HIM T1 vs T2

easton99

Headed to Muncie 70.3 next weekend.  I am new to HIM distance, so not sure how much I want to do in transition.  I have a Zoot tri suit I am wearing the whole race (under wetsuit if they are allowed).  I have tri shoes for the bike that I often don't wear socks with, even on long rides.  I usually use chamois butter for longer rides, esp. considering the thin chamois on my race suit.  I have new(ish) running shoes that I am not comfortable going sockless with.  I am anticipating using body glide in 'key' spots to keep comfortable for the run.

So, when to apply the chamois cream and/or body glide.....or just skip them and toughen up?  I am planning on exiting T1 with bike shoes on the feet.  I have done the rubber band to the frame and mounting w shoes on the pedals before, but not enough to try it here.

Also, should I sock up in T1 (socks will work fine on bike, but not needed) or wait until T2?  Body glide on the feet, or not?  Pretty sure I can get through it, but have used it in the past on this distance.

I know simpler is better in transistion, but I also know a few extra seconds in T2 that make me more comfortable will easily be gained back on the run. 

jhpiii

 I go sockless on the bike and definitely wear socks on the run. As you said, the few seconds in T2 will be well worth it. 13.1 mi with blister is devastating. Also, I would apply all chamois cream and glide before the race starts- not sure how you would even apply chamois cream in T1 anyway?

GMAN 19030

I don't wear socks on the bike ever.  I don't have blister issues so I don't have to Body Glide my feet.  YMMV.

 

I wouldn't go sockless for a 13.1 unless you've done it several times without issue.  I wouldn't run anything more than a 10K sockless but that's me.

 

As John stated, just lube up all you can before the race.  A full IM is the only distance where I feel the need re-lube.  I do put Aquaphor on my feet during the IM marathon but haven't done it in a HIM.

 

John, I have applied Aquaphor to my "sensitive bits" on the fly before.  Put some in your hand and just jam your hand down your shorts and rub it around your junk.  No big deal... unless you spend a couple minutes doing it and then some folks might find it obscene. 

easton99

Thanks guys. Wasn't sure how the stuff would hold up during the swim. I may apply the body glide to feet in T2, since it will come off/pick up sand from the beach. Since my Grandmother will be at the race, I will try to keep it PG-13 or nicer.

Beth_S

Oh - do make sure your chamois cream isn't water soluble, before testing out lubing up everything pre-race. My chamois cream of choice isn't and I learned that lesson painfully.

There is no shame in chamois cream in T1.

And +3 to socks. Race how you trained. In T2, your feet should be dry and socks will be easier to put on.

William Jenks

I have very sensitive skin to blisters and the like. I'll run a 5K sockless in the right shoes, but nothing longer. Since I do that, I haven't bothered to learn to go sockless on long rides. But that's up to you, and it's certainly nicer not to have socks if you are the type that pees on the bike.

Given my sensitivity, I hope you'll be reassured in knowing that I've never had any issues at the HIM distance having gooped myself up before the race. Never stopped in T1 to do that.

As a precaution, I often will use body lube BEFORE using the chamois cream to give myself some assurance that there will definitely be something there no matter what. I use a bit more chamois cream than usual, and it just doesn't seem to be a problem. I've never really paid attention to whether the brand of chamois cream is more or less water soluble...they are all emulsions, but I suppose they could be different in that aspect.

One thing to realize (if you are wearing a wet suit) is that the water flow through it is certainly there, but it's not like someone is hosing you down for half an hour! :-)

Michael Byerts

I haven't had problems putting on the chamois cream before the race, and I have had chafing issues on long rides without the cream.
On the sock question, I vote strongly for putting them on in T2. It's way harder (at least for me) to put socks on wet feet in T1 with cold, slipper hands. And going sockless on the bike gives you the option of peeing on the bike if you need to do it. But, as others have said, unless you have run many 13.1's sockless with no issue, going without could cost you in the last 10K.

Dave Tallo

My votes are for no chamois on race day (I bet you don't notice the absence) and socks in t2.

mattsull

 I use Aquaphor on my chamois on race day. It doesn't all wash off in the water. 

mgraffeo

I use the Mission body lube (sold at CVS) for chammy cream prior to the race, and it works well.

Swanie

I use Body Glide on my junk (heavy application) before I put on my wetsuit, and it is still there even after an Ironman. I also don't mind the 10 seconds that is takes me to put on socks in T1.  Until I am within 30 seconds of a Kona slot, I will always err on the side of comfort.

mancona

The key thing I would remind you of is "Nothing new on race day". If you have always used chamois cream just put some on before the race, same with socks. If nothing else it will put your mind at ease.

I would put on the chamois cream before the race. Go sockless on the bike and if you are worried at all just put some bodyglide inside your shoes before the race. If you usually use socks on the run, put them on in T2.

FWIW, looks like I'm the odd one as I go sockless the entire race and don't bother with body glide or chamois cream or anything else like that for races. Addreneline gets me through a race no problem and I usually don't even notice a blister or chaffing until after the race when I see the blood. In other words toughen up for future races, but give your body a chance to adapt in training first ;-)

See you at Muncie!

William Jenks

You can harden up or you can practice putting socks on really fast. :-)

For all I know, the BG or chamois cream is gone by the time I get to the bike and adrenaline carries me through, too. But I kinda doubt it's entirely gone. I see absolutely nothing to lose from lubing up before the race. The time taken to do anything in T1/T2 is obviously an issue you have to decide about.

After some unfortunate life lessons, I also have learned to do things like use body glide around the arm holes of the singlet (especially under the armpit) and to apply sunscreen so that you don't get a tramp-stamp sunburn. Some of these thigns just don't show up until race day. :-)