Triathlon - Another Tri Newbie Question

So I'm getting prepared for my first tri in 2 weeks - and i'm wondering what people wear to the race - do you wear your tri shorts/tri suits/bike shorts (whatever you wear under your wetsuit) when you get to the race - or do you change into that at the race site? What about after the race?

The reason I ask is the race is about a 20 minute drive from my house and you need to get there by 6:00 AM to pick-up race packets, set-up transition area, etc. and the race doesn't start until 8:00 AM. That would be about 3 hours in somewhat skin tight tri gear which certainly isn't ideal.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Pete

I wear my tri-shorts with a pair of warmup pants over it. for the start of the race it's pants off, wetsuit on. after the race, pants back on... what isn't ideal? if it's comfort, you have a problem. my tri-suit is the most comfortable thing i own. :)

I wear my tri-shorts with a pair of warmup pants over it. for the start of the race it's pants off, wetsuit on. after the race, pants back on... what isn't ideal? if it's comfort, you have a problem. my tri-suit is the most comfortable thing i own. :)

+1... I just throw a pair of workout shorts and a tshirt on over my gear. Set up my transition area then take the shorts a tshirt off....If you dont feel comfortable then change in your car... heck, it'll be dark out so its not like people will be able to see you change.

But then again....I dont think any would notice because they are all focused on everything but you.

Pete my boy. Relax, remember to sh@t, shower, shave, put onyour closes if you can not eat 3 hrs before the race starts just do not eat and take a shot of GU just prior to the start. Yes, pick out your stuff put it on and go.....wear a pair of civilian clothes over and wait it out. I also bring a change for after the race when a wet & sweaty crotch mayruin the fun day.

Good luck.

All good advice. I'm just curious about your aversion to wearing your race stuff for a few hours. Think how long you will have it on if you ever do a Half or Full Ironman :)

Thanks for the advice and words of wisdom. I guess it's nerves and jitters for my first race. Although I've been cycling for years and certainly comfortable in bibs and a jersey, the tri suit is a bit more fitted on top than I'm used to, hence the reason for the question. Good to know I can put my self esteem issues to the side and focus on completing my first tri!

I wear regular shorts and a t-shirt with some flip flops while I'm lounging around waiting for my start time. Race gear underneath, and I strip down at the appropriate time. I usually have a few other people hanging out to watch the races, so they hang onto that stuff for me while I race.

Many bigger races will have a separate gear check outside the transition area for this purpose.