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Transitions Matter

tim cronktim cronk
in General Training Discussions

Race season is upon us in full force now with races almost every weekend.   We train swim, bike, run , and nutrition. 

 Don't forget to train your transitions.  They do matter and they really count.   I was going over the "Enhanced results" from IMTX and found out that I passed 113 people in T1.  Thats right I came out of the water in 476th and left T1 in 363rd....  Had a great T1 but never would have believed it with out seeing the enhanced results... I originally just assumed I passed them on the bike. 

Lots of good info in the Wiki.  

 

Comments

  • robin sarnerrobin sarner
    Right. At least my t1 beat tim's in texas. image

    A related item. In an iron. Or any race where shoes can not be bike pre-mounted, i run with shoes in hand and put them on at the mount line. Foolish, i think, to risk the distinct chance of injury by running in bike shoes.
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    @ Robin - I am a transition flash, especially in short course. In my last sprint tri earlier this month, I was fastest in T1 and 2nd fastest in T2. For short course, I prefer a flying mount, but the surface conditions of transition dictate what I will do. If the pavement is exceptionally rough and long, I am going to put the bike shoes on at my bike and run with them. It is much faster than hobbling to the mount line and risking sore feet for several days. I don't see why there is any chance of injury. Conversely, I am more likely to injure my bare feet on loose, sharp gravel. I can run easily in bike shoes for short distance without any slipping, but remember I am only doing it on rough pavement. If it is smooth then I will be hauling barefoot and jumping on the bike while everyone is straddling their bike at the mount line.

  • Dave TalloDave Tallo
    Bingo. This is one of the most overlooked items in competitive racing. Which is great, because it's so easy to find time with so little invested. The wiki should be required reading.

    Though it is still one of my favorite things in the world to see a dude on 808s, a superbike and newtons with 19 minutes of Ts in his race result.
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott
    @ Paul ... Robin has a lot farther to fall than you do
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    At Al, yes, but while I have to get some air to clear my bike seat, Robin can just step over the back on the run!
  • robin sarnerrobin sarner

    Al     "Timber"

    Paul.    I am not worried about foot abrasions.   I am worried about sprained or fractured ankles.    Tearing Achilles tendon.   etc.

    Also, for Speedplay folks, good chance of getting stuff in the cleats that will affect the interface for the whole race.         

    For anyone that continues to put on shoes in the tent, consider cleat covers.     gives extra grip and keeps stuff out of the cleats.     And give to someone in the crowd at the mount line.      "Give them back to me at the end".     The funny looks are fun.

  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    @ Robin - I've never had foot abrasions. What I can get is extremely sore feet that interfere with running for up to 5 days after a race. So the barefoot action is reserved only for transitions set up on grass or smooth pavement. I use Shimano SPD-SL cleats which have softer plastic tips on the edge of the front and two sides of the cleat. It is like running on a pair of Newtons with big forefoot lugs. They don't slip, and the edges are all below the locking surfaces. You have given me yet another reason to stay away from Speedplay. image
  • tgarsontgarson
    Robin, what do you do with your bike when you are putting on your shoes, ask a volunteer to hold it? I feel like I'd get in everyone's way or have to find somewhere to lean my bike up on a wall to put on my shoes if I ran with them to the mount line.

    I'm definitely somewhat concerned about running in my bike shoes (speedplays) depending on the ground. I wasn't so worried at IMMT last year because of the carpet, I also don't usually worry about running in grass (not about slipping, but I do about getting crap in my cleats). Running for long periods on concrete/asphalt in speedplays is definitely something I like to avoid when possible though.
  • robin sarnerrobin sarner
    Trevor.     I just move to the side at the mount line and ask a spectator to hold.          Cleat covers only $10 so that is a dispoable option for the day too.
  • tgarsontgarson
    I'm not sure I'd use these on raceday because they don't look very aero, but came across these as another potential option for speedplay users potentially considering running in transition with their shoes on: http://www.keeponkovers.com/Product.html

    I picked up a pair recently primarily with the intent to use them when I do my yearly social ride / trip, like RAGBRAI.
  • mgraffeomgraffeo
    I've run in bike shoes for 7 years. Never had a problem. Time RXS.

    I wear socks, and have no interest in running across muddy fields, etc, in them.
  • robin sarnerrobin sarner
    Trevor.   I have used them.          Working fine initially.     Then one started to deform and get in the way with rubbing.     Give them a good trial use before racing with them.              I may try again with a new pair. 
  • cgres123cgres123
    I ware socks too and kind of run in my bike shoes, I think that shoe run looks funny. What really trips me out is the flying mounts I don't even want to practice that for the thought of a miss.
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