General Discussion Triathlon Talk » 3 Things you should know about racing... Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
 
 
of 2
 
 
2005-03-04 1:03 PM

User image

Master
2447
200010010010010025
Marietta, Ga
Subject: 3 Things you should know about racing...

After reading a thread about a treacherous Ironman swim, I was thinking about all the wisdom that is floating around out there with the veterans who've participated in many triathlon events.  If you could impart just three things to someone training for their first race this season, what would you say?  What would have helped you to know ahead of time on your first race?   What was it you weren't prepared for?

I'd relate the following:

  1. Practice open water swimming before your race.  Practice sighting, know what its like to swim in murky water.  Do it with a group so you know what's its like to navigate around objects and with other people.  Above all, make sure you're comfortable swimming and that you can complete at least twice your race distance in a pool workout.
  2. Practice your transitions.  Do a mock tri at home. Lay out all your gear just as you would in a race.  T1 is the hardest transition, so be prepared.
  3. Learn how to change a flat.  Practice it.  You should be able to change a tube in 5 minutes, even while you are sweaty and shaking from adrenalin.



2005-03-04 1:09 PM
in reply to: #125443

User image

Extreme Veteran
311
100100100
Somerville
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
Motivated,

This is an awesome thread! As I am preparing for my first season of full triathlons, these pieces of information are exactly what I am looking for. Good call!

I look forward to the input from other veterans.

2005-03-04 1:09 PM
in reply to: #125443

User image

Pro
5153
50001002525
Helena, MT
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...

1. It's fun. Don't forget that and don't get down on yourself.

2. Get out in the OW beforehand as much as you can. It's a whole different ballgame in OW. Being prepared will help your mental state immeasurably.

3. DFL is better than DNF is better than DNS. You're amazing just for doing it.

Edit: Should define for any newbies or lurkers. OW=open water, DFL= dead ----ing last, DNF=did not finish, DNS=did not start



Edited by kimj81 2005-03-04 1:11 PM

2005-03-04 1:13 PM
in reply to: #125443

Elite
2458
20001001001001002525
Livingston, MT
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
1. If you are slow, you get the added benefit of checking out many hot chicks butts in spandex, so enjoy the view.
2. If it's your first race, don't be an uptight tech geek. Swim in your trunks, roll on your beach cruiser, and run in your flip flops. It's all good, nobody will care. Just participate to learn how it all works, don't worry about winning.
3. Go get your free massage after the race, preferably from a hot chick in spandex.
2005-03-04 1:14 PM
in reply to: #125453

User image

Pro
5153
50001002525
Helena, MT
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...

ChuckyFinster - 2005-03-04 11:13 AM 1. If you are slow, you get the added benefit of checking out many hot chicks butts in spandex, so enjoy the view.

What if you're a slow girl? What's our consolation?

2005-03-04 1:28 PM
in reply to: #125455

User image

Master
1558
10005002525
Pensacola, Fl
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
kimj81 - 2005-03-04 12:14 PM

ChuckyFinster - 2005-03-04 11:13 AM 1. If you are slow, you get the added benefit of checking out many hot chicks butts in spandex, so enjoy the view.

What if you're a slow girl? What's our consolation?

You get to check out my butt....cuz I R Slow!!!!  And it is nothing that you should feel excited about!!!

My top 3 are:
1.  Have fun!!!!
2.  Practice transitions....organization is the key!
3.  Have fun!!!



2005-03-04 1:28 PM
in reply to: #125455

Elite
2458
20001001001001002525
Livingston, MT
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
kimj81 - 2005-03-04 10:14 AM

ChuckyFinster - 2005-03-04 11:13 AM 1. If you are slow, you get the added benefit of checking out many hot chicks butts in spandex, so enjoy the view.

What if you're a slow girl? What's our consolation?



Does not compute. I don't believe any exist as they all seem to pass me.

2005-03-04 1:31 PM
in reply to: #125443

User image

Expert
1166
10001002525
Colchester, CT
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...

Great thread Karl, even though I've only done a couple, I have some great memories

1. Definitely practice open water swimming.  Swimming in a pool is nothing like swimming in open water. 

2. Do a few bricks before the race so you aren't surprised by how your legs feel when you get off the bike.  Also, no matter how bad they feel at the beginning of the run, trust that they will come back, because they do.  Just be patient.

3. Thank all the volunteers, because without them, you likely wouldn't be there.

Chris

2005-03-04 1:37 PM
in reply to: #125443

Subject: ...
This user's post has been ignored.
2005-03-04 2:17 PM
in reply to: #125455

Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
kimj81 - 2005-03-04 12:14 PM

ChuckyFinster - 2005-03-04 11:13 AM 1. If you are slow, you get the added benefit of checking out many hot chicks butts in spandex, so enjoy the view.

What if you're a slow girl? What's our consolation?

Being the liberal-minded gentleman that I am, I'm all about equal rights. In fact, I kind of enjoy the thought of slow girls "checking out many hot chicks butts in spandex." So, have at it, enjoy!



Edited by the bear 2005-03-04 2:18 PM
2005-03-04 2:21 PM
in reply to: #125488

Pro
5153
50001002525
Helena, MT
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
the bear - 2005-03-04 12:17 PM
kimj81 - 2005-03-04 12:14 PM

ChuckyFinster - 2005-03-04 11:13 AM 1. If you are slow, you get the added benefit of checking out many hot chicks butts in spandex, so enjoy the view.

What if you're a slow girl? What's our consolation?

Being the liberal-minded gentleman that I am, I'm all about equal rights. In fact, I kind of enjoy the thought of slow girls "checking out many hot chicks butts in spandex." So, have at it, enjoy!

Huh. Interesting, yet creepy.

I was beginning to think that our consolation was having a hot butt in spandex.



2005-03-04 2:22 PM
in reply to: #125488

Elite
2458
20001001001001002525
Livingston, MT
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
the bear - 2005-03-04 11:17 AM

Being the liberal-minded gentleman that I am, I'm all about equal rights. In fact, I kind of enjoy the thought of slow girls "checking out many hot chicks butts in spandex." So, have at it, enjoy!



I continually find myself agreeing with you.
2005-03-04 2:30 PM
in reply to: #125490

Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
kimj81 - 2005-03-04 1:21 PM Huh. Interesting, yet creepy.

Yep. That's me, in a nutshell.

I was beginning to think that our consolation was having a hot butt in spandex.

As I recall, your butt had a definite resemblance to a black box.

2005-03-04 2:34 PM
in reply to: #125443

molto veloce mama
9311
500020002000100100100
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
would agree with all of what has been said already, and would add...

+ if using sunscreen, put it on at least 30 minutes before body marking. don't put on right after, or it could smear.

+ try out whatever clothing, shoes, and gear you are planning on using several times (at least!) before race day. don't introduce new clothes, shoes, gear on race day.

+ if you are feeling tired, remember the manta 'just keep swimming, biking, running...what do we do we TRI!'
2005-03-04 2:40 PM
in reply to: #125447

Extreme Veteran
724
500100100
Delray Beach, FL
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
kimj81 - 2005-03-04 1:09 PM

1. It's fun. Don't forget that and don't get down on yourself.

2. Get out in the OW beforehand as much as you can. It's a whole different ballgame in OW. Being prepared will help your mental state immeasurably.

3. DFL is better than DNF is better than DNS. You're amazing just for doing it.

Edit: Should define for any newbies or lurkers. OW=open water, DFL= dead ----ing last, DNF=did not finish, DNS=did not start



Awesome Thread!!!!! Pearls of wisdom!
kimj81 you just came up with an awesome slogan for a bumpper sticker!
"DFL is better than DNF is better than DNS"
2005-03-04 2:53 PM
in reply to: #125443

Elite Veteran
628
50010025
Atlanta, GA
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
Applies to a sprint because that's the only distance I've done

1. Sometimes less is better. You don't need bike gloves or sunglasses or socks or an expensive tri suit.

2. Know your course and study the map. Day or night before race, look at the lake, drive the bike course and walk/jog part or all of the run course. This will help during the race because you'll know how much you've done, what's around the next bend, and when to push because you're almost home.

3. Practicing an open water swim is a must! There will not be a wall to hold when you swallow water and start choking. Learn to tread water. You can be a strong swimmer in the pool but open water is a different story.



2005-03-04 2:56 PM
in reply to: #125505

Elite Veteran
628
50010025
Atlanta, GA
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
clflgrl - 2005-03-04 2:40 PM

kimj81 you just came up with an awesome slogan for a bumpper sticker!
"DFL is better than DNF is better than DNS"


I wanna buy that bumper sticker!

2005-03-04 3:00 PM
in reply to: #125443

Extreme Veteran
508
500
Kennesaw, GA
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
My big three are already stated. (1) mock-tri (2) OW swim (3) transition practice.
My little three would be
1. Get to the race early and set up. Then spend some time walking around the transition area to get use the the layout and feel. Learn the entrance/exit/moun & dismount line. Spend a little time reviewing your race plan and talking to other athletes. Watch the sun come up and relax.  This extra time before the race is filled with anticipation and exitement and makes the entire race memory better.
2.  Have a checklist. Make it up before you do your mock-tri. Refine it and use it as you pack your gear and set up your transition area. A checklist kept me sane the night before my first couple of races. (I LOVE checklists)
3.  Don't go changing things. Don't buy new gear the day before the race. Eat what you're use to eating the night before and morning of the race. Don't try new gels and energy bars that you haven't experienced in training. On my mock tri before my first race I tried a few new things (gels and clothing) and quickly learned to just stick with what has been working for me already.
2005-03-04 3:03 PM
in reply to: #125516

Pro
5153
50001002525
Helena, MT
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...

Browe79 - 2005-03-04 12:56 PM
clflgrl - 2005-03-04 2:40 PM kimj81 you just came up with an awesome slogan for a bumpper sticker! "DFL is better than DNF is better than DNS"
I wanna buy that bumper sticker!

Dangit. Shoulda trademarked it before I wrote it here.

2005-03-04 3:05 PM
in reply to: #125443

Pro
3906
20001000500100100100100
St Charles, IL
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
1. If you haven't tried it before, don't do it race day! ( Yeah, I don't follow my own advice... what can I say ). The corrolary to this is: Make sure you try it before race day!

2. Get to the course ahead of time, ride ( if you can ) or drive ( if time is limited ) the bike course, same for the run course. Know what to expect on race day.

3. Relax. It's fun!!!! And enjoy the post-race party/bbq/food/beverages, you'll have earned 'em!

-Chris

PS, I'll add a #4. Liberal use of body glide on your *ahem* important bits. Nothing like mid-race chaffing to really make your day not fun. This includes the back of your neck if you're wearing a wetsuit.
2005-03-04 3:21 PM
in reply to: #125523

Expert
948
50010010010010025
Mount Vernon, Iowa
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
I have to throw in another useful acronym from rowing: BOB. Beat One Boat! When you're a novice and it feels like the entire field is getting away from you, as a rower you focus on finding one boat, any boat, that might be slower than you. Then you try to kick its ass. When I started rowing in college the one boat we beat was usually something like the lightweight freshman girls boat from the college that had just started a club rowing program. These days it's more like someone in my age category who's looking a little less fit than last year. In between there were a few days when I got to beat all the boats. :-)

As a novice triathlete, beat one boat. While you're swimming you can't really tell who's around you, but when you get on your bike, pick someone who looks like they're at about your level. Then try to beat them. Create your own little mano a mano. It's wonderfully motivating.


2005-03-04 3:23 PM
in reply to: #125522

Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
You can sell me one of those bumper stickers Kim!
2005-03-04 3:26 PM
in reply to: #125522

Resident Curmudgeon
25290
50005000500050005000100100252525
The Road Back
Gold member
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
kimj81 - 2005-03-04 2:03 PM

Browe79 - 2005-03-04 12:56 PM
clflgrl - 2005-03-04 2:40 PM kimj81 you just came up with an awesome slogan for a bumpper sticker! "DFL is better than DNF is better than DNS"
I wanna buy that bumper sticker!

Dangit. Shoulda trademarked it before I wrote it here.

I think "Slow Girls Checking Out Many Hot Chicks Butts In Spandex" has potential as well.
2005-03-04 3:31 PM
in reply to: #125516

Expert
1274
10001001002525
Jackson, Mississippi
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
Browe79 - 2005-03-04 1:56 PM

clflgrl - 2005-03-04 2:40 PM

kimj81 you just came up with an awesome slogan for a bumpper sticker!
"DFL is better than DNF is better than DNS"


I wanna buy that bumper sticker!



Your wish is my command!

http://cafepress.com/mnogroup

Slow Girls Checking Out Many Hot Chicks Butts In Spandex coming soon...

(I make no money from these...)

will


Edited by waskelton 2005-03-04 3:32 PM
2005-03-04 3:33 PM
in reply to: #125443

Master
2233
200010010025
Mechanicsburg, PA
Subject: RE: 3 Things you should know about racing...
Most of my suggestions have already been taken, 'cept for one...

KNOW THE RULES!!!!

If it's a sanctioned race, the rules are usually available from the sanctioning body. Otherwise, contact the course director.

-Frank
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » 3 Things you should know about racing... Rss Feed  
 
 
of 2