Advice for upcoming IMMT
Need input from all the smart peeps-
Training done for IMMT next Sunday
1) Some rain in the forecast. Any suggestion to wear anything more than tri top on bike? Does anyone wear a long sleeves/jacket/etc?
2) Advice on best lube to help get the wetsuit on? I've used Body Glide (works OK). Is it safe for the wetsuit to use Aquaphor? Anything else?
Thanks,
Venkatesh
0
Comments
Long sleeves if cold cold. Otherwise, throwaway tube socks with toes cut off for arm warmers and cheap gloves.
No on aquaphor. Petro product. Glide is good.
Regarding gettng the wetsuit on - easily, without lube:
1. Turn the sucker inside out, then fold in about six inches at the ankles
2. Keep your socks on (covering your timing chip). Sit down, and ...
3. Put your feet into the bottom six inches, making sure the bottom edge goes over your heel. Get your feet free of the wetsuit, and stand up...
4. Then start pulling up, gradually, a bit at a time on each leg, unfolding the suit back up toward the waist
5. Make sure your get the thing snug into your crotch before even thinking about getting the upper part on.
6. Transfer your socks to your hands, take your watch/Garmin/whatever off.
7. One arm at a time, making sure the shoulders are snug.
This method of course is for a one piece. The two piece DeSoto actually goes on easier, when you know the correct method for getting the top and arms on.
You should not need to mess with Body Glide, Pam, or anything else if the inside of your suit is clean, and you use the above steps.
I put Aquaphor on as chamois cream - inside my trisuit which goes under my wetsuit.
The final word DON'T FORGET THE SOCKS! They eliminate the friction of your skin as well as any lube.
That is how I put my suit on. As for what to wear - from what I can see it is going to be 20celsius, so you will not be cold, unless you are someone who lives in Texas. I think arm warmers would be a good option if you are concerned, but they are hard to get on when wet. They are great, because you can always roll them down if you are hot, but not the case with a coat. It does get cool at night in the mountains, so having something in your special needs bag that is long sleeve is a good option.
If you are putting it on the traditional way just get a store plastic shopping bag and put your feet in it. Then pull the wetsuit over the bag and the wetsuit will slide very easily on to your legs. Do the same with your arms and no lube is needed.
I do put body glide on for chaffing around the neck area though as I always seem to get the wetsuit hickey.