Pedal choice for first Tri with bragging rights on the line

I'm a happy MOP finisher.  I've never used cycling shoes.  I've got platform pedals on my roadie with the strap-down cage.  T1 time is generally F/MOP. I usually pass peeps on the bike which is needed since my swim is so slow.  My T2 tends to be one of the fastest overall - rack bike, doff helmet, add running hat, and go run.

Cyclists tell me I'll bike even faster with cycling shoes, adding to my ability to pull, but it's hard to see that, given the short sprint course, it'd be enough to counter my fast T's.

Use the Speedplays.

You have 14 days to either learn a hi ho silver mount (my wife and I learned it in one practice session and practice it all the time) or how to run in your bike shoes!

Have fun!

If you have a bike trainer, put your bike in it and practice the hi ho Silver.  You're going to lose pedaling power not using cycling shoes, and I would never change to not using shoes this close to the race.  You might save some time in transition but depending on how you are cycling with cycling shoes vs. without, you might lose that time in the bike leg, which is of course the longest part of the race and where you can probably gain the most time.  If you don't have a bike trainer, can you jerry-rig something?  or buy a bike trainer if it's in the budget?

Not for nothing, would you really be barefoot?  Would you at least put on socks?  Also practice getting out of the cycling shoes and jogging for a little bit to get used to the dismount.  

Like most other posters are saying, have fun with the race.  That goes without saying.  But as for your buddy, kick his butt.  Competition is awesome.

dfquigley - 2012-04-28 5:38 PM I'd also practice your "hi ho silver" mount.

It's how the pro's do it

Plus, it looks cool.