This picture was supposed to say, "hey, where the hell did this thing come from?!" I kind of look like the movie poster for The Crow instead though.
Picture actually taken with my feet sticking straight up in the air. I guess these zebra stripes are supposed to make me swim faster?But having a wetsuit presents a whole host of problems for my standard race plan. Since I've never had a wetsuit, I've always just done any race of any distance in the same ugly old trisuit. Now that I have many more fashionable options, I have no idea what my race plan should be. So I've decided to do something that I never do: ask for advice. I'm going to put my race plan up for the Hairy Man Half Ironman this weekend and leave it open for your advice and comments. Well, it's not really a race plan, but a list of anxieties. Perhaps I'll even be humble enough to take your advice rather than just smiling, thanking you, and ignoring every word that you say.
The Swim
Since a large percentage of my races this year will be in fresh water I went for the thinnest sleeveless wetsuit I could find. Now, with the weather being as cold as it's been, the water temperatures will probably be in the high 50's. That's fucking cold! I've swum in colder, but not recently. I'll definitely double up on caps, but what about my poor naked arms?! I'm wondering if the warmth benefits of a rash guard will offset the increased drag. I know, I know, suck it up.
Next, I've never put much thought into where I start on the swim. I usually look for the clump of people who look like they'll kick the least violently and line up with them. I've never really done anything strategic to have a good swim before (other than hitting harder than my neighbor), but it seems advantageous in such cold water to get out as quickly as possible. Any suggestions on where to line up in the swim?
Next, I've never put much thought into where I start on the swim. I usually look for the clump of people who look like they'll kick the least violently and line up with them. I've never really done anything strategic to have a good swim before (other than hitting harder than my neighbor), but it seems advantageous in such cold water to get out as quickly as possible. Any suggestions on where to line up in the swim?
T1
Here we come to my biggest fear about wetsuits: taking them off. The one time I ever wore a wetsuit, I discovered that it had turned into a giant suction cup once it got wet. It felt like it took me 5 minutes to get it off. This is not a discovery you want to make in a race. For about a year I have owned a pristine, new, unused tube of bodyglide. I have heard such things help with wetsuits. Where should I put the thickest layers of bodyglide to get the suit off? Should I put it on the suit as well as on the Claire? Any other tips?
And then comes the ubiquitous question: What am I going to wear?! I was thinking of just wearing my shorts and a sports bra under the wetsuit, then don the shirt later. Do people do this? Is that too naked? Should I invest in a pair of tri shorts now, or should I just wear a pair of bike shorts? (Tri shorts are another thing you don't need when you have a 1-piece trisuit). Should I ride in a running shirt, or run in a cyclist's jersey? I'm more inclined to wear a running shirt, since it would look sexier in the pictures. Sure, bike jerseys have pockets, but I would have to empty them anyway before I set out on the run. Should I wear a long-sleeved cyclist's jacket over a running shirt? If it rains (which they're predicting) should I change into a dry shirt every time I hit transition?
There's no use in using aero bars on this course, since there are 1,500 feet of elevation gain in each of the four laps. Thus, no chance for a drink bottle on the front of my bike. So do I risk dehydration by using hard-to-reach bottles on a technical course, or do I certainly look like a tool by using my camelbak but stay hydrated enough to pee on my bike? If I choose to use bottles, then there's the whole anxiety of learning how to grab a bottle from a volunteer. That makes me so nervous that I want to throw up. If I choose to use the geeky hydration pack, should I skip the bottles entirely (usually I have one of plain water that I practically never touch)? If I do bring one bottle, which cage do I keep it in?!
Should I waste time on gloves?
And as far as race tactics, any suggestions for how I should attack this bike portion? Go out hard and lay off? Go hard in the middle? Take it easy? Cheat and say I've done 4 laps when I've really only done three?
And then comes the ubiquitous question: What am I going to wear?! I was thinking of just wearing my shorts and a sports bra under the wetsuit, then don the shirt later. Do people do this? Is that too naked? Should I invest in a pair of tri shorts now, or should I just wear a pair of bike shorts? (Tri shorts are another thing you don't need when you have a 1-piece trisuit). Should I ride in a running shirt, or run in a cyclist's jersey? I'm more inclined to wear a running shirt, since it would look sexier in the pictures. Sure, bike jerseys have pockets, but I would have to empty them anyway before I set out on the run. Should I wear a long-sleeved cyclist's jacket over a running shirt? If it rains (which they're predicting) should I change into a dry shirt every time I hit transition?
The bike
There's no use in using aero bars on this course, since there are 1,500 feet of elevation gain in each of the four laps. Thus, no chance for a drink bottle on the front of my bike. So do I risk dehydration by using hard-to-reach bottles on a technical course, or do I certainly look like a tool by using my camelbak but stay hydrated enough to pee on my bike? If I choose to use bottles, then there's the whole anxiety of learning how to grab a bottle from a volunteer. That makes me so nervous that I want to throw up. If I choose to use the geeky hydration pack, should I skip the bottles entirely (usually I have one of plain water that I practically never touch)? If I do bring one bottle, which cage do I keep it in?!Should I waste time on gloves?
And as far as race tactics, any suggestions for how I should attack this bike portion? Go out hard and lay off? Go hard in the middle? Take it easy? Cheat and say I've done 4 laps when I've really only done three?
T2
Oh my god, this is my biggest fear of all... HOW DO I GET OFF THE FUCKING BIKE?! I've been practicing swinging my foot over the back of the bike, and it looks shaky, but I can kind of do that... but when I tried to actually get off the bike like that on Sunday, I almost smeared myself along the sidewalk. I just had time to call out to Mary, "I'm gonna DIIIIEEE!" before I executed THE most embarrassing dismount ever done in front of a crowd of triathletes. But then again, if I DO manage to do the shoeless dismount, I'll be the coolest kid ever and be able to pick up chicks for life.
The run
I'm going to run with a bottle like I always do, but should I carry anything else? Hat? '80s style headband?
Any suggestions for run tactics? Attack the downhills? Attack the uphills? Attack the last 2 miles? Attack other runners... with weapons? Go hard in the middle and hold on for the end? Cheat and turn around before the turnaround point?
As you can tell, I'm getting a bit nervous about the race. I'm not really worried about finishing, but I would like to have a really well-executed race so that I can come back here and rub Chrissie's face in it later...
Why couldn't I just live somewhere warm where you don't NEED wetsuits?!
Later: To explain why I won't be wearing my trisuit: it's ugly and it's a one piece. I discovered the hard way that this is not ideal for longer races to wear a garment that goes from shoulders to knees since it pretty much excludes any more conventional ways of going to the bathroom. I'm not against going weewee on the bike, but sometimes it's just... hard to relax if you know what I mean. A lot of time can be lost in porta-johns wrestling a built-in bra over one's hips. Plus, on a cool day the idea of having a dry shirt to put on in transition sounds really wise.
Cheap on ebay does NOT equal sexy.
I'm going to run with a bottle like I always do, but should I carry anything else? Hat? '80s style headband?Any suggestions for run tactics? Attack the downhills? Attack the uphills? Attack the last 2 miles? Attack other runners... with weapons? Go hard in the middle and hold on for the end? Cheat and turn around before the turnaround point?
As you can tell, I'm getting a bit nervous about the race. I'm not really worried about finishing, but I would like to have a really well-executed race so that I can come back here and rub Chrissie's face in it later...
Why couldn't I just live somewhere warm where you don't NEED wetsuits?!
Later: To explain why I won't be wearing my trisuit: it's ugly and it's a one piece. I discovered the hard way that this is not ideal for longer races to wear a garment that goes from shoulders to knees since it pretty much excludes any more conventional ways of going to the bathroom. I'm not against going weewee on the bike, but sometimes it's just... hard to relax if you know what I mean. A lot of time can be lost in porta-johns wrestling a built-in bra over one's hips. Plus, on a cool day the idea of having a dry shirt to put on in transition sounds really wise.
Cheap on ebay does NOT equal sexy.
16 comments:
Wow. That's a lot of anxiety.
You should chill out. You're a bad ass mofo.
Wow - the wetsuit is the least of your problems.
You do anxiety better than anyone I know and that is quite impressive.
My only piece of advice will be - if you are trying to pick up chicks, you can never be too naked.
You are a badass in that wetsuit. I've gotta come up there wearing mine for a photo shoot. We'd be badasses... lining up with the 'less violent' swimmers, which is my advice on that.
As for most of the rest, I don't have enough experience to comment. Those are some questions I'd love to know the answers to. I just know how to get a wetsuit on, not much on removal.
Wear whatever you feel comfortable in, under and over and whatever. Stick to the tried-and-true. Save non-wetsuit fashion shows for afterwards. Yes, wear gloves, and bring lots of dry stuff just in case.
I know there's probably a right and a wrong way to dismount, but while I was half-watching the fun times in Taupo (and looking for Bob-O) on a 3"X3" window on my desktop last February, I saw many different ways to dismount. If I had to pick a policy, it would be 'whatever feels comfortable and also doesn't get you injured'. Obvious, I know, but relax about it.
Running: Attack the uphills. Ease up on the downhills. Start out in control, and steady. Pick it up (go harder a little) in the middle. Check your gas tank 75% through and run the remaining distance based on what's left there. Got it?
Of course, you can do this. You HAVE. That said, I don't like that elevation map. But you can still do it, stop sweating stuff you know most of the answers to already.
Because you are a BADASS.
I can't resist all of your questions! Here are this perfect stranger's answers/opinions for you:
SWIM: 58 - 66 degrees is perfect water in a sleeveless wetsuit. i'd start the swim however you normally do. You should put the body glide on your ankles, up to your calves and around your neck. when you are exiting the water, that's when you want to unzip your wetsuit and take it of down to your waist. Once you get to transition pull it all the way down to your ankles, step on one foot with your other and pull your foot out and repeat for your other foot.
Many people just wear their tri suits under their wetsuits. Doing that will eliminate any of your other clothing dilemmas. Or you can wear a non-cotton jog bra and tri shorts. Definitely don't wear cycle shorts -- think wet diaper.
BIKE - use your camel back if you are worried about switching out water bottles with the volunteers. you'll need to hydrate for the run, it's not really about getting you through the bike. i strongly believe unless you are a pro, you don't do the whole take your foot out of your shoe as you come to the bike end. pretty much other than pros look stupid and appear to lose time when they are focusing on getting their foot out, swinging their leg over and not falling. so even if you don't fall, you'll probably still look stupid.
RUN - wear a hat and/or sunglasses. take your first 1 or 2 miles easy so you legs can adjust/recover from your bike. then run the remainder as if you just started a 10 or 11 mile run. I always think it is more effective to charge the downhills or rather, let yourself go on the down hills then to hold back. On the uphills, don't exert any more effort than you would on a flat, regardless of how slow you go. Your legs will thank you for it on any flats and downhills later in the race.
have fun!
Well I was all set to answer your questions but claireb seems to have it covered. I say wear your tri suit under the wesuit. Definitely body glide your calves and ankles and especially your neck. Wetsuits often chafe there and boy does that hurt (not that I'd know). You should be fine in a sleeveless. That's all I had and I swam in 60 degree water with it just fine. My fingers get cold but sleeves won't help there either.
Don't sweat taking a bottle hand-up. If you are planning on an iron-distance race it will be a skill that will come in handy. I don't bother with gloves in races because I find them hard to get on and off. You are tough and I bet you can handle 56 miles sans gloves.
Dismount the bike the same way you always have. Better safe than sorry. I do the same thing. It isn't the coolest looking but neither is biting it in the bike/run chute.
On the run wear a visor and sunglasses. Crows feet are never sexy. Oh yeah, have fun!
Thanks to everyone who's given me advice so far. Some of them made me laugh out loud.
Trihardist: Thanks for the e-mail. I'm probably going to take you up on some of that stuff.
WW: "if you are trying to pick up chicks, you can never be too naked." You win the comment prize again! That made me laugh out loud.
Cranky: I AM badass! Thanks a lot coach. And you win the comment prize on the "polyp" comment on volume. I'm going to steal that.
ClaireB: Thanks for all the solid advice, and thanks for having the balls to give it to a total stranger. I will probably take some of it.
Nitsirk: No, crow's feet are NOT sexy. Good point.
Sounds like you've gotten a lot of great advice. That is one sexy wetsuit there Claire! Good luck figuring how to take it off!
New wetsuit looks sexy...I would hit that...
About the bike dismount don't worry about it...if you have multiple straps (3) and a ratchet on your bike shoes you might be better off dismounting with your shoes on. If your using tri shoes (1 or 2 straps) try to slip your feet out one shoe at a time, then ride with your bare feet ontop of the shoes, whether you put one leg over the back wheel or top tube doesn't matter as lone as it's comfortable...I tend to go over the bar..it ain't sexy but it works.
Bob-o's quick school for Half Ironman's:
1. Use body glide on your legs, legs, shoulders and pits as it will prevent chaffing.
2. Plastic Sandwhich bags over your feet will help the wetsuit slid on and off at the ankles.
3. I used to run in a cycling top before I got a tri suit.
4. Grabbing bottles isn't hard unless they set the aid station up on a hill.
5. Tri shorts are proof god loves us and wants us to be happy.
6. Despite the fact that the course goes up hill in a hurry, areo bars on the flats and descents are easily worth 2mph.
7. If it works and gets you too the finish line don't worry if it looks nerdy...my back pocket was full nearly the entire Ironman, but I was damn glad it was on the bike...when my gu was gone with the wind.
8.You've done this shit before, don't over think it..go out there and have fun.
I seriously love your posts... and what is your darn middle name!? ha ha... okay, first relax. Race is coming and you have been training (I know you have trained I read your blog)... now you just need an attack plan and need to go through the steps of what you plan to do on race day in your brain 500 times so on race day your body will just go through the motions...
Here are my thoughts, but do what works best for you!
Swim: Line up near the front. If you aren't a super confident swimmer avoid the VERY front and center, but do be near the front. Maybe the front but on the outside. Why: The better swimmers will go around you and that leaves you with less people to trample over and of course the swimmers near the back usually create a bit of chaos (stay out of that). Start out kinda hard, pretty fast, then settle into a rhythm and find feet- DRAFT as if your swim depends on it!
T1:
Be calm taking off the wetsuit, cut the ankles if they feel too tight to get off quickly. Know where your bike is and have your helmet and bike gear organized. Take only ONLY what you need into your transition area, keep it VERY simple. Oh, just put the darn vasoline all over your body for easy wetsuit removal and chafing later in the day.
Bike: No camel back. Use a water bottle and MAKE yourself drink or your run will be ugly without hydration. Make sure you have calories too (200-300 an hour on the bike)TAKE them. Use a bento box or something to fit them on the bike. As for bike shorts... if you have something you train in that you like then use it race day. Whatever is most comfortable. You don't need a tri outfit unless you want one, but they can be comfy and easy to wear. A sports bra is fine. NO with the big shirt or bike jersey or run shirt. Make it a semi-tight breathable top if you don't use your sports bra. Wear a swim suit only... :)
T2: Make sure your run shoes have elastic laces. Wear a visor and have on sunscreen (put it on prior to the swim). Shades are totally optional. Be calm but quick in T2. If you can leave your bike shoes hooked to the pedals when you dismount.
Run: again USE nutrition. 200 ish calories an hour. Either sports drink from aid stations or 2 gels and water an hour. Think of BUILDING. You may feel slow or sluggy in the first 10 min. that is fine... let the legs warm up then build into your pace.
You can do it! Can hardly hear how the race goes! Have loads of fun...
taking off the wetsuit- I found it to be a pain in the ass peeling the suit off in transition, so I started stripping off the wetsuit immediately after getting out of the water. I just sit on my ass and pull it off. easier to run up into t1 and easier to throw it down and get on the bike. ya. word.
Since I don't *own* a wet suit, I only have heard it is actually easier to take off in the water.
I'm with you on the non trisuit. Never owned one, but I figure shorts would be much easier to deal with if you need to deal with them. I have some pearl izumi that suck, but I bike shorts...not good either.
As for the water bottle hand off. YOU CAN DO IT. I was soooooooo freaked out about it at wildflower. I considered not doing it, but I thought 'what the hell'...what I did was find my volunteer, I pointed at him, shouted 'WATER'...so he knew I was pointing and wanting *that* water...and held my hand out. He sorta ran with me and it worked out fine. Granted he was a superstar hand off, but I was seriously wigged out about doing it. (but you will feel like a rockstar after you do it...so totally worth doing it)
I only drink from the easier cage to get to on my bike...and when I run out of liquid there, I will switch the two bottles, typically by holding the empty one in my teeth and grabbing the harder to reach one and putting it in the other cage. Practice drinking on hills, while you are spinning up them. Set your watch to beep at you every 10 minutes to remind you to drink.
And...even if you move somewhere warm you will need a wet suit. That was one of the first things I was told out here, I need a wet suit. Still haven't bought one yet...but will I guess some day.
You will rock it, have some faith.
claireb and breewee have it nailed.
I say:
If you want to do the flying shoeless dismount, practice it 20 times a week BEFORE the race. Might be too late now so do what you've done in the past. Not a big deal for a half IM anyway.
Also, practice taking your wetsuit off a dozen times BEFORE the race. How about today?
Take your time and do it real slow the first couple times and faster as you practice more.
Now, breathe and relax. You've got plenty of time to kick ass (Chrissie) in a half IM so do just that. Anxiety is not an event in a triathlon.
Have fun and be the BADASS MOFO we all know.
You are so funny, badass mofo! If you can pull off that dismount will you tell me how to do it? I am back to stopping. Pausing. Lifting the leg like I'm a dog at a hydrant. Talk about sexy!
I so can't wait to hear how your weekend of psycho badass endurance hell goes. I'm actually scared for you. If I actually had any kind of faith I'd pray for you!
Hey--thanks for that last pic! I'm a real vision of beauty in that one!
We must ride together soon and I promise I won't be slow and sucky like last time.
Oh, forgot to say, I'd give advice but it's all been covered! And anyway, you know all that shit anyway, right?
I thought the idea of cutting the ankles of the wetsuit novel. I might do that... very good idea. But is a wetsuit like a pair of nylons--?? Then it would be bad to cut, right? You will kick ass. You always do.
Well upon looking at the abs report and there being no comment section I don't know if it would be wise to post about it.
Upon looking at the mile repeats...those splits are pretty fast. I think next time though start off a a slower pace and try to descend, that way you might be able to get a more accurate reading of your lactate threshold...or at least that's what they told me when I was running in high school. Good luck on Saturday...kick some ass.
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