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Cold Weather Running

guest — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 16:56:05 GMT

I've been a MI winter runner my entire life. I love running when no one else is willing to go out!

I agree with all others - layers are a must. My goto clothes (unless it is really cold and then I layer more) are running shorts with heavier tights over top. I normally have on a long sleeve moisture wicking shirt with a moisture wicking T-shirt over top. I wear a 10 yr old nike shell full zip windbreaker. I have several hats, but my favorite one is a simple fleece hat from old navy. I normally wear gloves from kohls that I can just throw in the wash when done. (I have about 4 pairs of gloves I alternate between depending on how cold it is outside.)

The two things I do differently are to wear heavier socks such as those for skiing or hiking in my running shoes. They are a little bulky, but otherwise with the running shoe venting, my feet freeze! If running in the snow check out "YAKTRAKS" I prefer the PRO for $30. You will still slide on ice, but it makes your footing predictable. They will wear down if you run on concrete too much, but I had a sister who was a collegate runner who slipped and broke her ankle, so they are a must for me!

If it is darker out, I wear what I can best describe as a crossing guard reflective vest that I bought at a local running store for $25ish? I used to do shift work, so I would do the majority of runs before work when it was dark outside, so this was a must for me as well.

Good luck!

new to tri's - have questions

guest — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 19:16:57 GMT

Congrats on moving to tris!

From my experience every small triathlon (and many larger ones) is going to have one transition area for the whole race. You set out your biking and running stuff in one transition. I set a smaller towel on the ground below the rack where your bike will hang by the seat. The towel will serve to be 'your space' in the transition area. On the towel I set out the things that I will need for each portion of the race, putting my bike stuff together in one area and my running stuff in another. I place my helmet on the bike handlebars with my glasses. The more advanced guys will already have their shoes clicked into their bikes, but that isn't necessary for now.

So you have your stuff set out. The transition area will usually close down 15 minutes or so before the race begins. At this point you will want to head down to the swim area. The race will start. You will swim the distance, and then jog back into the transition area and find your stuff. If you are wearing a wetsuit you will take it off, take off your swim cap and goggles and drop them in 'your area' in the transition area. You will then put on your biking stuff and jog with your bike out of the transition area and mount your bike at the line and go biking. When you come back in from the bike, there will be a dismount line where you have to get off your bike and will jog your bike back to 'your area' and will re-rack your bike above your towel. From there, take off the helmet and anything you wont need for the run and put it down on your towel. Then you will slip on your running shoes, grab your number (if you didn't have it on for the bike) and jog back out of the transition area to start your run. The finish line will be close to the transition area and once you finish, grab some food and cool down you can head back into the transition area to pick up your stuff.

There are really only a few needs for a first triathlon, but you will find the more you do, the more your want list will grow (in length and cost!) If you think you will stick with it, I would buy at least a decent pair of tri shirts and have top you can race in comfortable. The wetsuit is optional in many areas, but if you live in a colder climate it is a must. It might be worth renting for your first time, or you can often find deals on tri wetsuts if you look a little. For your first tri you can use anything for a bike. I've seen everything from knobby tires mt bikes to $12K tri bikes. I personally still ride my carbon fiber road bike over buying a tri bike. A bike helmet will be a must, as well as I think glasses are also. For the run you will need a decent pair of shoes, likely what you have been running in for training. Other than that, just go out and have fun with your race!

Re: Have you seen this?

guest — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:14:33 GMT

I often swim in Lake MI and do not have a training partner out there. The buoy is an interesting idea. I normally only swim if it is relatively flat, fairly early in the morning along the swim zone, so boats are not an issue. I also almost always wear my wetsuit with the floatation incase I do manage to get into trouble. Even when it is relatively calm, it is surprising the amount of current you can feel, especially when you get near objects such as the pier!

wetsuit recommendations

guest — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:28:13 GMT

I tried to borrow a westuit several years back. The tri was going to be cold (50 degrees out at start), so I didn't want to go without a suit, but the suit I borrowed was a little tight. I didn't think it would be as issue, but I was wrong! Once I was in the water swimming, it was too tight and I had trouble breathing. I ended up unzipping it during the race which helped mildly, but i was way off pace because of it.

I purchased an Xterra sleeveless on sale like several other posters and love it! Whatever you end up doing, even if it is swimming in a pool with it a few times, don't wait until you are in a race to test it!

Re: Questions about National Triathlon in DC

guest — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:16:24 GMT

My wife convinced me to sign up already! Looking forward to my first attempt at it! Any other advice from others who have done this race. I norm do 3-6/yr in Michigan. I do open water swims multiple times per week in lake MI, but never in a river, so that should be fun!

Anyone who has done it before - any recommendations on lodging?

Thanks for any info/advice!

Re: Seeking Product Advice - Sunscreen & Fish Oil

guest — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 15:43:32 GMT

I've always struggled with the sunscreen, but would also endorse the bullfrog.

I am a pharmacist - most of the more recent literature pertaining to fish oil shows that omega-3 supplement are hepful and we recommend these to many of our heart failure patients. Unfortunately most of the products on the market are considered herbals or supplements and are not tested or FDA approved. We generally tell people to buy them at a reputable store - walgreens, publics, etc. Most often we have seen that the store brand is fine. There are a few brands that undergo lab testing, but those are usually more expensive than the others.