from a cheap chinese Market.

couerdelion

3 stars (average)

I thought the event was well organised, although as it was my first tri I have nothing to compare it to.

The briefing before the race made it clear that it was the competitors responsibility to know the route.

I was surprised to see the overtaking during the swim and sometimes it looked like collisions were going to occur but they didn't. In some cases the swimers had no option as their leg taps were being ignored. My one concern about the swim was getting out at the end. The NAC has a high wall to negotiate to exit the pool. I'm fine as I have reasonable upper body strength but some people were having difficulty lifting themselves out and the girls at the side of the pool were struggling to help them exit. Perhaps more males to help next time (?) That being said they got the hats handed out and laps counted very efficiently.

The transition areas were well marshalled and the gardas with marshall assistance did a great job of stopping traffic and getting people around without the need to stop at junctions/roundabouts. I also saw a lot of the drafting marshalls driving around the course and slowing to warn people. All the marshalls were friendly and gave great encouragement to me. the bike racks seemed pretty low as I had to 'wheelie' mine to get it out as I have the saddle pretty high.

I didn't like running on the grass at the end as it was pretty uneven and the hill next to the transition area was pretty lethal after the rain and I very nearly turned my ankle. But that's probably just me.

The trophies... there were very few people in contention and I'm sure most would rather the money spent on other things. The trophies I've won I've never looked at the quality of them they're just momentos of winning.

Overall I was impressed with the organisation and marshalling and would compete in this event again.

Bambaata

Bicky wrote: »

Is this the official TI line?
I looked at the google map on the website before the race. I had a general idea of the route but was relying on direction from the marshals. Surely this is not unreasonable?

Yes it is your responsibility. There have been races where the leader was sent the wrong way, still their fault for following wrong directions. Marshalls are there for saftey not to point you on course, although they do this at the majority of races

mloc123

kingQuez wrote: »

I'll admit I was surprised to see it was allowed in the rules for the race today, but I'm interested to know why you think it should not be allowed and that its dangerous. If its dangerous, then I'll agree it shouldn't be allowed... but is it actually dangerous, if someone overtakes properly?

As a spectator there was only one point I saw people swim three abreast, and that was in a sprint on the last length to exit the pool.

That is odd, I have never seen a pool race that allows overtaking mid lane.

The problem as I see it is that people don't overtake properly, perhaps the elites do. But most people feel they are being held up in somebodys draft... go to overtake and then realise they do not have what it takes. It can often take 20-25m to get around somebody by which time you may be heading for somebody in the other direction.

cantswim

mloc123 wrote: »

That is odd, I have never seen a pool race that allows overtaking mid lane.

The problem as I see it is that people don't overtake properly, perhaps the elites do. But most people feel they are being held up in somebodys draft... go to overtake and then realise they do not have what it takes. It can often take 20-25m to get around somebody by which time you may be heading for somebody in the other direction.

I've only ever done Fingal and AFAIK has always allowed overtaking (in fact didn't really occur to me that it wouldn't be allowed).

I think to apply a non overtaking rule mid lane organisers would also need to allocate position with a lane i.e. someone would be wave 1, lane 2, position 4 (of say 8 people in that lane). This position would be based on the time provided. then responsilibity would lie totally with competitors to provide correct times (which shouldn't be that hard if people took a few minutes to work it out from some of their swimsets).

Bungy Girl

The lanes in the NAC 50m pool are much wider than a standard 25m leisure pool which is why the organisers permit it. I've done this race a few times now and there are always people who seed themselves incorrectly within the lane or ignore the foot tapping. Overtaking mid lane makes sense if it's safe to do so. "The scenario I described occurred as I was overtaking but slowed as I encountered another swimmer. The person behind me then tried to overtake" Clearly in this situation it was not safe to commence overtaking in the first place and the poster should have tapped the swimmer's foot and waited until the end of the lane.

And yes, it's up to each competitor to know the rules of triathlon which includes being familiar with the course.

mloc123

Bungy Girl wrote: »

The lanes in the NAC 50m pool are much wider than a standard 25m leisure pool

Ah yes, they are olympic width... so would be almost twice as wide as your average 25m.. fair enough.