Wearing Tri tops on the swim

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2008-10-03 7:21 AM

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Subject: Wearing Tri tops on the swim

My first few tri's I've gone topless for the entire race (avatar gives it away).  I just got a new DeSoto tri top and I'm not sure if I want to wear it for just the bike/run or the swim/bike/run.  Reason being is I have yet to experience any swimming while wearing a top and my last tri of the season is this Sunday.  Any suggestions?  Will I feel uncomfortable/slower while wearing it in the water?

 

2008-10-03 7:27 AM
in reply to: #1714609

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Subject: RE: Wearing Tri tops on the swim

The top is going to be skin tight so I dont think it will make you slower. Mine probably works the other way as it is so smooth unlike my chest !!

I had a couple of practices in mine in the pool before race day and after a coulpe lengths of the pool didnt even notice it was there.

It certainly didn't slow me down any

2008-10-03 7:29 AM
in reply to: #1714609

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Subject: RE: Wearing Tri tops on the swim

If it fits like a tri top should: snug but not constricting, like a second skin, then you won't notice it.  Assuming it's a true tri top (sleeveless) you shouldn't have any arm restrictions, which would be the biggest concern.

Why not a training swim while wearing the top just so you're not breaking that cardinal rule, "nothing new on race day!"

 

2008-10-03 8:10 AM
in reply to: #1714609

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Subject: RE: Wearing Tri tops on the swim
Either wear it for the whole race or don't wear it at all. Putting on a shirt when you're wet can be a pain in the a$$.
2008-10-03 8:30 AM
in reply to: #1714609

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Subject: RE: Wearing Tri tops on the swim

Tri tops are designed to be worn in the water, if it fits you won't notice it. And if it's enough to noticeably slow you down, you're already swimming national record paces.

OTOH, one attempt under race conditions at putting a tight shirt on over a wet torso usually costs enough time and creates enough frustration to convince people that wearing it in the water is worthwhile.

2008-10-03 9:57 AM
in reply to: #1714630

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Folsom, CA (Sacramento Area)
Subject: RE: Wearing Tri tops on the swim
sty - 2008-10-03 5:29 AM

If it fits like a tri top should: snug but not constricting, like a second skin, then you won't notice it.  Assuming it's a true tri top (sleeveless) you shouldn't have any arm restrictions, which would be the biggest concern.

Why not a training swim while wearing the top just so you're not breaking that cardinal rule, "nothing new on race day!"

 



I know that rule very well and still broke it this summer. I thought I would swim with my Tri top on on one of my Oly's. The drag was NOT noticeble, actually liked swimming with it but about half way on the swim, my neck was getting shafed from the tri top. My guess is that I have a bad swim form that my shoulders rub against where my neck and Jaw meet. I continued swimming and finished ok but it was paifull and distracting.

two things I really liked,:
T1, super fast since I did not have to strugle with putting anything on.
No nipple rub as in previous races with looser shirts

practice



2008-10-03 10:12 AM
in reply to: #1715275

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Subject: RE: Wearing Tri tops on the swim
MrSolis - 2008-10-03 9:57 AM

my neck was getting shafed from the tri top. My guess is that I have a bad swim form that my shoulders rub against where my neck and Jaw meet. I continued swimming and finished ok but it was paifull and distracting.



I'd recommend Body-Gliding liberally before the race to prevent chafing, or shafing

I broke the cardinal rule and wore a *new* race top for a HIM a few weeks ago. Everything was great until the last 5 miles of the run when I noticed a spot was rubbed raw near my arm pit. So it would have been in my best interest to practice with the specific top I was planning on using, so I'd know where to Body Glide.

2008-10-03 10:17 AM
in reply to: #1714609

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Subject: RE: Wearing Tri tops on the swim
Take a swim without it.  And jump out wet and try to put it on.  Then swim a few more laps with it on.  That should help you make your decision.  My first race I put on my shirt at T1 and it made me laugh out loud how hard it was while wet, luckily I have long arms and reached back and pulled it down.  Have a great race on Sunday.
2008-10-03 12:18 PM
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Subject: RE: Wearing Tri tops on the swim
ScottyBoy - 2008-10-03 6:21 AM
Will I feel uncomfortable/slower while wearing it in the water?


Not too sure how you will feel swimming with it on - but like everyone here has said you will feel like a horse's @$$ trying to put in on in T1.

During my first tri I pinned my race number on the tri top and left it sitting for me in T1. Whoops. And to top it off, I decided that it would be a good idea to put on sunscreen in T1 so that I didn't get roasted during the bike. I was the horse's @$$. that was like an 8 minute T1.

I learned though. Now I use body glide under zippers and seams just to make sure, but I have not had problems chafing.

Edited by djluscher 2008-10-03 12:19 PM
2008-10-03 12:23 PM
in reply to: #1714609

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Subject: RE: Wearing Tri tops on the swim
if you're wearing a wetsuit, you won't even realize that your tri top is even on.
2008-10-03 4:54 PM
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Subject: RE: Wearing Tri tops on the swim
x2 If you're wearing a wetsuit, have the top on, and there is no difference. At my last race this season, with 80 degree water, I put my top on after exiting T2: shoes and hat on, grab stuff, and put on number belt and top on the run. I race for my LBS and wanted to have the uni on for the finish. If it's a short race, and you're not a skin cancer candidate, why not continue going shirtless?

2008-10-03 9:35 PM
in reply to: #1714738

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Subject: RE: Wearing Tri tops on the swim
GBarrett - 2008-10-03 8:10 AM

Either wear it for the whole race or don't wear it at all. Putting on a shirt when you're wet can be a pain in the a$$.


Amen. Though I follow the advice about socks: roll them up like condoms and then just unroll them on you feet; I have yet to try that same method with my shirts. Watching me put on a shirt after the swim is probably as amusing as watching me do a flip turn.
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