Triathlon - 48 hours left til first Tri ... what the heck do I do now?

So, Im packing tonight after the hockey game so I can drive straight from work tomorrow to my hotel.

Other than check the bike, double check the gear/food im bringing, and getting a good night sleep, anything else I should do? I'm going to drive the bike course and the 5k course. I'll also be scouting out the transition areas.

Nope - sounds like you're good to go.

Have fun!!!

Bring an extra set of goggles. The plastic strap will break if you only have the one pair. If you're in a wetsuit tuck the pull cord under your cap. Enjoy.

Don't forget your snoo.

Don't forget your snoo.

Snoo? I dont know what that is.

I don't own an extra pair of goggles. ill borrow my fiancees.

No wetsuit. My level of slow would cant be helped that much, even with expensive technology. I did buy tri shorts though, i saved some decent effort without the resistance from my board shorts.

Should I wear bike shorts over my tri shorts for the ride?

Should I wear bike shorts over my tri shorts for the ride?

NO!!! The tri shorts are designed to do what the bike shorts would - but with less padding that doesn't stay super wet.

If you are feeling modest, you could totally put on a pair of looser shorts over top though.

Keep in mind - trying to put clothes on top of wet clothes when you're excited & your heart is racing - not an easy task. Less is more - and will get you to the finish line faster.

NO!!! The tri shorts are designed to do what the bike shorts would - but with less padding that doesn't stay super wet.

If you are feeling modest, you could totally put on a pair of looser shorts over top though.

Keep in mind - trying to put clothes on top of wet clothes when you're excited & your heart is racing - not an easy task. Less is more - and will get you to the finish line faster.


Not a modesty thing. Im a really big guy (300+) doing a triathlon, so if i gave a rats ass what people thought of how i looked i wouldnt be here in the first place. Plus I have a 5'4" 122 lb fiancee at home so my looks cant be that bad :D

Don't forget your helmet and shoes. And a pump. And your flat repair kit. ;)

GOOD LUCK TechKnowGN! You're going to have an amazing time. Update us with an epic story of the race so I can live vicariously through your first tri. Mine's not till June.

:D

What's a good pre-race meal the night before? I'll be in this same boat next week and am just curious what I should eat to properly fuel. Something with extra carbs? More protein? Any advice?

Don't forget your helmet and shoes. And a pump. And your flat repair kit. ;)

Shoes are on my feet. Helmets in the car (I think, but i'll double check) Pump is on the bike. I dont have a flat repair kit. I need to buy a flat kit, just in case. I'll pick one up on the way out of town or something. Im not sure where i'll put it, but i'll figure something out.

GOOD LUCK TechKnowGN! You're going to have an amazing time. Update us with an epic story of the race so I can live vicariously through your first tri. Mine's not till June.
:D

Will do! I'll post it both here and the Clyde forum.

What's a good pre-race meal the night before? I'll be in this same boat next week and am just curious what I should eat to properly fuel. Something with extra carbs? More protein? Any advice?
Eat light the day before. Not too light of course, but i'd recommend staying away from that 4 course steak dinner or even a trip to the local fast food joint...

As long as you've had a sensible breakfast and lunch, you could even get by with just a Clif Bar or two for dinner.

I think you should eat something with carbs (whole wheat pasta) that will stick with you over night with some protein too. I think a 4:1 ratio carbs: protein is regarded as the best that your body absorbs carbs (aka energy to burn).

edit: I realize you're already doing/have done the tri as of right now.

Where's the race report? We're impatient around here.

GOOD LUCK TechKnowGN! You're going to have an amazing time. Update us with an epic story of the race so I can live vicariously through your first tri. Mine's not till June.

:D

Dang artifice you are sooooooooo hot, Marry me! Oh dude you rock, the key to success in life is showing up to live it. JUST DO IT BABY!

Eat light the day before. Not too light of course, but i'd recommend staying away from that 4 course steak dinner or even a trip to the local fast food joint...

As long as you've had a sensible breakfast and lunch, you could even get by with just a Clif Bar or two for dinner.

And thats exactly what I did. I basically snacked a little throughout the day, but had sensible food all day. 2 clif bars and a G2 for dinner.

Where's the race report? We're impatient around here.

Sorry, I've been holding off since I dont have my times yet.

Good news: I finished.
Bad News: I finished last.

Good News: The swim I believe will be a PR.
Bad News: The bike course was ultra hilly, and I was not prepared. 2 serious climbs a few pseudo serious, and rollers all along the way. flats made up only 20%, and about 15% gentle downhill, the rest was a mix of climb and rest, climb and rest. I walked a good bit of the two hard climbs, and a couple other spots along the way.

Good news: I felt pretty good after, and I dont ache like I normally do after say a half marathon
Bad news: I have a feeling I'll hurt more tomorrow

Good News: When I had a major chain issue, because Im an idiot when it comes to shifting, the safety truck helped, and I was not DQ'ed.
Bad News: I left my favorite pair of PJ pants in locker #115 in the mens locker room at the Miami of Ohio rec center

Good News: Races on campus mean extra attractive "scenery" during the race including many volunteers
Bad news: I wasnt able to go to any of the parties because I had to be right for the race.

Good News: I now have the bug, and will be doing the next race May 9th. The girl who sold me shoes on friday teaches private swim lessons, so I will be taking some of those. The course for the next race is flat.
Bad news: The race and lessons cost money, and i should probably have the chain looked at after the on course incident.

I'll update more with times as they post tomorrow.

Congratulations! YOU ARE A TRIATHLETE!!!