shoes already clipped in (Page 2)

I have heard the same story about the RD going thru and unclipping the shoes, the story I heard was that the RD did make an announcement that no shoes were allowed clipped in (I think it was a HIM) and then they went thru and unclipped the shoes of violators.

Leaving your shoes clipped in is not really that big of a deal it just takes practice, kind of like running with your bike when you are holding it by the seat. I cannot tell you how many times I have watch people run with their bike thru transition and almost run into racks or run into people because they do not know how to hold the seat, run, and steer their bikes.

for all the new people, here are a few tips. Oh and if you wonder what time is saves, I do have a 24 second TI time at a tri.

1. practice, practice, just like someone said, leave your shoes clipped in all the time. I always leave them clipped in, even if I am getting on the trainer. That way you can practice getting off the bike also...
2. Run past the mount/dismount line when you are going to get on your bike, there is nothing wrong with going a extra 5-10 yards to get a clear area to get on your bike. At Memphis in May the mount line is on a little hill and I always just run up the hill and get on the bike then... I always pass a few people who are trying to get on their bike, then they stand up to pedal because there is a 30 yard hill they have to climb.
3. Wait till you are up to speed before you try to put your feet in your shoes, even if it is a half mile or so... I can do it at any speed but it is A LOT easier when your going 16 mph or faster.

The main thing is practice, just like anything in this sport... nutrition, bricks, etc. It all takes practice.
Remember you are timed for the whole event... so just as you swim, bike, run, all week long to get your times down. You should everyonce in a while practice your T1/T2s to get those times down as well. It makes no sense to spend all that time in the pool to take off 3 minutes and then turn around and give it back in T1.

DanielG - 2009-04-28 12:18 PM

trigods - 2009-04-28 1:13 PM

2. Run past the mount/dismount line when you are going to get on your bike, there is nothing wrong with going a extra 5-10 years to get a clear area to get on your bike.

Not positive but I believe that might affect even BOP-ers times

I have no idea what you are talking about.... lol I fixed it to yards

This is great advice for everyone, not just people with their shoes clipped in.  Last year I was watching a race where there was a 90 degree corner coming out of T1.  The mount line was before the corner.  I watched racer after racer cross the mount line, mount their bike, and fall over trying to make a 90 degree turn.  6 feet of walking would have seen them on a shallow downhill slope perfect for getting moving.  It was mildly entertaining to watch.

I always want to try the flying mount, but I have trouble clearing my seat.  That thing is up there!