Kona 2005

[kfb]

Anyone catch the Kona Ironman on the tube today? What an inspiration watching all those athletes push on (especially with disablilties, and elderly classes).

I'll be doing my first (sprint) tri this coming June, but I hope to make it an annual event and would really like to get to the half-ironman level. I've been training pretty hard on the swim, bike, run, but at this stage i'm more nervous about the transitions? Still undecided on the gear I will use (wetsuit, tri shorts, socks, etc).

[ZackJones]

I recorded it on the Tivo and watched it a little while ago. When ever I start having a tough training day I'll just think "1390". That's one determined guy.

Why are you nervous about the transitions? You can practice them at home.

[kfb]

I guess the transitions are just the area I have the least knowledge in? I know what to do to improve my swim, bike, and run ... but being I have never been in a tri, i'm pretty clueless as to what the transition areas will look like (other than what I have seen on websites, etc). For my first tri i'm not going to focus on my times too much. I'll use it more as a learning experience so i'm better prepared for future events.

Weather permitting, I will go without a wetsuit, and just use tri-shorts for all three legs (can't do the speedo thing). Being it's a sprint length, I shouldn't have to worry about nutrician too much, although I may take a gel during the bike?

What do you usually do for breakfast the morning of the race?

You hit it right on the head! ... between "1390" and the girl with only half of one leg, that should help me thru any tough days I may have ............. I felt terrible for her that she missed the run by 15 minutes. I bet she'll be back again?

[spinner220]

Yeah- I thought it was crazy that she missed it by 15 minutes. I almost felt like they should have let her continue- given her some kind of break.

With your transitions- you really have nothing to fear. All I do is is lay out my items in a logical manner by the order in which I'll use them. So- you start out with your swim gear on- easy. Next is the bike- I open all the straps on my bike shoes and have socks in each so I can just pull them on. My helmet sits on my bike- on the tri-bars- with sunglasses inside- strap open ready to put on. Don't forget to fasten your strap! When I get back from the bike- my running shoes are sitting there with my hat on top and my race number (fastened to my race belt) kinda half inside my shoes. With a sprint some folks cut corners to save time as it's a short race for some- for you if this is your first- don't rush- don't take all day either- just make sure you've got everything you need. Your first race is a great accomplishment no matter the distance!

A lot of us will clip our shors into our peddles and ride off and then slip our feet in after we get out of the transition area. I would not reccoment your doing that yet- it my save you 30 seconds but it takes some practice. There are lots of articles out there- look at http://trinewbies.com/Article.asp?ArticleID=38. Check out the other articles there too- great resource.

Just have fun!

G