hi beki,i swim in bondi bay most mornings and at the icebergs most arvos,if you want to swim the bay sometime i will accompany you,pm me-briz

I've had this a couple of times in races and from memory has occurred when the water has been rougher than usual. I suspect what is happening is I'm tilting my head further up than normal to keep the face out of the water longer for my breath. And this is what is causing me to get dizzy.

Hi Brizza

Thanks for the offer but I don't think I'm up to swimming at Bondi just yet - I'm a bit of a water-wuss so have been swimming at Redleaf Pool behind the council Woollahra offices. This has been good for me as it's part of the bay but fenced off so provides me with that as a safety net. It's not quite the ocean swimming but good for while I build the confidence. How busy does the Icebergs get? I was toying with the idea of joining up due to it being so conveniently close to home (not to mention the view). Having said that, Redleaf provides me with the opportunity to swim 90m (ish) laps and it's completely free :-)

SD - I am leaning over a lot further in the water to get my breath in but I suppose it's the difference from being in the pool which is relatively "flat" to being out somewhere with tides and a lot more "bobbing" up and down. I'm hoping the more I do it the less dizzy it will make me feel

I'm sorry to say that I have now joined the ranks of those who have fallen off their bike. I thought I'd be nice to my wheels and ride slowly (read practically stopped) up over a gutter, but the front wheel stopped in the gutter and I went straight over the handle bars. There was nobody there to see me, but I have to make this admission as I've got to say felt a bit smug after reading L2Rs post. I've been riding for a couple of months now and never come off.

The hoods are a bit scratched up, and appear now to be pointing a bit to the left, but otherwise no damage. As for me, a bit of skin off the hands and a few bruises. Gotta get me some gloves.

Mike

Took me a few months to come off also. I thought I was going so well having by-passed the usual stacks that beginners make when they first start learning to ride a road bike.

Oh no! glad you're ok, Mickey!

L2R - I knew it wasn't really technically a stack, but I had to give t a spin to make myself sound cool and not a total un-co dork

Mike - Welcome to the club

Speaking of gloves, to the ladies out there (and men with small hands I guess), can you recommend any particular gloves? I can't remember the brand of the ones I have, but they were the smallest ones available and I still find they are too big - they sort of bunch up in my palms and are so loose around the wrist I could easily take them off without undoing them (that's with the velcro pulled across as far as it goes)

Hi Tartanrunner (and everyone else).

Re; swim leg & wetsuits, imho it really depends on how serious ur going to take up tri's and what kind of distances you plan to do.

to put things in perspective. Last year i did my first sprint tri - the BRW/BP sprint. I did this literally in a pair of board shorts through each leg of the race, an oversized, over weight mountain bike which i didnt know how to ride (my first ride on the bike was literally during the bike leg of the race), and with the flu.

This year im planning to do two sprints. And still no wetsuit . i still train in boardies and will probably do the tri race in some compression tights (maybe skins?). Doesnt phase me tho.

So in a nutshell.. really depends on how keen you are and if u have spare $$ lying around.

Oh, I didn't mean for it to sound like that! Wasn't meaning to say that you didn't really stack it. It just reminded me of when I first fell off & got absolutely no sympathy from my coach. When he said it wasn't technically a fall I felt like saying "my sore wet butt might disagree with you " I think any type of fall is scary when you're clipped into those things!!

No offence taken L2R

I think the worst thing is that the bruises are barely visible but it still hurt like hell!

Sadly I've been too sick to train this week so I'm hoping that the "fall" hasn't dented my confidence too much - it was pretty low to begin with

Beki

I am only 150cm tall and hence have pretty small hands (and feet too for that matter). Specialized make a womens specific glove which I wear and find just perfect. Good bike shops should have them.

Cheri

Hi All

I am also embarking on my first triathlon in a few weeks. I've not fallen off the bike yet but am expecting it any day. I've been reading through various training plans, discussion forums and information websites and so on but just wondered if anyone had anything they would say was the best bit of advice they'd been given before their first triathlon! I am fascinated by the whole thing at the moment but wonder if my interest might fade after doing one, or else I'll just become addicted!

Thanks
NB

"Have fun"!

Hope it goes well

M

Do something dumb (like leave your bike helmet on for the run with a finishing photo to prove it) so that you can make us laugh
Just kidding, as Muzman said, have fun and enjoy it. You only get to be a virgin once.
Cant wait to hear how you go, good luck!

Definitely have fun! Also don't get too discouraged if your race doesn't go perfectly, things tend to happen during a race and you need to be able to roll with punches.

- practice the transitions at home so you know what to expect. e.g. trying to put on wet clothes etc..
- do lots of brick sessions (run off the bike) beforehand
- have fun...easy to say, but not always easy to do...we make ourselves get all stressed about things that don't feel comfrotable...but really, do try to. e.g. find something to make you smile at least twice in each part, it works.

Hi Northern Beaches,

I've got my very first race report from a short (400/15/4) race at Robina in Nov 2006 Here on Transitions if you want to have a newbies view of things. It's funny to read this now. I really had no idea.

I think that the best thing that I did was go along with someone who knew what they were doing and so got me to the race early and organised. It made a big difference not to be one of the people running around like a headless chook with no time to spare.

and maybe invest in a race number belt. $10 well spent to not have to stuff around with safety pins.

Relax (or try to at least) & enjoy it. You only get to do your first triathlon once!

I wasn't given this advice but strongly recommend it (for every race not just your first). Once you have racked your bike, do a walkthrough of coming into transition and finding it. That's the easy one. Then imagine your bike isn't there (ie. end of the bike leg) and walkthrough finding your spot without the bike sitting there. I've seen that bring a few people unstuck at T2.

Good one Slowdave, that's such good advice.

Another one - what really helped me before my first tri was checking out the course before the day of the race. It does calm the nerves a bit to know what to expect.

Oh yeah, visualising is cool too. It's not some hippie aura thing, rather it's just running through in your head exactly what you'll be doing in the transitions and in what order (eg put down goggles, put sunglasses on, put helmet on and clip it up, etc). Having gone through it in your mind it actually does make it easier not to forget anything during the race itself.

Thanks so much everyone, that is really helpful. In fact this whole site has been great, I've never seen a more helpful forum!

I am happy to admit I am really terrified - I know no one else doing it and have never even watched one let alone participated but always wanted to do one and finally just got on with it, got a bike and have been training as best I can. I think if I enjoy it then I will have to actually join a club and do some training sessions as doing it on my own is boring sometimes - how does cycling mile after mile get interesting? I've been trying to do short fast sessions and longer sessions as I do with my running but cycling is just not that much fun for me..

I will post a report should I finish it. At least knowing no one I don't have any supporters to disappoint, only the kids & husband!

So I am going to get a race belt, picture the transistions in my head first, doing some brick sessions and get there early to make sure I know how to get to my bike. I read somewhere about elastic laces? Anyone else recommend them and any clues on where to get them. This race has a 3k run between the swim and cycle as well as the 5 k on the end so I think I'll just swim run and cycle in a top and shorts and not worry about changing clothes, just need to get shoes and helmet on I guess.

Thanks again, any more advice gratefully received!

Northern Beaches, you will not disappoint anyone. I'm sure the kids & hubby will be really proud of you for giving it a go. I think that my fiance was more excited than me when I finished my first triathlon!

Joining a club or at least finding someone to ride with certainly does help to pass the time.

I'd highly recommend elastic laces. It's so much faster to get your shoes on & off with them. You can buy them in triathlon or cycling shops. Maybe even sports stores like Rebel - I don't know. Someone else might be able to comment. Roughly where on the northern beaches are you based or do you work? Someone might be able to point you in the direction of a shop.

When I get home I will post a link to my blog report on my triathlon debut if you are interested in reading another newbie's experience.

Good luck! I'm really looking forward to reading your report

be careful with elastic laces - make sure you practice i had them for my first tri and while i was otherwise very prepared, thought that this would not be a problem. Wrong! I had sticky half wet feet from shoving wet feet into cycling shoes. I could not for the life of me get my feet into the running shoes. In the end I had to sit down and remove my orthotics and run a very uncomfortable 5k! It also took me about 4 or 5 mins which is an eternity in transition! There are all different sorts too -some easier than others...

Would love to read race reports, thanks, i think they are so inspiring. I am in Frenchs Forest, Sydney and new to the area so will try Rebel and then get online to find them if they're not there. I am planning a swim run brick next week so hopefully will get to try them out and see what happens!

Thanks again all

Hi Northern Beaches

I did my first tri a few weeks ago and was really nervous too. I talked to lots of people about tri's and was worried about making a complete ass of myself during transitions. I didnt get onto this site otherwise I would have had lots of info!!

I was also worried about the swim. The best advice I got about the swim was to get into a rhythm and try and stick to it.

With the transitions, in the novice tri i used wetsuit pants as I was pretty wobbly after my practice swims and thought I might fall over if I tried to get out of my armless full length wetsuit (I could have sat down I suppose but it was a barrier for me). I also dried my feet and put on socks, skins and running top. Anyway, as others have suggested, the visualisation combined with practicing the transitions (like, the night before I stood in front of the mirror with the gear laid out in front of me how I was going to have it on the day and mentally saw myself walking down to the water, then I actually put on wetsuit pants, cap and goggles, imagined the swim, getting out of the water, running to the transition area, actually took off the wetsuit pants blah, blah, blah) It really worked for me, it seemed to take away my nerves and it worked as I imagined on the day (except I stuffed up the bike leg a little). The best advice I got when I was in T1 was an open spectator who saw me rushing, and said 'slow down'. Bought a grin to my face as it was just such a good call.

I did an open tri last weekend and didnt wear a wetsuit at all (there seems to be a bit of debate about how useful wetsuits are, in warm conditions anyway?), threw a pair of lycra running shorts over my swimsuit (tried them out beforehand to make sure no chaffing) and slipped on my shoes with new elastic laces without socks (practised with wet feet) and jumped on the bike (only MTB at this stage so no fancy stuff). Transitions were heaps speedier (not enough to make up for my slow swimming tho!)... and I remembered to 'slow down' and was much calmer and really enjoyed it.

That is my experience for what it is worth anyway, as I am not expert and wont be breaking any records. For me it is just the greatest buzz and I think just being able to complete a triathlon is a fantastic acheivement for anyone. Good luck and look forward to your report!

good idea to use a very bright or distinctive towel that you will recognise easily...all the bikes look the same as you come out of the swim ...make sure you know the entry and exit points of transition...walk it through on the morning...

most important ...Have Fun !! and smile until your face hurts

Hey I used to live in Frenchs Forest, it's a great place for triathlon training. Warringah Aquatic Centre for swimming and heaps of bush runs around Roseville Bridge, Terrey Hills etc.

I don't know what shops are at Forestway at the moment, but you'll definitely find elastic laces at the Mall either in Rebel or Athletes Foot / Footlocker etc.

Good luck!

Hi everyone again, here to pick your brains.

I have been training for about 4 weeks for this triathlon, its in 2 weeks time. I have been doing some brick sessions, but mostly just a discipline every day. I am timing myself on the distances to see the improvements and so on. But then when I looked on last years race times for the event I'm doing I'm obviously not pushing myself enough because I'm slower than I think I should be. (if that makes sense).

Now, I know I'm quicker when race running than I am in training, can rarely get my race times in training. But is this the same for Cycling and Swimming? I realise that when I'm cycling I have hills and traffic which I won't get on the day as its a really flat course, but am interested to know if I will be much quicker. Does anyone have an experience of this?

I've scheduled to stop training the Thursday before my event on the Sunday. So with that in mind, any thoughts on last minute training? Obviously not going to be a huge improvement now but tips or ideas would be gratefully received, if not for this one then maybe for the next ( should I survive this one!!).

Thanks

NB

I can't help you NB, but I'm also training for my first tri. I'm doing it all myself, as I have no spare money for coaching etc.

I'd be interested to know when you "taper" before a tri as well.

I'm only doing the short distance one.

Unlike you, it's the running leg that I suck at. At the moment, the distance of the run I have to do (3K), is definitely scaring the pants off of me. But I don't care if I come last, at least I can say I've given it a go. I'm certainly enjoying the training though.

I do think that if we are cycling in suburbia with hills and all, surely we would have to be faster on the flat? Then again, those tight corners are a bit daunting that some tris have. Hubster suggested to me last night (he's getting into this too) that we drive up to the place where they are having the tri a few weeks before and suss out parking and the course. I think it's a good idea and might help ease some worries.

Kyls

For all three disciplines I see an improvement on race day. Bike trainign I will generally average about 25kmh on a long training ride, but just over 30kmh typically in a race (I'm very much back of pack). Similar for run and swim, but the swim time varies more depending on conditions.

I'm assuming it is short distance, so a light ride or swim on the Saturday wouldn't do you any harm just to loosen up.

Thanks for the replies.

I am doing the "sprint" distance so 500m swim, 20k bike and 5k run. I am trying to put myself in the frame of mind of being happy to finish and enjoy it rather than to start being too competitive on my first one!

I was going to do a local triathlon and went and had a good look at the cycle route, swim beach and so on but its a really competitive very elite field ( of 5) so opted for the Ladies only Trishave event in Penrith instead so unfortunately I can't go and check it out. But if I had done the first one, seeing the area and so on was a really big help so if its local I would recommend doing it.

Might well have a bit of a swim the day before then, I can see how that might be a good idea.

Good to know I might pick up a bit of speed on the bike, I'm certainly concerned about my cycling and if I were to do more triathlons I think I would have to get some help! I'm wary of the bike clubs whose training routes say 40K+, I'm struggling with 20!

Wannabe - I wish you good luck with the running. I find that building up the time I'm running for by 5- 10 mins each run ( rather than worrying about distance) is good if I'm going to do a half marathon or something. Its then surprises you how quickly you can reach the distances, even if you just add a couple of minutes each time. I'm looking forward to reading about your race!

Why can't you go and check it out?

wt

After feeling a bit flat after my second open tri yesterday I looked up the results and feel so much better!! I clearly got some great advice from this thread and also when I asked about training . . . so thanks very much.

I put slick tyres on my mountain bike and took 7 minutes off that leg (20km) and it was 2km longer than my first open a couple of weeks ago. The swim I still suck at and am joining aussie masters to try and improve more, however, I took 2 minutes off and it was 100m longer (700m).

The run was the same distance (5km) but I took off half a minute. Interestingly I was ranked 61 in the swim, 63 in the bike but 49th in the run. There were 65 participants! I came in at 61. I think I pushed myself more this time too as I am more comfortable with the format. Seriously do not want to injure myself so trying to pace well.

So here's to getting better, stronger, fitter and smarter? Plan to get a decent bike next season . . . have been reading all the great threads.

"I put slick tyres on my mountain bike and took 7 minutes off that leg "

I went for my first ride out on the road on my mountain bike this morning. Aye, I suck. Hubster has already mentioned getting me some slick tyres and I will definitely need them.

Congrats on improving so much in your second tri. I'm working towards my first, and hoping to simply finish, I'm only doing the short distance though and really wishing the swim was longer and the others less.

Kyls

The short answer is that there's nothing you can do now to improve your fitness for a race in two weeks. Improving fitness equals fatigue which equals compromised racing. But swimming and cycling are quite technical sports and you would definitely benefit from skills-based training during your two week taper. For all three disciplines, keep up the intensity and your regular schedule, but keep the sessions short, focus on technique, and make sure you finish up while you're still fresh. This will put you in better stead than maintaining a full training load and then taking two days off.

The other way to look at the whole race though is as a hard training session oriented towards another race in a few months time. Most of us amateurs race pretty regularly but only taper (and therefore put in a peak performance) a few times a year. I never taper for tris (even though I suck at them) because I'm more concerned about my runs.

Good luck!

Hi wannabe put my adrenaline stoked account of second tri on the what to wear in a tri thread (in case you would like to read it)
C2Svirgin I took ove 17mins off first tri so no wonder I felt so good on Sun. You blew me away with your times, I think you are to hard on yourself but thats what gets you up there. When you say rated 61 tou forget to tell everyone that you were forth in age group, I think you will be in top three next tri and follow your progress with (almost) as much enthusiasm as I do my own. Imagine what you will do when you get a new bike!!!

Wow, sounds excellent progress from 1st Tri to 2nd. Look forward to reading the thread

Great stuff thinkpink - thanks for the encouragement. You are doing an awesome job yourself. Best of luck to wannabe (welcome to the world of Huffy!!) and northern beaches. If we can do it, you can!

Thanks C2SVirgin!

I had a chance to ride Hubster's Kent bike (from Target) yesterday. It has an aluminium frame and shimano gears. I have decided that my bike sucks in comparison to that. I found riding it too easy compared to my Huffy. His brother offered him his road bike for the Tri, it just needs new tyres. I have since suggested that maybe instead of getting my bike tyres we get his bro's bike tyres and I ride Hubster's bike. Not sure if it will work out. I was told "You should still train on your bike though". I think he feels I should man up.

Wannabe

OH, man you have given up on the Huffy! I am putting pedal straps on for this weekend (I am told it will make a difference) Ha, any cheap modification I can make. Seriously though, good on you if you can get an alternative without shelling out too much. I too have other financial priorities (like buying a king single bed for my 6'1 fourteen year old!). I also bought a pair of long tri shorts to swim in so that I am not pulling on shorts after the swim. Hopefully it will equal any time I add by trying out the wetsuit on sunday. Although it is not a tri wetsuit it is armless and buoyant. Had a go in it the other morning, seems OK. The course is the same as two weeks ago so I will have a direct comparison (except of course for other variables like conditions, increased fitness, how I feel on the day, blah, blah, blah).

Got cleats for the bike - won't be using them, absolutly scared I will get stuck in them, great when riding, can get feet in ok but oh boy trying to get them out!!! I'm sure my neighbours think I'm mad, practising up and down the street, hopefully by next year when I do longer tri will have hang of it.
Interesting that with each tri I seem to be more nervous then the first, I have tried every excuse not to do this weeks tri. Thank goodness for a husband who won't hear of me wussing out after the money spent starting out!! I've had poor training this week working heaps (shift work) and feeling flat (physically), figured I was better resting then getting an injury or infection.
Hope the wet suit goes well C2sVirgin, c u there.

You will do well.

Do it at your pace.

Plenty of newbies will be there so you will not stick out like a sore thumb.

There is a lady doing her 1st triathlon. She is older than me and will only say I was born in 1958. She the wife of triathlon and running legend the late "Green Machine". Mrs Chat is her name and having met her once she isn't misnamed Pam is her first name and people will probaly have tears in their eyes as she fullfils one of her unfinished dreams. She will look up to the heavens and Green Machine will say you did good, Pam.

I've got tears in my eyes just reading this! Thanks for posting this Thomo, great to know.

C2S Virgin,

I haven't given up on the Huffster. Seems Hubster isn't keen to get his bro's bike, so I'm stuck with my Huffy. I figured it was probably best, time to toughen up. I went out for another ride round my hilly suburb, though being unfit, anything that slightly resembles an incline is a challenge. At one point I was in the lowest gear on the right hand side (is my noobness showing?) and I was picturing myself just strolling past myself. I was almost standing still, but I refused to get off and push, like I'd done on a bigger tougher hill (but only at the top).

Where'd you get the pedal straps from? I've not seen any in BigW or Target, but haven't checked K-Mart, hehehe, specialty stores all the way for this cheaparse. Maybe we could write a book called Tris for the tightarsed?

I'm gonna get some tri pants too, hoping to lose a bit more of my butt before the actual event though.

So for now I'm still in the Huffy club. I even decided if we're doing this together, I'd better name my bike (I'm a freak, name my cars too). So her name is Orange Zest.

Good luck with the bed saving!

Wannabe

hi

whats the difference between tri pants and normal compression pants or cycling pants?

Hi NvrGiveUp,

tri pants have a much smaller chamois (bit of padding in the butt) in them, so they are suitable to get wet in the water, and go from the water, to the bike, to the run. Not as comfy as cycling pants but more practical for racing.

Thanks for the reply sunset!

Think ill leave that of the list for now. Over the last 2 months i just bought: bike, bike accessories, helmet, shoes & cleats, knicks, 2x running tops and shorts (albeit most of the stuff was on sale or off ebay). LOL gone are the days training in cotton tees and basket ball shorts.

I still swim train in boardies tho

Hi All,

Looking at doing my first tri in March. Its only a small one of 500/25/6 in Newcastle. Interested in tips and hints for transition and clothing. Looking to do the ride and run in my running shoes. I have toe straps on my bike so this shouldn't be too much of a hassle.

Any help/suggestions would be fantastic.

Cheers
Andrew

I wouldn't consider that small! My first one is also in March and it's only 300/13/3. I'm sure glad that run isn't any longer, they could stretch out the swim though as far as I'm concerned, or swap the distances of the run and swim, hehehe.

Good Luck, I'm a noob too, so no advice to offer.

BTW, Does anyone have any handy tips to help with "bike thighs" when you do T2. I've done one brick so far and man, my legs were almost frozen straight after some hills. Is there anything anyone does to lessen the effects of this? I'm hoping that the training I'm doing and getting my body used to this will help.

I wasn't completely unfit before starting this, but I wasn't far off.

Wannabe

G'Day Ewoksta (and Wannabee)

There are a lot of similar questions here on CR about this very topic - perhaps if you do a search you will find some more answers, but here's my take on it all ...

Ewoksta, I assume you're referring to Sparke Helmore Tri in Newcastle, and you're doing the Diehard (longer) option? Thought so.

The key to getting used to transitioning is, believe it or not, not getting lost in there! Especially when you are new to the sport, it's all very exciting and scary and you are in a mad rush to get out of the water and on your bike, or off your bike and into the run.

Arrive plenty early to set up your transition area. Your bike and helmet will be scrutinised by a Technical Official on the way in (not too hard, though) and you then have to find a spot that suits you. Most transiitons are "neutral" - that is, if you park your bike close the Bike Exit, you are an equal distance AWAY from the Run Exit so no-one is really disadvantaged. lay out your towel next to your bike and place on top of it all the stuff you will neeed for the bike, and then the run, in a sensible order so you can grab them easily. In your case - not much if you ride in running shoes. You may want to place your helmet and sunnies ON the bike, and have a running hat ready to go on the ground beside it.

Once set up, go for a walk around the transition, looking at evrything. Know where the exits and entrance are, and then stand next to them and LOOK BACK towards your bike, memorising exactly where it is in the scheme of things. It will all look slightly different with hundreds of bikes there and under styress, so be aware of this. if it helps, count the racks to yours. It may also be possible to 'flag' your bike with a brightly coloured piece of tape or cloth, to make it more visible. walk through the transition, practising where you will go once you have grabbed your bike, and when you return from the ride.

Above all, don't panic. When you run your bike out of T1, an official will show you just where you're allowed to climb on and start riding (the Mount Line). It's a good idea to run PAST this line if it is crowded, as there can be carnage with people all wobbling off at the same time. Same applies when you get back - get off your bike in plenty of space so as not to create an accident.

Wannabe, you're on the right track. Just doing more bricks makes bricks easier, but a handy tip in training and racing is this - as you approach the transtion on your bike, shift down a gear or two and spin easier rather than hard. this will get your legs ready for running. Also a good idea to stand on your pedals and stretch out your calves before dismounting (about 500m out). I still feel like I have tree trunks for legs when I transition.

Hope this helps a bit and there is bound to be more advice soon. Above all, have fun.

Ewoksta - I will see you at Sparke Helmore!

M