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First race tomorrow! Urgent advice from the pros required

Folks....



I've got my first race tomorrow, the 220 Evening sprint and Dorney and my pre race nerves have well and truly kicked in....I'm "bricking it" and unfortunately not in the "bike to run training" sense of the word!



I've read as much stuff as possible about races/transition etc but still have some pretty basic questions that I hope can be answered....



1. What do you wear under your tri suit? Was thinking either nothing or speedos? (Was feeling quite happy with my shiny new 2 piece until Mrs Bobalovski saw me in it and broke into tears of laughter....when I asked her what was so funny she replied "your camel toe".....gutted!)



2. Socks or no socks? Have done all my training with socks so should I dare race without to save a few seconds?



3. Lube? Where?



4. Setting up transition? What do you do? Have a box with it all in by your bike or lay it out on a towel? What is best, plus how long before the race do you do this?



5. Dorney? Can you bring spectators and how long before the race should I arrive...bit of a lack of info on the website at the mo



6. Should I be doing this? 4 months into training and bike and run going ok but swim still a slow war of attrition. Practice sessions at Kirtons have been about 20 mins round the 800m course. Am I ready for a potentially windy, choppy mosh at Dorney or am i putting my life and pride at risk?



7. Finally, will I be the only 30 something, bald fat bloke in a tri suit?



HHHHEEELLLPPPP!!!



Comments

  • WoolyWooly Posts: 63
    Bobalovski wrote:


    Folks....



    I've got my first race tomorrow, the 220 Evening sprint and Dorney and my pre race nerves have well and truly kicked in....I'm "bricking it" and  unfortunately not in the "bike to run training" sense of the word!



    I've read as much stuff as possible about races/transition etc but still have some pretty basic questions that I hope can be answered....



    1.  What do you wear under your tri suit?  Was thinking either nothing or speedos?  (Was feeling quite happy with my shiny new 2 piece until Mrs Bobalovski saw me in it and broke into tears of laughter....when I asked her what was so funny she replied "your camel toe".....gutted!)



    2. Socks or no socks?  Have done all my training with socks so should I dare race without to save a few seconds?



    3. Lube? Where?



    4. Setting up transition?  What do you do?  Have a box with it all in by your bike or lay it out on a towel?  What is best, plus how long before the race do you do this?



    5. Dorney? Can you bring spectators and how long before the race should I arrive...bit of a lack of info on the website at the mo



    6. Should I be doing this?  4 months into training and bike and run going ok but swim still a slow war of attrition.  Practice sessions at Kirtons have been about 20 mins round the 800m course. Am I ready for a potentially windy, choppy mosh at Dorney or am i putting my life and pride at risk?



    7. Finally, will I be the only 30 something, bald fat bloke in a tri suit?



    HHHHEEELLLPPPP!!!







    1. Nowt, but i feel for you, missus said the same about my tri suit, then my daughter called it a baby gro!

    2. There's the old adage about not doing anything new in an event, so if you've trained with socks, race with socks

    3. my two tri's have been Sprints with no wetsuit so i'll leave that to others to answer.

    4. i've a box that i transport it in by lay it on a towel to make it easier to get too. do it as early as possible so you're can have a chill before the event (easier said than done though so spend the time looking at bike porn!)

    5. pass

    6. Give it a crack, you'll not be the slowest and you'll not be the fastest but the main thing is to enjoy the event.

    7. highly doubtful, amzing cross section of people do this crazy, expensive and highly addictive sport.



    As i said just enjoy the event and the expreience, the first one is just about finishing! after that it's all naked carbon and red stripes!!!
  • JonhinioJonhinio Posts: 289
    Was going to be doing this one but having to pull out as I've got the plague [:'(]. Can't say I'm a pro in any sense of the word but hope this helps:



    [ol][*]Nothing under trisuit for me. Any extra seams from other garments could cause friction where you don't want it.

    [*]If you'v enot practised without socks don't do it in the race. Will mean a touch longer in transition, but will also mean no blisters, I've practised to run and cycle without socks and just chuck loads of talc in the bike and run shoes.

    [*]Lube: For wetsuit, neck, ankles and wrists to help get the darned thing off. And a bit between the legs never goes amiss.

    [*]I have a plastic box. (good to keep stuff dry when it rains). I just put what I need in order of when I need it. So cycle shoes on top of run shoes. I'm not expereicned enough to leave the bike shoes on the bike. I'm normally in transition minimum half an hour before the race.

    [*]Dorney is good for spectators. I'd try and get there no less than 1 hour beofre to register.

    [*]Cerrtainly. It's you against yourself. This will be your benchmark. Just remember not to try what everyone else is doing and just enjoy it.

    [*]Who cares if you are? We come in all shapes and sizes. You'll get so much positive encouragement for your fellow triathletes on the day, it doesn't matter. The main thing is you' reout there doing it. [/ol]

    Hope you enjoy it, then post on here tomorrow how you did. Best of luck



  • WannabetriWannabetri Posts: 219
    Chillllllllllllllllllll Winston (in something resembelling a Jamaican accent!)



    1. Don't bother wearing anything under the tri suit. Complete waste of time and it's the only chance you'll have to see what it's like to have camel toe. If anything put a sock down there then no-one will notice the distinct mid crotch pinch!

    2. If you have trained in socks, race in socks. Not worth the risk even over a short distance race. I would recommend training to get used to no socks as it's worth a good 10s in transition!!! [image]http://forum.220magazine.com/micons/m11.gif[/image]

    3. Neck, ankles and wrists. Not a petroleum based lube though! Bodyglide is ace!

    4. I have a box to take everything in to transition, but lay it all out on a distinctive towel (Budweiser one from 1995). Normally do it at least half an hour before wave start time so I can familiarise with way in from swim, bike in and out and run out. I prefer racking my bike by the saddle, helmet turned down so it goes straight on to the head, shoes in pedals with elastic bands but on floor is safest and run with them on through transition. Run shoes (+ socks) to side of bike with hat and shades (hopefully sunny racing!).

    5. Spectators are always welcome at any race, the more time you give yourelf the more settled you'll feel pre-race. So if you can get there an hour before you start then do it.

    6. Yes you should. You are a triathlete and what's the point in training for 4 months if you then don't race. MTFU (in the nicest possible way)! It'll be windy because it's Dorney but you just want to complete this one, and then look at how you raced, where you can improve, what worked and what didn't.

    7. Maybe the only 30 something bald fat bloke but there will be plenty of other odd characters there. It's what makes triathlon so inclusive!!!



    I wish you the best of luck. It's a race you'll never forget so just go out there and enjoy it! Smile for the crowds and camera's and just have the best race you can!



    And if in doubt just think of names for the bike..............
  • FlavadaveFlavadave Posts: 749
    Advice from a veteran of one triathlon here.. (Eton supersprint)



    1. Nowt!

    2. I went for no socks, but have practised. See answer from Wooly

    3. Wrists, ankles for easy exit out of wetsuit, and back of your neck to stop rubbing. Essentially anywhere you might chafe... You can't put too much on!

    4. Definitely a box. I ignored this advice in my first tri and regretted it.

    5. Yep you can bring spectators. Bike and run are multilaps so great them as they get to see you a few times. I'd say get there as early as possible. No more than 2 hours though. Good facilities at Dorney too.

    6. Should I be doing this? Definitely! Once the adrenalin kicks in you'll be fine. And you'll definitely get a pb.

    7. And you won't be the only 30 something, bald fat bloke in a tri suit, in fact, you'll be part of the majority! My misses took photos of other guys thinking they were me!



    You'll love it mate and when you cross the line you'll be thinking of the next one!
  • BobalovskiBobalovski Posts: 15
    Thanks Wooly,



    That all sounds like sound advice. Despite the nerves I am childishly excited and cant wait to finally become a triathlete. I intended to use tomorrow purely as a practice for London but like most folks I guess, I now just want to get round as fast as possible. More nervous because my two best mates are coming to cheer/laugh out of sheer curiosity at there former couch potatoe mates' first venture into pretty much any form of competitive sport! the Gits!



    I should hopefully finish without to much humiliation or medical treatment!....cheers
  • risris Posts: 1,002
    1. i'd avoid wearing anything under the trisuit, chafing over a bike or run isn't a laugh. my missus thinks i look ridiculous most of the time anyway!

    2. as wooly and jon have said - if you've trained in socks race in socks. don't do anything new on race day.

    3. never worn a wetsuit, but i'd guess neck, wrists, ankles as a start.

    4. i take a bag or box with my gear in and set it up with the bits i want from t1 at the front at t2 behind or under.

    5. never been to dorney, but with any luck you can get some spectators in to cheer you on.

    6. 4mo of training has earned you a race day! get out there and enjoy it.

    7. it's not baldness - that's an aero head you've got there which will save valuable seconds off your time.



    have a good race and don't forget to tell us how you got on.
  • BobalovskiBobalovski Posts: 15
    Wow....fairly unanimuos response from all....thanks folks.



    1. Cammando it is.....wife wont be there to cackle!.....check



    2. Socks on and not down front of tri suit.....check



    3. Lube it up pretty much every where.....I'll be like greased weasel S*&t....check



    4. Box for transition laid out in race order.....check (should that include cold beer for finish line?)



    5/6/7....noted with thanks.....mates can laugh all they like but secretly I know they'll be a bit envious, and should anyone else be there then cheer for the fat balding 30 something....I'll be the one with the big grin!



    Cheers folks
  • u_j_2001u_j_2001 Posts: 47
    I too will be doing my first tri tomorrow - so can't really add to the comments already posted but...



    - I went to Dorney Lake a couple weeks ago to see the Triathlon on the weekend and get acquainted with the course but was told at the registration tent that the swim area and cycle section will be different to tomorrows one.

    - At the time they mentioned that 300 people have already signed up as opposed to 1,300 who did it over the weekend.

    - There is certainly loads of room for friends and family



    My question to the forum which should also be helpful to other first timers is: should I be doing any training today?

    My last swim was yesterday, which was my first outdoor swim in a lake just to get the feeling - it was quite relaxed.

    Before that I ran on Thursday a few km, but my knee really hurt after so I've not done anything apart from yesterdays swim since.



    Any advice appreciated.



    Good Luck Bobalovski!



    BTW - only recently noticed that the Champions league final is tomorrow night. Thank god for SKY+





  • BobalovskiBobalovski Posts: 15
    Top tips u_j_2001...gratefully recieved.



    With regards to the training...was pondering the same point myself. I did a hilly 5 miles at the weekend which I can still feel in my glutes today so I think I'm going to rest my legs until race day but I am going to do a quick once round at kirtons OW lake tonight just for confidence really to prove to myself that I wont drown tomorrow! I don't think that will be too fatiquing and the mental confidence gained should be worth while.



    I'm obviously a newbie too but I reckon rest your legs, particularly the knee until race day but if you feel you need to do something then unwind with some steady sets in the pool or a fairly easy spinning session on the bike just to get the blood flowing.



    I think all the nervous pacing I'll be doing should be excercise enough.....good luck tomorrow...are you racing Dorney as well?
  • BARNYBARNY Posts: 157
    I always wear my speedos under my trigear - I like to know where evrything is at all times!...
  • u_j_2001u_j_2001 Posts: 47
    Yes I am doing the 220 Evening race tomorrow as well

    I'll be the one with the Yellow'sh Giant-no Aerobars-non carbon-mountain bike cleats- bike

    Surely you'll be able to find me amongst the other 298 pros [:)]



  • brizzichickbrizzichick Posts: 166
    bob....not much else to add here except about your wetsuit....



    when you go to take it off...remember which side to pull the velcro from (might sound stupid but you'll be soo fixed on getting to T1, you may forgot and fumble), pull it off in one, zip down in one and use your left arm to pull your right shoulder out in one hit (or other way depending on what you're more comfortable with)... then other shoulder off in one hit with opposite hand... get it down to waist before T1 if poss... I also find that when I get the wetsuit down to the ankles, you can kick it off (if you can manage) or I just put my hand around my heal and pull it off...came off easier than the other way (found myself hopping around the place when I tried the other way and almost fell over - not a good look [;)])...



    Anyhooo have fun, enjoy...dorney is a nice flat course, no cars and normally quite a few spectators.... remember to report back[:D]
  • WannabetriWannabetri Posts: 219
    I possibly wouldn't do anything tonight and certainly nothing too vigorous, but if the demons think you need one more session then keep it LIGHT and no more than 30mins. Recommend a bike session if anything.



    You either want to spin out the tiredness in the legs or just help keep them loose. Training today would be a psychological benefit more than physical, but having said that Placebo's work all the time!



    Happy racing to all those competing!
  • BritspinBritspin Posts: 1,655
    Less of a camel toe, more of a moose knuckle.
  • ZacniciZacnici Posts: 1,385
    1. I wear Falke Athletic Ultra Light seamless boxers, keeps everything in place and avoids 'baby boy' knob syndrome, no seams, light dries quickly, wicks perspiration away.

    2. Socks!! If you have not trained without socks then you are asking for trouble. I wear the luminescent Asics Noosa which are designed to be worn without socks (with a liberal dose of bodyglide)

    3. Baby oil (NOT Vaseline) arms, legs, back, front, everywhere really, bodyglide if you have it around the neck, wrists.

    4. Box used by many, I use a sort of cabin bag which works for me, towel laid down to step onto which also dries soles of feet at same time and helps remove grit, behind this are bike shoes, then running shoes and a drink just in case I need to rehydrate. Leave room behid to throw your wetsuit down. On bike bars, helmet, top down, straps to the sides so I can just lift and plonk on my coconut, in the helmet, number belt, again straps laid so I can just pick up and strap on, if you have 2 numbers pin them back to back so it doesn't matter if you clip it on wrong way round (except obviously not upside down) also makes number stiffer so doesn't flap about on bike and then shades, I use ESS ICE ballistic glasses with interchangeable lenses, smoke, clear and amber. The sequence is then stand on towel, put on socks (if worn) if in any doubt sit down, you could be a bit dizzy/disorientated, it is worth a few seconds just to aid recovery, then shoes, shades, number belt, helmet, unrack bike.

    5. Spectators a must - they will be totally bemused at why you think this is fun - but then we are a warrior breed. Get there as early as you can, familairise yourself with where your bike is and walk it through form the swim exit, do not rely on towles etc as they can be moved by other competitors by accident as they do their bit. Familiarise yourself with the bike exit, walk the route from unracking the bike, also bike in, again walk route, run out again walk route.

    6. Absolutely - we are a warrior breed - the alternative is vegetate and die having done nothing challenging with our lives.

    7. No - there will be many - and in time you will have the body of an Olympian god like the rest of us - well I do if I squint and leave my glasses off when looking at a dusty mirror.



    Relax! Aim to finish, any time is better than a DNF. Enjoy.
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