IM thoughts

the OW swim is organised by the Tri club who stick up a big sign saying BTF rules say no wettie!

So I have next Thursday 100%, and possibly 2 more (more likely 1) before the big day.
I'm now happy about the swim, I'm too stubborn not to finish the run so my only concern is 4 x 13m laps ... will my legs and or arse stand up to it?!? Tempted to buy a new more padded seat!!

In my experience a more padded seat means more discomfort. Whilst it's counter intuitive a swap to a more razor blade like seat increased my comfort level - but the bottom line is that you have to TTFU and get used to it.

When I first started riding it was painful after 30 minutes now I'm not too uncomfortable in tri shorts for up to 4 hours, after that I think it hurts whatever you wear! My LBS had bike seats you could buy but return within three months for a full refund if they didn't suit you - might be worth enquiring about? The other tip that helped me was to lower the nose of my saddle very slightly - though that does depend on where you experience the discomfort.

thx

The Evil Pixie wrote (see)

 me? stress? no way! I'd never do that! Ask Fraggle she'll confirm I am as cool as a cucumber!!

 *eck what else have I forgotten?*

Beautiful day today so bike to from OW it is. Will be wettie swim so using old 5gears hybrid bike so I can strap wet wettie to the rack on the back!

oh, yes, Pixie is an oasis of calm...     

see told you so! Thanks fraggle

Just been to the pool with son - 30mins and I didn't actually manage to complete a single whole length. Has nobody heard of the idea of actually swimming at the swimming pool?? FFS (and that was son't comment not mine!)

phew home - have been at mum's for a few days and it was a nightmare.

Friday night I hardly slept so was exhausted Saturday and opted to chill. Sunday I drove the 125m (about 2.5hrs) home but that afternoon/evening my left foot started to really hurt. It hurt each time my foot flexed until this morning - I hope it was just the drive down was easy so I hardly moved that foot rather than it being injured. The drive home was longer and aweful thanks to the weather but foot's been OK (crosses fingers)

Plan tomorrow is either (probably) do a long bike ride (possibly go to MB in the afternoon and do 2 laps of the the tri course (ST?) then home) or a swim OW. Probably leave swim for saturday morning however as that will ensure it's a wettie swim so I get the practice!

Back to school Monday

BTW bike related Q .... I currently only have SPDs will these be OK or do I need to invest in "proper" clippy shoes and peddles? Also what about areo bars will I need these for comfort etc?

I have spd's Pix, as i found with Looks that when i clipped in and out i could feel it in my back post-op. I would think yours should be ok for now - as long as they're comfortable on long rides and you're used to them, then don't change them for the sake of it for your HIM. It might be that as you do longer distances you get numbness, etc, and need to swap to other types or cleat system.

Aero bars? I can't get down into an aero position on my bike so don't have any, but i'm sure someone else can advise you on that one

thanks Fraggle - I'd rather not pay out on more kit if possible!! I did a full day of VERY slow biking at L2B using the SPDs so I'm sure they will be ok for Outlaw ..?

I don't use my drops too often as it scares me not being able to fully see the road ahead!! If it will make a difference however I will work on this over winter and get some for my birthday in april? Views apprecated!

PIx - you don't need to swap the SPDs for road versions if you don't feel a need to.  I know a few IM who use their MTB shoes for them to save the faff of having different systems on road and MTB bikes.   the upside of road shoes and cleats is that they are stiffer so you can put more power through the cranks - MTB shoes are designed softer for walking on.

as for aero bars - your call really.  they're not essential but most users will say that they will give up to 2mph extra speed for the same effort at normal bikes speeds if set up properly.  2mph over an IM distance can equate to about 30mins in time saving!  and that's for not a lot of investment really. they can take a little getting used to if you're not a confident rider but most people, once they've got used to them, will say they are beneficial.   but good setup is important - a poor setup will gain nothing.   you will also need to get used to them over a period of time as  being in an aero position can be uncomfy on the arms, neck, back and shoulders - but again, in time, you adapt to this.

2mph? Wow that is a lot! I think a trip to the LBS will be called for next year as I will need as much time saving as I can get!

Glad the MTB shoes will be OK!

Just watched the outlaw on TV and almost cried. It just looked so hard but so awesome

I said "up to" - the amount depends on many factors.  but there will be some gain without doubt

Oh I understand FB but as I said and gain is essential as I will be using my full 17hrs and seeing as I will be expected in school by 8am the next day I'd rather not be finishing at 11pm!!

Glad you clarified that FB as I doubt I gain 2mph with my aero bars but they definitely help when cycling in to a head wind and I tend to think of it as 'using the bars for a rest) as once the set up is right it's a very comfortable position - or at least that's what I found.

I've just been out for a blast on my TT bike, and reminded myself of the benefits of a well fitting bike, and aerobars. Get the on the bike!

The Evil Pixie wrote (see)

Oh I understand FB but as I said and gain is essential as I will be using my full 17hrs and seeing as I will be expected in school by 8am the next day I'd rather not be finishing at 11pm!!

I hope you're local!

The Evil Pixie wrote (see)

the OW swim is organised by the Tri club who stick up a big sign saying BTF rules say no wettie!

This intrigued me, so I looked it up. Para 9.6 (Technical rules for swimming) applies.......to races only! I'm sure FB can clarify. Mind you, I'd love to try some OW swimming without a wettie.

go to our local lake then Cat - there were people swimming 'naked' there last week

I'm not sure I would want to expose my body to the lake beasties

IronCat I live about 45 mins from the Outlaw and 35 mins from home to work - work is Derby I wonder if I can just go straight to school and sleep there!!

naked OW swimming isn't bad at all (sneaky folks that club but hey I guess it gets us used to naked swimming if needed) but my HIM will be wettie as it won't be 24+ at 9am so I need the pratice. So I missed tonights session and will go saturday morning (7AM) to ensure it's a wettie swim!!

BTF rules do indeed only apply to races but I suspect the tri club are being cautious as the danger of swimming in a wetsuit when the water is over 24C is dehydration and overheating, both of which can lead to complications when swimming and can be dangerous.   it's also a good way of getting people used to non-wetsuit swimming for such days when races are in bathwater temps - there's a been a few non-wetsuit IM swims in recent years 'cos the water's been too warm (27C at IMDE in 2006)

"it won't be 24+ at 9am" - don't you believe it!  water temp doesn't drop dramatically overnight in a big body of water with a decent overnight air temp as we have at the mo.  the water temp should be taken on race morning at least 1 hr before race start and that will define whether it's wetuit or not.