Do people actually get changed in the changing tents?
Being a IM virgin, I don't understand what the changing tents are for. All the other races I've done from sprint to HIM, none have ever had changing tents. I thought that was why God made the trisuit and tri kits.
Does anyone actually change in T1 and/or T2? Swim suit to bibs, to run shorts? Seems kind of silly really..... but then again, I'm a Noob.
Bewildered.......
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I did IMFL last year and it was like 40 degrees when we started the swim so I put on some warm and dry clothes in T1. No way I wanted wet clothes on during the bike. I was cold enough and didn't have to make it worse. I then put on some cooler clothes in T2 for the run and had a long sleeve in my run special needs bag.
For IMTX this year I put on the DeSoto Cool Wings in T1 for the cooling effect and so I didn't have to worry about sunscreen/sunburn issues on my arms and shoulders. I put on my EN tri top in T1 as well.
I guess it all depends on the conditions. For IMLP, you could probably do without a full costume change since it shouldn't be too hot or too cold.
Tents are out of the sun / rain too. Don't get too comfortable though! Fast, fast, fast.
Steve, I felt the same way going into IMCDA. I wasn't going to change into anything, but after two race rehearsals I found that I wanted a better bike short to ride in. The bike short I chose that gave me comfort on the bike would have been too bulky for the run. So I wore the bike shorts under my wetsuit but changed to a pair of running shorts in T2 for the run. People will change completely in T1 and then again in T2. It takes 10 seconds to slip off bike shorts and slip on run shorts and the comfort that you have for the long run is SO worth it. Plus it gives you a chance to re-apply body lube if needed. Unless you on the edge of qualifying for Kona the minute that you might extend transition means nothing when compared to increasing your comfort on a 12 hour day.
Luckily for me, I didn't listen, and stuck with tri clothes for the entire event - whether it was a sprint or on IM. I still train and race that way, tri training means tri clothes 100% of the time.
But in doing IM for the last five years, I've also seen all sorts of things in those change tents (and outside of them - just don't get caught or you'll be DQ'd there)!
Have a great day out there!
---Ann.
You will see everything and anything in the tent, stick to your own plan. Some people show up with these huge bags of stuff. For me, I'm the exact opposite. The only thing in the bag is my shoes, fresh socks, hat, and an extra bib if I need it. That being said, I will probably put a nutrition bottle in their next time after this last race.
Hi Bob, How are those desoto cool wings?
thanks!
Brian
Calling it a "tent" is a bit of an understatement, this thing is BIG and has infrastructure. Particularly of note, there was a trough in the mens tent that can made for quick, relief during T1/T2.
Swimming in bike shorts - I've heard this can lead to the diaper effect with water absorption. Sounds like it's not a problem for folks? At this point I'm planning to use my tri shorts throughout which seemed to work well in a HIM last year, though not sure if that HIM is really a good indicator for the full distance. I'm particularly worried about chafing on the run where I've had some problems this year.
Some of the best advice here is what to ask/expect from volunteers. e.g. I never would have thought to ask them to repack my bag or clean the sunglasses. Any other tips for what is fair or unfair to ask volunteers?
The cooling effect is more noticeable on the bike because there's more wind. I poured water on the sleeves during the run and it felt good. I've been wearing the De Soto Skin Cooler long sleeve shirts for two seasons now for training rides and runs and it works well. I use it for and foremost for sun protection.
DeSoto's 400 mile bike shorts are meant to be swam in. The pad is a buoyant float pad (so is the pad in their Riviera tri shorts). It's the only pair of bike shorts I'd swim in.
Thanks to all for your comments and info. I understand better now but likely will not change from what I have done at other events - which was to go with tri gear from start to end.
On the possitive side:
Tent for bad weather - enable any number of dress options for changing conditions if needed
Chairs - simplify bike and run shoe changes instead of hobbling on 1 foot in a wet grassy field
Pee trough - no need to look for a blue hut
Helpfull volunteers - sunscreen applicators, bag stuffers (can't imagine putting dirty glasses in my T1/T2 bags but if I did.....)
On the negative side:
Unwanted peep shows (good thing Coach P is a much faster swimmer than me!)
Open uninal at T2 on a really hot day.... yuck fuu stinky!
It would be nice to wear bibs for the ride but I wouldnt want to try putting on a tri top mid race and I'm slow enough to not need the extra long transition times. All my races before EN were in 1 piece trisuits. This year both Mooseman races and both race rehearsals were in EN tri kits. So far I have not had an issue with chaffing during running and see no reason to think I will on race day.
My plan is to swim in my tri kit and wear it all day. Use a chair to put on bike shoes without socks, or change into running shoes with socks. Get a volunteer to stuff my wetsuit and another to sunscreen my back and shoulders as needed and absoulutly NO DAWDLING!
And, right you are - NO DAWDLING! You'll be good!
---Ann.
My Bike shorts did happen to be the DeSoto 400 mile model, I did not know about the buoyant pad when i made the decision to swim in them.
@ Steve - First of all, best of luck at IMLP!
Having raced at IMLP twice and volunteered in transition once, a couple of thoughts:
1. Don't rely on the volunteers to help you with your bag (items in or out). It's great if there are enough volunteers and you catch the attention of one to help. That said, if you can catch the eye of a volunteer, they are incredibly polite and will be most helpful (I'd like to think I was anyway);
2. If a volunteer is available, don't be afraid to tear into your bag and get what you need quickly. They can help get the knot &/or replace the bag if you have to tear it open, i.e. don't waste time with the knots. IM puts extra bags in transition to replace torn bags. The volunteer may be able to stuff your bag if you leave it in a pile - just ask. And really DO number everything you want back.
3. Most volunteers in transition have no idea how to be helpful. Lots of them are there to sign up for their first IM. Some polite direction by you, a smile and a "thank you" will be well rewarded. If you'd rather handle your own bag 100%, just let the volunteer know you're good.
4. If you're wet and going to try to change into bike shorts/arm warmers (it can be cool &/or wet at IMLP), it's going to take time to get those items on. Lykra doesn't glide on wet skin. If you're doing well with one costume during a half IM, likely you'll be comfortable for the full distance. But changing clothes is really a personal preference as others have noted.
Again, best of luck at IMLP! Hope to be there to cheer you on.
Dominic
I'm coming a bit late to this thread, but there may be some more tips in the Wiki Transition entry
@Greg...that's awesome!
Has anyone considered/tried swimming in trisuit.....pulling on bike shorts over tri-shorts/suit for the ride...then just pulling the bike shorts off for the run?
I was gonna try this in practice..........possible double comfort for the ride?...and easy on/off for the run.
I would never personally double up shorts...that's just me.
Also, I just got some major sunburn on my back at LP even with lots of sunscreen applied throughout the day. If I had to do it all over again I would consider changing in and out of a bike jersey or something that would have covered up my back more. A few extra seconds wouldn't have really effected my MOPer time.