All Things New

Posted: February 22nd, 2009 | Author: Chris Bowerbank | Filed under: Miscellaneous | No Comments »

“Should I (fill in the blank) on race day?”

Probably the most common mistake our TriUtah staff sees on race day is when someone tries something new on race day. Not only is it not a good idea, it often results in a DNF (Did Not Finish). Here’s a list of the most common ‘first-time’ mistakes:

Nutrition – Whether it’s your breakfast routine, gel on the course, composition of your water bottle, or recovery regimen, trying something new is a common problem that results in an imbalance of some sort. Maybe it was a new flavor of electrolyte that you added for the run, or the fact that you decided to try the gel flavor that was in your goody bag. Worse yet, maybe you decided to try a pre-race routine that you read about in a triathlon magazine but had not tried yourself until race morning. Now your stomach is churning, your legs are cramping, and you’re having a bad day on the course. If you had stuck with your tried and true nutrition plan (or at least one that included foods/gels/electrolytes that you’re used to), your race would have turned out better.

Gear – How likely is it that the new fancy tires, bike tubes, water bottle holder, or other pricey thing-a-ma-jig that you purchased just for this race is really going to help you? The better bet is that they’re going to contribute to your frustration during race day. For all of you who have purchased a Profile Water Bottle to stick in between your aerobars, be sure and pick up an extra yellow ‘splash guard’ off the road just after a cattle guard on the course. This is because the people who just bought one forgot to test it out before the race and figure out how to keep that thing from flying out after the smallest bump in the road (FYI, loofahs work great for that same purpose and won’t fly out!) Or, how many of you purchased a behind-the-seat water bottle holder, but soon had it turn into a water bottle launcher after your first speed bump? Long story short, try out your new gear BEFORE your first race.

Clothing – We absolutely love it when athletes wear their race shirt on race day. The fact that we provide technical fabrics makes wearing them on race day much less of an issue than it used to be when cotton was used. However, if we’re keeping with this post’s rules, you really shouldn’t wear the shirt to race in. Now, if all you have is that cotton shirt from the local 5K, then the TriUtah shirt is a better option. But, do you know how it’s going to fit? Do you know if there’s an underneath seam that’s going to rub you the wrong way after 20 minutes? In general, it’s best to wear clothes that you’ve worn in training and that you know work for you. The worst thing is finishing a race and having numerous areas now bright red from incessant chaffing.

To sum it up, be sure and try out your race food, gear, and clothes prior to race day. Put on that new tire and go for a short spin. Try that new flavor of gel in the middle of your next 30 minute run. You need all the confidence you can get on race day, and you never want any of these items to be a question mark going into the race.

Bicycle, Bicycle

Posted: February 15th, 2009 | Author: Chris Bowerbank | Filed under: Races | No Comments »

“What type of bike do I need for a triathlon?”

The quick answer is that, practically speaking, you only need a bike that has two wheels and is safe to operate. We see all types of bikes in the transition area from athletes who grabbed their child’s mountain bike and helmet for the race, to the top-of-the-line, just pulled out of the latest triathlon magazine triathlon bikes. For many just entering the sport, the cost of an entry level triathlon bike (typically $700 and up) can be prohibitive to the family budget, especially in a state with numerous single income households and families where the number of children far exceeds the national average.

The good news is that since all of our TriUtah events use bike courses that are 100% on pavement, those mountain bikes from Wal-Mart and Target are just fine to use. Granted they won’t help you to be the fastest triathlete out on the course, but you will be able to experience the thrill and excitement of racing, right alongside those with high end triathlon bikes.

My first triathlon was probably much like your’s. I showed up at a local race with my just-purchased mountain bike from Pederson’s Ski & Sport, knobby tires and all. Once I was out on the bike course, countless people passed me on bikes with skinny tires, fancy water bottle holders, and shoes that matched their frame color. Since it was my first race, it didn’t matter. What mattered was that I finished my first triathlon and I was hooked. I slowly upgraded my mountain bike so I could go faster: slick tires and toe clips. After a few more races, I KNEW triathlon was a lifelong pursuit. I found a used $400 road bike and upgraded it as my budget allowed. First a set of aerobars, then an angled seatpost. Finally after a few years came my first triathlon bike. I didn’t go crazy; it was a modest purchase of a step above entry level. In fact, after 6 years, I’m still using that same bike and don’t feel the need (at least right now) to upgrade any farther. The bike matches my ability, and I epitomize the phrase, “It’s the engine, not the bike.” Now, if I want to go faster, I know that it’s my personal fitness that’s keeping me off the podium, and not the bike.

For those of you who just blew the dust off that mountain bike in the corner of the garage, remember that we’ve all been there. We know what it’s like to come to your first race a little intimidated by all the triathlon equipment bling. Just remember that those of us who have been racing awhile are willing to help you every step of the way as you progress in the sport, and we don’t care if you need to use that mountain bike a little longer than you originally planned.

What NOT to wear

Posted: February 8th, 2009 | Author: Chris Bowerbank | Filed under: Training | No Comments »

“What should I wear during a triathlon?” This is one of the most common questions we receive from new triathletes. As you decide what to wear for the race, you need to also think about your transition from swim-to-bike and from bike-to-run. You want to have as short a transition time as possible, but still wear something you will be comfortable in. The best option is possibly tri-shorts and a tri-top (aka singlet). You can wear this underneath your wetsuit. It will dry quickly as you bike and run. You only need to add socks, bike shoes, helmet and sunglasses on the bike. Then as you transition to the run you simply take off the helmet (that’s important because several athletes have actually done the run in their bike helmet!) and change your shoes. Gearing up for a triathlon doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Simply talk to other athletes and get advice and recommendations from them. And it’s always fun to have an excuse to go shopping! One more word of advice, always try out the gear well before your race to make sure it works for you!! Shirt or shorts that are too big or too small (or too anything) will make for a very long race day.

Since 2007, TriUtah has provided our athletes with race shirts made of technical fabric (commonly referred to as DriFit or similar). These shirts ‘wick’ away moisture from your body and help prevent chafing that is common with cotton shirts. Time to relegate those old race shirts to the back of the closet and only pull them out for gardening or painting a room! Once you wear a shirt made of technical fabric, you likely will never go back to cotton! So, the big question is ‘Can I wear the race shirt during the race?’ Absolutely. We love to see our athletes wearing clothing that helps you have the best race day possible!

Hope your training is on-track for the 2009 season!
The TriUtah team

2009 Woman of Steel Triathletes

Posted: February 1st, 2009 | Author: Chris Bowerbank | Filed under: Races | No Comments »

As we prepare for the Woman of Steel Triathlon, one of the greatest (and most difficult) tasks is choosing this year’s Woman of Steel Award. Last year, the choice was so difficult that we selected two. This year’s nominees are as impressive as ever. In the pool of nominees this year are inspiring women who have lost an amazing amount of weight, coaches and friends who inspire others to compete at the highest level possible, mothers/daughters/sisters/friends who have overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to even be able to race, and others who simply are examples of perseverance and patience to those close to them.

The Woman of Steel epitomizes why the sport of triathlon and our triathlon community in Utah continues to grow at an amazing rate. The statistics for the 2009 Woman of Steel Triathlon tell the story: 98% of the athletes are from Utah, and ~40% are doing their first triathlon! Another amazing collateral result is the small neighborhood communities of women that are coming together to race. One of the athletes from the 2008 Woman of Steel Triathlon was so excited after the race that she convinced 20 of her neighbors to join her for 2009!

As we get closer to the 2009 race, we’ll begin posting some of the inspirational stories and significant obstacles that our athletes have endured. We guarantee that you’ll be motivated and inspired.