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Dumb (?) Question from a first-timer

guest — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 19:45:21 GMT

Thanks for all the info...I appreciate the help!

Dumb (?) Question from a first-timer

guest — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 19:05:24 GMT

Agree, I've never been to a race where a timing strap wasn't provided. My advice however, is to invest in your own strap for a few reasons. Much like Julie pointed out, sometimes the condition of the strap provided isn't great or in my case, I had one that was so stiff and uncomfortable that by te end of the race (sprint) it had rubbed the skin off my ankle in a few areas...not life threatening by any means but noneless it was annoying. Now it's my "triathlon scar" lol.

I picked up a very comfortable strap at my local running/tri store for about ~8 bucks, I bring it to every race and use it when the straps provided aren't great, but some events use quality materials. If you get your own just remember to make sure they don't keep it at the end of the race. Good luck and have fun racing!!!

Dumb (?) Question from a first-timer

guest — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:40:10 GMT

I completed my first tri last Sunday. Have done some duathlons last year. Trained to get my wetsuit off quickly in transition. Everything was going well in T1, until I tried to get my left leg out of the suit. I kept catching my hands on the timing strap. Almost fell over once. Finally had to do the step on the suit thing. My legs were well lubed with body glide, so it was just a strap issues. Other leg went fine.

Kinda thought this was an interesting twist to the timing strap issue. Thinking about getting one just to train with one.

Dumb (?) Question from a first-timer

guest — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 03:19:03 GMT

You never know what condition the velcro on the ankle strap will be in, so I always bring a safety pin to pin it just in case. Also, make sure you wear the ankle timing chip on your left ankle (so you don't risk getting it caught up in your bike chain).

Dumb (?) Question from a first-timer

guest — Mon, 25 Jun 2012 21:21:25 GMT

I have yet to have a timing chip that wasn't an ankle strap of some kind. Some runnning events, however, have disposable chips embedded in your race bib or a tag that goes on shoe laces, in addition to traditional ankle straps that have to be recovered at the finish line.

Good luck on your first tri! There is lots of advie here and helpful respondents so don't be afraid to ask questions. Nothing is too dumb and we have all been new to the sport at one time or another. Good luck and have fun.

Dumb (?) Question from a first-timer

guest — Sat, 23 Jun 2012 19:50:12 GMT

Hi Jviers, I've never been to a triathlon where they have timing chips and haven't provided a strap as well. Good luck in the race

Dumb (?) Question from a first-timer

guest — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 17:30:24 GMT

I've signed up for my first sprint tri next month, and I had a thought...do I need some sort of ankle strap for my timing-chip? I'm used to tying it on my laces during races, but obviously I won't be wearing shoes in the swim. Any help would be welcome!! Any other advice on getting through my first would be great also!!