Originally Posted by
bfs2
Congrats @
WebFootFreak, 1:51 is an awesome time! If I get that in August I'll be beyond excited.
Have another question for everyone, I found a pair of XXL Pearl Izumi Elite tri shorts at Marshall's for $25! (Originally $80) that fit great but don't really know what to wear as a top post swimming. I normally run and bike in a long sleeve under armour 1/4 zip, I like having the extra fabric to wipe my face. Let's be honest too as a clyde my arms aren't exactly ripped like Charles Atlas for a sleeveless. Is wearing long sleeves illegal? I know they paint your # on your arms but I was thinking I'd also have another # pinned on? Probably another dumb question but I am a complete beginner at this. Thanks as always.
You will also likely have your agegroup and bib # written on the back of your calves. I always feel like a walking billboard with all the marking that goes on.
Depending on the race temp, quite a few folks will be going shirtless for the swim and then will find a t-shirt/jogging shirt or short sleeved bike jersey to toss on in T1. I did my first several this way and it works fine.
I would tell the body markers (the folks with the big sharpie that are going to give you the "raceday tatoo") what you intend to do and I doubt you'll have a conflict. My May race, it was chilly and there were a lot of long sleeves (Wetsuits as well as bike gear). For the folks in long sleeves, they marked the back of your hand instead of your shoulders. Maybe they would mark both for you?
Marking (and bib numbers, and stickers on helmet, and stickers on bike, and, and, and...) seems to change subtley each race. We had differences this past weekend at the same venue with same race director only 1mo apart! Bottom line is I would NOT expect them to outlaw long sleeves if that's your preference. They always seem to be trying to balance inconvenience to the racers with sharing information with race staff, USAT officials, and even the course photographers. If the race director can be contactable (most are on facebook), you might toss the question out. Otherwise, just ask a lot of questions either at packet pickup or raceday morning and you should be fine.
Let us know how it goes!