Triathlon wear, advice, training beginner - Page 2

PTKate · #21 25.07.2011, 14:31

There are a couple of specialist running shops on the outskirts of lausanne, posibly the best and might be able to advose on hiring wetsuits is http://www.planet-endurance.ch/ in Ecublens

Bon Chance

KeinFranzösisch · #22 25.07.2011, 15:17

	Quote:	Lou
	Are wetsuits not compulsary for open water swims? IIRC husband had to wear one when he did the Neuchatel triathlon.

It is dependent on the water temperature. The organizers should make an announcement of this both at the time of entering and on the morning of the race if it is required, optional or prohibited. If it's optional, I always wore one because of the bouyancy advantage (and the fact that the swim is my weakest event and I need the advantage).

	Quote:	MissS
	Hi OP * Wear socks for the run if you've never tried your shoes without socks before. It won't be any fun if you get to the end and your feet are all torn up (speaking from experience here).

Agree on this note for your first (few) tris.

The only advantage to not wearing socks is to reduce transition time. You're not really aiming for a time, just to finish. And reducing transition time will comes with practice and planning. The only drawback is that if your feet are wet, putting on socks can be a pain. Make sure if you have socks that they are special cycling/running socks that don't hold moisture. You can find them at any cycling/running store.

If/when you decide not to wear socks, you can make things more comfortable for yourself in your cycling and running shoes by sprinkling the insides with baby powder when setting out your gear.

NettieNel · #23 08.08.2011, 10:42

FEEDBACK ON MY FIRST TRIATHLON (as asked for):
So, I DID IT and I feel very proud. Thanks for everyone's advice.
I got a tri-top and shorts from Craft on wiggle.co.uk and triuk.com. It felt like it was made for me. Very comfy. Got a race belt, very handy and cool elastic shoe laces (all on triuk.com).
I did not have a wetsuit, the water was lovely 20,5 degrees and I really prayed it would be because I had no plans on getting a wet suit....phew! (2 weeks before the water was around 15,16 degrees....brrrr. Thank God for warmer weather!)
I used my running shoes to cycle with and it was fine. It got a bit wet when it rained during the cycling and sloosh slooshed a bit during the running but it was all good.
I really did not have money to spend on fancy gear, used an old race bike, trained for 2-3months. I'm not a very sporty person but enjoy being active.
I finished well and ENJOYED IT!

zimmo · #24 08.08.2011, 12:15

	Quote:	NettieNel
	FEEDBACK ON MY FIRST TRIATHLON (as asked for): So, I DID IT and I feel very proud. Thanks for everyone's advice. I got a tri-top and shorts from Craft on wiggle.co.uk and triuk.com. It felt like it was made for me. Very comfy. Got a race belt, very handy and cool elastic shoe laces (all on triuk.com). I did not have a wetsuit, the water was lovely 20,5 degrees and I really prayed it would be because I had no plans on getting a wet suit....phew! (2 weeks before the water was around 15,16 degrees....brrrr. Thank God for warmer weather!) I used my running shoes to cycle with and it was fine. It got a bit wet when it rained during the cycling and sloosh slooshed a bit during the running but it was all good. I really did not have money to spend on fancy gear, used an old race bike, trained for 2-3months. I'm not a very sporty person but enjoy being active. I finished well and ENJOYED IT!

Well done! I assume it was Nyon you just did and the conditions were very tough - especially the swim. It was like doing an ocean swim with all the waves.
Will we see you in Lausanne for the Tri in 2 weeks?

NettieNel · #25 10.08.2011, 11:29

Thanks zimmo!
Yeah, the water was pretty rough but luckily not cold!
Still considering the Lausanne triathlon. A bit concerned that the water temperatures might drop and I am without a wetsuit. They are really hard to find around here and super expensive!
Have a nice day!