Two things ladies need to know that aren't in Coach P's wonderfully detailed race day plan
Men, you've been warned--this is a ladies only thread!
Though I haven't written my race report yet, I wanted to share the two most important things I learned.
1) Apparently when Coach says "Take Tylenol" in the plan he actually means real Tylenol and not "generic pain reliever". I never get cramps, but of course I did on race day, and luckily the fact that I took the wrong stuff didn't wind up being an issue. I had NO idea it's dangerous during endurance events. Apparently, someone on the team wound up in the hospital because of it somewhere along the line, so "it's a real thing." Found this article which explains it a bit, here: http://www.athletebloodtest.com/medications-and-endurance-training-what-you-should-know/
2) If you haven't already switched to a Diva Cup, at least buy one and pack it for race day "just in case". I thought I came prepared for everything/had thought about everything with all my fancy checklists, but string management and finding places in tiny tri kits to stash supplies had not been on my radar. Sounds like the Diva Cup is the way to avoid all that!
The best part was coming home to my all male household who just had to know why my last bike split dropped off so badly. There needs to be some way to add a porta-potty asterisk that goes on those time splits so people don't ask. ;-)
Other than that, my first half iron was a blast, and I can't wait for the next one (which will hopefully be at the right time of the month next time! ;-)
Comments
2. is that diva cup the thing that helps you pee standing up? Girl, I just pee on the bike, no stopping. Like Frozen says... LET IT GOOOOOOO LET IT GOOOOO
ok wait.... just googled Diva Cup..... not for peeing on the bike.... for the ladies only monthly issue. WOW that thing is interesting. If we really want to get in the nitty gritty of this topic, we can.
BOYS HERE IS YOUR WARNING...... DO NOT READ.... WALK AWAY.....
I have found the two times I was on my cycle when I was racing that the flow actually stopped. The first time I packed tampons in my bags and stashed them in my bento and changed at aid stations. I found that I wasn't really changing anything.
The next time I decided to wear nothing - it was a half so I figured it wouldn't be too bad if things went badly.
I peed on the bike and threw water on my shorts like normal and post race I still didn't have any more grossness than normal salt, sweat etc.
Im sure others have different stories about this but my cycle is pretty light as it is due to the pill.
On performance and your cycle - I have found a couple articles on when its best to train, race etc based on hormones
http://home.trainingpeaks.com/blog/article/understanding-your-cycle-and-performance
http://www.active.com/women/articles/how-menses-affects-athletic-performance
Im sure there are more about there but this helps also with training and racing. Since we are on the subject might as well do a full female takeover
I'll probably purchase a diva cup just to test it out if and when the stars align in that area again. Will report back. But I suppose that means I need to start racing again.... ha!
Thanks for the write up and two cents Catherine you rock
***Continuing warning to the guys about ladies only thread***
Yes indeed, credit where credit is due -- Mariah is the one who clued me in to the "Tylenol ONLY" thing... Glad to know that for next time around, and seems important to spread the word widely! Thanks, Mariah!
VERY interesting about your cycle stopping for the race, as that's basically what happened to me, too. I didn't think it was possible to stop mid-cycle like that so I was fretting over stashing more stuff than I needed, and probably added to my stomach cramps wearing a tampon that I apparently ceased to need as soon as the race started. The Diva Cup sounds like nice insurance, just in case the flow decides not to stop.(!)
And yes, if you're not racing, Mariah, you should be. :-) xo
I was intrigued when I read about it, purchased and began to use.
Now, I am a former trauma nurse and now an NP, so I am accustomed to handling "stuff".
It is great for any time, ie vacation, but since we are talking about triathlon, training and racing days are super easy, no stress.