Tri Chat - I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS :)

[ktzmoh]

Veteran tri ladies - would it be okay if we had a thread in which us newbies could ask some questions? I have like 15 million questions and you are all just so nice, I hope you dont mind!

[ktzmoh]

Like I said, I have 15 million questions, but I'll try to not overwhelm.

1) what app/platform do you use to monitor your training? Training peaks? Strava? I don't think strava or garmin connect have swim components (do they?)

2) How do you track your swims? Do you think a fancy watch that works in the water is worth the $$?

3) I'm so confused about what you wear during a triathlon and during training. Are you supposed to wear a bathing suit under the wetsuit? Or the tri kit under the wetsuit? If you wear a bathing suit, how/where do you change into your tri kit ? Do you cycle and run in the same kit?

4) What gear investments give the most bang for the buck? There is seriously so much out there - and I'm unclear on what should be prioritized and what can wait. Do I need a bike computer if I have a garmin watch?

5) this is really dumb (and god bless my uncoordinated soul), but how do you drink and eat during your bike ride? Will my balance on the bike come naturally someday and it'll be no thing to reach down for the bottle while I'm riding? Clearly I'm a true beginner and the learning curve is steep for me, so please be kind.

[oreos]

3) I'm so confused about what you wear during a triathlon and during training. Are you supposed to wear a bathing suit under the wetsuit? Or the tri kit under the wetsuit? If you wear a bathing suit, how/where do you change into your tri kit ? Do you cycle and run in the same kit?
I have a one piece tri suit that I wear for the whole event with no changes required, other than taking off the wetsuit. In my first couple tris, before I bought a tri suit, I wore tight shorts that went down to mid-thigh plus a somewhat swimsuity sports bra for the swim, I then added a tank top after the swim. Yes, wear the same thing for the bike and run. You are not allowed to show nudity in transition areas (at least in the races that I do), so you can only add clothes, not remove.

5) this is really dumb (and god bless my uncoordinated soul), but how do you drink and eat during your bike ride? Will my balance on the bike come naturally someday and it'll be no thing to reach down for the bottle while I'm riding? Clearly I'm a true beginner and the learning curve is steep for me, so please be kind.
This comes with practice. If you have a trainer, practice reaching down for a water bottle while keeping one hand on your handlebars for balance. Then move to doing this outside. For food, I can only comment given what I eat. I prefer eating the sports gummies for fuel so I stick them in the back pocket of my tri suit after the swim, I then use one arm to reach back and grab them while biking.

[Susie]

Mar 25, 2015 11:08:47 GMT -5 ktzmoh said:

Like I said, I have 15 million questions, but I'll try to not overwhelm.


Ask away!

1) what app/platform do you use to monitor your training? Training peaks? Strava? I don't think strava or garmin connect have swim components (do they?)

I upload to Garmin Connect, and have GC synced to Training Peaks (the free version) and Strava.  I use MapMyRun for route planning, but not much else.  I primarily use GC or TP for tracking my training.  I used to favor TP because it had mileage trackers for equipment (i.e. running shoes) but now GC has that feature too.

2) How do you track your swims? Do you think a fancy watch that works in the water is worth the $$?

Not really, unless it motivates you.  I just manually enter swim workouts in GC/TP.

3) I'm so confused about what you wear during a triathlon and during training. Are you supposed to wear a bathing suit under the wetsuit? Or the tri kit under the wetsuit? If you wear a bathing suit, how/where do you change into your tri kit ? Do you cycle and run in the same kit?

During the race, you swim, bike, and run in a tri kit or tri suit (1 piece).  Bigger busted ladies than me wear a sports bra under the tri top/suit.  No swim suit.  The wetsuit goes over the tri kit during the swim, so the only changing in T1 is:  wetsuit off, cap & goggles off, and put on:  socks (optional), cycling shoes, helmet, sunglasses.  In T2:  swap cycling shoes for running shoes, helmet for hat/visor if you want.  Until you hit Ironman distance there generally is no place to do a full clothing change in transition.  You also will want a race number belt that you can put on in either T1 or T2 usually.  (I do it in T1 and wear number-facing-back on the bike, then spin it in T2.)

During training, you can wear whatever you are comfortable in.  I usually do swim workouts in a swimsuit.  For bike/run bricks I wear a tri kit.  For stand alone bike or runs, I just dress for those single sports.  You should make sure to do all 3 of swimming, biking, and running in your tri kit at least once before race day though.  No new clothes on race day!

As between tri kit vs. tri suit, I prefer two piece kit because it's easier to go to the bathroom, plus I have a lot at this point and I can kind of mix & match pieces for racing/training.

4) What gear investments give the most bang for the buck? There is seriously so much out there - and I'm unclear on what should be prioritized and what can wait. Do I need a bike computer if I have a garmin watch?

I don't have a dedicated bike computer.  I have a Garmin 910xt (a tri Garmin) that I use for everything.  Depending on which Garmin you have, you might want a bike computer too, but maybe not.  

There is SO much stuff that you CAN buy, but much of it is not necessary.  What do you have and what are you considering?

5) this is really dumb (and god bless my uncoordinated soul), but how do you drink and eat during your bike ride? Will my balance on the bike come naturally someday and it'll be no thing to reach down for the bottle while I'm riding? Clearly I'm a true beginner and the learning curve is steep for me, so please be kind.

Yes, your balance will improve.  It also helps to keep it really simple.  The coach I worked with last year was a huge proponent of liquid nutrition because it's easy to take in regardless of road conditions.  You may not be able to safely unwrap a honey stinger on a descent, but a swig from a bottle is more do-able, and more conducive to fueling when you need to, not when a smooth stretch of road makes it convenient.  I also use a gel flask on my handlebars, same idea.

[ktzmoh]

oreos, a trainer is one of the gear items that I'm considering - I think that will be pretty useful, so I think we'll likely pick one of those up soon.

Susie, I just have a forerunner 15, so I was weighing a bike computer versus putting that money toward one of the multisport garmins.

How is the recovery after races? I feel like the rate limiting factor for me in recovery is related to the joint impact. So in my imagination, I could recover faster from a 3 or 4 hour triathlon than a marathon because of the low impact nature of the swim and bike portions. Is that wack? When I tested out a gym tri, I felt awesome after that pretty hard workout and was training again the next day. I would have felt beat up after just running hard that long.

[Susie]

Mar 25, 2015 11:48:11 GMT -5 ktzmoh said:

Susie, I just have a forerunner 15, so I was weighing a bike computer versus putting that money toward one of the multisport garmins.

How is the recovery after races? I feel like the rate limiting factor for me in recovery is related to the joint impact. So in my imagination, I could recover faster from a 3 or 4 hour triathlon than a marathon because of the low impact nature of the swim and bike portions. Is that wack? When I tested out a gym tri, I felt awesome after that pretty hard workout and was training again the next day. I would have felt beat up after just running hard that long.

What kinds of distances are you planning to do?

Re: Garmins, it might be a ymmv kind of thing, but I'd rather put the $ into a multisport Garmin than a nice bike computer.   My 910xt does everything I need, and is more utilitarian than a bike computer.  The 920xt is the most recent version, and I'm sure it's cooler, but I'm sure it's also more $$$.  DC Rainmaker is a great source for reviews if you are considering various models.  If you're hedging on making the splurge at all, it is a want not a need.  I didn't get a multisport Garmin until about a year ago - i.e. my 4th or so tri season, and 2nd season doing HIM distance.  It's definitely a nice thing to have though, especially if you are a data person.  The longer your races are, the more important and useful pacing becomes.

As for recovery, I think it's pretty accepted that tris are more time consuming to train for than a similar-duration running race, but easier on the body/to recover from.  A HIM is an easier recovery than a marathon, despite taking a lot more training to prepare for.  An Oly tri is definitely easier on the body than a marathon, although at Oly distance you're starting to get into that "controlled balls out" pace that is exhausting if you are truly going after it.  I think Oly might still be an easier recovery than a HM, except for the most balls-out of Oly's.

[sadlebred]

I run a bike computer and a Garmin 500 on all of my bikes b/c I ride where there is a lot of tree cover, and the Garmins don't pick up well there. Plus, I'm a bike geek. Each bike has it's own computer, and the Garmin gets swapped between bikes. Get a multisport Garmin as you will get more for your money.

As for eating and drinking on the bike, fill your bottle and then go to a nice grassy field. Practice grabbing the bottle, taking a sip, and putting it back while on the grass. You won't hurt your bike by riding on the grass. If you fall, it softens the landing. Grassy fields are also good for practicing clipping in and out of clipless pedals. Also, if you have a stationary trainer, that's a good way to practice drinking and eating. (You don't have to actually eat, just practice taking an object out of your rear pocket.)

[emilyj]

1) what app/platform do you use to monitor your training? Training peaks? Strava? I don't think strava or garmin connect have swim components (do they?)

I really don't.  I have a Garmin 910xt, so if really wanted to pay attention, I'd actually upload my workouts.  Right now I just write out a plan for the week and do it.  

2) How do you track your swims? Do you think a fancy watch that works in the water is worth the $$?

I wear my Garmin.  The 910xt is the triathlon watch.  I really, really, really love it and am glad I got it.  I like the fact that it keeps track of my yards and pace, and I don't have to during swim practice.  So for me, yes, the Garmin was worth it.  

3) I'm so confused about what you wear during a triathlon and during training. Are you supposed to wear a bathing suit under the wetsuit? Or the tri kit under the wetsuit? If you wear a bathing suit, how/where do you change into your tri kit ? Do you cycle and run in the same kit?

Training - I wear a suit in the pool.  On bike rides and bricks, I wear tri shorts and a cycling jersey for the ride, but I always 'transition' at home, so I usually throw on a running tank.  I keep the tri shorts on.

Race - I wear tri shorts, a tri top, and usually one of my two piece bathing suit tops as a sports bra.  A lot of times, I do the swim in just the bathing suit top and tri shorts, and then throw on the tri top in T1. 

4) What gear investments give the most bang for the buck? There is seriously so much out there - and I'm unclear on what should be prioritized and what can wait. Do I need a bike computer if I have a garmin watch?

I had a cateye for my bike before I got the Garmin, so I will typically use both.  I would spend money on a quality pair of tri shorts before I'd buy anything else.  

5) this is really dumb (and god bless my uncoordinated soul), but how do you drink and eat during your bike ride? Will my balance on the bike come naturally someday and it'll be no thing to reach down for the bottle while I'm riding? Clearly I'm a true beginner and the learning curve is steep for me, so please be kind.

As your balance improves, you'll get better with this.  Practice it either on a trainer or in a field.  For drinking, I'll just reach down and drink.  I favor Shot Blocs, so I put them in my back jersey pocket, reach back and eat as needed.


If I'm on a longer training ride, I'll usually stop for a minute and eat a Stinger Waffle, or a banana, or whatever else I may have brought. 

[sunshinejoy]

Thanks for starting this post! I am also doing my first sprint tri this summer and will have questions too!

[juliabug]

How do you plan and practice your fuel for a race? None of my workouts will be nearly as long as my Oly.

[Susie]

Mar 25, 2015 23:02:51 GMT -5 juliabug said:

How do you plan and practice your fuel for a race? None of my workouts will be nearly as long as my Oly.

Just like w/ running HMs, where you might start experimenting w/ fuels at slightly shorter distances than you NEED them so you can try things, you do the same on long bike rides/runs.

FWIW, for Oly's I do strictly liquid nutrition in bike bottles.  200-300 kcal/bottle, and drink as much as I can comfortably get down on the bike (1+ whole bottle).  The run is only a 10k, so if I drank enough kcals on the bike I don't need more on the run.

[emilyj]

Mar 26, 2015 6:26:45 GMT -5 Susie said:

Mar 25, 2015 23:02:51 GMT -5 juliabug said:

How do you plan and practice your fuel for a race? None of my workouts will be nearly as long as my Oly.

Just like w/ running HMs, where you might start experimenting w/ fuels at slightly shorter distances than you NEED them so you can try things, you do the same on long bike rides/runs.

FWIW, for Oly's I do strictly liquid nutrition in bike bottles.  200-300 kcal/bottle, and drink as much as I can comfortably get down on the bike (1+ whole bottle).  The run is only a 10k, so if I drank enough kcals on the bike I don't need more on the run.

Susie, are you one of the people who use Tailwind?  I have a miserable time eating on the bike (especially once our hot summers hit), so I was thinking of trying to switch over to liquid only.  If you are, do you like it? 

[Susie]

Mar 26, 2015 11:55:04 GMT -5 emilyj said:

Mar 26, 2015 6:26:45 GMT -5 Susie said:

Just like w/ running HMs, where you might start experimenting w/ fuels at slightly shorter distances than you NEED them so you can try things, you do the same on long bike rides/runs.

FWIW, for Oly's I do strictly liquid nutrition in bike bottles.  200-300 kcal/bottle, and drink as much as I can comfortably get down on the bike (1+ whole bottle).  The run is only a 10k, so if I drank enough kcals on the bike I don't need more on the run.

Susie, are you one of the people who use Tailwind?  I have a miserable time eating on the bike (especially once our hot summers hit), so I was thinking of trying to switch over to liquid only.  If you are, do you like it? 

No, I use Infinit (the Isis formula), and in the past I've used Heed.  A lot of those products are pretty similar though, and a big part of it is what you like the taste of, and what sits well in your stomach.  That's really the make or break thing.  I haven't tried Tailwind because Infinit ain't broke for me, and doesn't need fixing.  

Heed was ok too, but I prefer the taste of Infinit and find that it settles my stomach better than anything else I've tried.  It also has more electrolytes than Heed.  On the very very hottest days I was adding Nuun to my Heed just for more Na+, etc., which I don't have to do with Infinit.  

[ktzmoh]

Thanks guys for all this advice! I have more questions.

As I'm now looking at starting my training for my first tri, I'm trying to work out the logistics of the training. The plan I picked has 3 bike sessions per week, and two of those are no problem. One of the shorter bike workouts will have to be done on a commute day, and I'm trying to figure out how to accomplish that. My current schedule means I work out in the morning before work, and the evenings are pretty tied up with kid-duty (dinner/homework/baths/bed etc). I have a long commute so I don't go home after working out, I just go straight to work. I don't think I can easily bring my bike to work with me  because I have no safe place to put it during the day.

Can I effectively train on indoor bikes? There are about a half dozen kinds of spin bikes in the gym, is one better than the other? I know almost nothing about them...

[Susie]

A spin bike is better than nothing, but it would be better to do on your own bike. Do you have a trainer to do a workout at home before you leave for work? I have sworn off spin bikes because they bother my knees. I can't seem to get them fit right for me. I really need to ride my own bike.

I have done some inconvenient things in order to get it all done. When I bike commute, my bike comes up the elevator and hangs out in my office with me all day. I have also left my bike locked in my car (it fits with the backseat folded down and the front wheel off) in the parking garage so I can go to tri practice straight from work. "Easy" isn't really the standard, it's more about what's possible.

[chw57]

A trainer will be a waaaayyy better option than any indoor stationary bikes. Is that something you could get? I did all my trainer rides at 4:45 before work

[katandkevin]

I agree with the other ladies that a trainer would be a better option than a spin bike. Then you are able to spin whenever it fits in your schedule. I used to spin super early and get my workouts done early.

[ktzmoh]

Hmmm. So you are saying I need a bigger office so I can store my bike in here, right? I'll take that to my boss.

Ok, I'll figure out how to be on my bike instead of a spin bike.

Follow up question: do you guys ride in the dark? Is there a benefit to trainer rides over rides outside other than convenience?

[Susie]

Apr 29, 2015 13:42:13 GMT -5 ktzmoh said:

Follow up question: do you guys ride in the dark? Is there a benefit to trainer rides over rides outside other than convenience?

I try not to.  I occasionally do accidentally when I'm commuting, especially at the end of the work day as it gets late in October and days are shorter.  When I do, I use a tail light, head light, reflective clothes, and I'm SUPER careful.  I definitely don't ride at "training speeds" because it's harder to see stuff on the road, etc.  I don't do it on purpose and I don't enjoy it.  Cycling is unfortunately dangerous enough in daylight, what with drivers not paying attention

As far as the trainer, the #1 benefit to me is convenience and ability to ride when the weather (including darkness) sucks.  There are other benefits; Andy Potts reportedly does all his bike training indoors:

www.ironman.com/triathlon-news/articles/2013/06/indoor-bicycle-training.aspx#axzz3Yj2sA0Yw

but I think for a lot of us mere mortals getting good at bike handling (which you really only do outside, maybe unless you're on rollers) is at least as important as the other aspects of bike training.  So I generally limit trainer time to when it's necessary for my schedule and/or conditions.

[chw57]

I rode in the dark exactly once and deer scared the shit out of me.

[emilyj]

Apr 29, 2015 13:42:13 GMT -5 ktzmoh said:

Hmmm. So you are saying I need a bigger office so I can store my bike in here, right? I'll take that to my boss.

Ok, I'll figure out how to be on my bike instead of a spin bike.

Follow up question: do you guys ride in the dark? Is there a benefit to trainer rides over rides outside other than convenience?

Ride in the dark? Hell and no. That's not something I'd ever feel comfortable with.

I *just* started throwing in one trainer ride a week, even though the weather is gorgeous out.  One, I don't have to stress about my schedule on that day, and two, I do it as a tabata workout, which I feel is really beneficial to me right now. 

[sadlebred]

I ride in the dark quite often in the fall and late winter. As long as you have good lights, you are fine. Be prepared to invest some $$, though.

[juliabug]

I thought of more questions. Do you have a favorite sunscreen? Is it okay to put on sunscreen before I get into my wetsuit? Do you reapply during T1 or T2? (Sprint and Oly distances. HIM and IM are different animals.)

[kams]

May 3, 2015 9:15:31 GMT -5 juliabug said:

I thought of more questions. Do you have a favorite sunscreen? Is it okay to put on sunscreen before I get into my wetsuit? Do you reapply during T1 or T2? (Sprint and Oly distances. HIM and IM are different animals.)

I don't reapply for sprint/oly, and I do put it on before my wetsuit. Use anything you like. I use a spray when I'm training because I'm usually by myself and I can get my back that way, but during a race, anyone will help you get your back before the race starts. I would just use a water/sweat proof kind. I usually use neutrogena wet skin.

[niq]

Re: watches - there is an article on DC rainmaker about putting your watch in a Ziploc bag under your cap. I do that with my 310xt for my outdoor swims, it's way more accurate than the swim mode. ONLY do this is your watch is at least labeled water resistant.

[ktzmoh]

More questions:

1) on scheduling workouts, is it okay to shift them around during the week due to scheduling issues? I'm used to long runs, recovery runs and speed workouts happening on the same day every week because that's kind of the rhythm of runner training.

With tris, is it okay to fit them in whenever you can during the week or is it important to follow the rules? Like can I do a long ride and then another ride the next day, or am I supposed to change over to a different discipline the day after hard workouts in one discipline?

2) I'm used to training by mileage. Reassure me that it's totally fine to just train by time on the bike and not worry about the distance. Between the hills of Lake Tahoe and the 7000 ft elevation (vs my sea level home town), I'm expecting that I'll be quite a bit slower on race day and worried about being undertrained for the actual amount of time I'll be out on the bike.

3) Are there swim drills and workouts that are particularly geared toward tri training ? or favorite sources for drills? I have one swim day that instructs me to be 'drill focused' but I'm unsure about what I'm supposed to be doing (i guess maybe i get what i paid for, my cheap training plan is not terribly specific)