1. Why Tri bikes in an Ironman?
Having done 6 sportives this year, all above 70 miles and the longest being 150, not once did I see a rider on a bike with tri-bars and using a pointy helmet. So why do riders in an ironman use a tri bike? I always thought that the prone tri bike position was too harsh for a long ride but obviously not.
2. What do you wear under a wet suit?
I'm not sure about clothes in general for an ironman. Do people get properly changed at each transition? I can't imagine swimming with padded cycling shorts under a wet suit and I can't riding 112 miles without them.
3. Swimming suits
Can you wear a wetsuit in pools? Are there full body swim costumes for men (I'm fairly self conscious at the moment)? Would it be practical to wear for pool swim sessions or a pain in the arse?
This is what I saw and liked the look of Aqua Sphere WT80.
4. Ironman Alternative
I didn't decide to do the ironman UK before the pre registration closed so the 8000 people registered will have "24 hours advance opportunity to enter the 2010 event's 1500 places". So, if I don't get a place, does anyone have any alternatives. I can't do the Outlaw Ironman the week later as I'm going on holiday. July 24, 25, 31 or 1st August would be perfect.
12 weeks to go
1 week ago
I can't help with any of those questions; but i'm keen to know what the answer is!
ReplyDeleteThe TT bike / tri bars are quicker if you're not drafting. The trouble is that areo position IS seriously uncomfortable. The question is are you willing to suffer to go quicker? Can you maintain that areo position for 4/5hours?
It's harder to control the bike while using tri bars so I wouldn't want to be in a bunch during a sportive with anyone using them!
A few comments:
ReplyDelete1) It's not legal to draft in a triathlon so being aero becomes all the more important. However, I've only used a standard road bike in the triathlons I've done and intend to do the same in the ironman. For me, comfort comes first.
2) I have worn standard bike shorts under a wet suit before quite happily. However, I also have some tri shorts that are great. They are quick drying and have a smaller padded area but I've found them at least as comfortable as my bike shorts in a half ironman
3) Never seen a wetsuit in a pool. I'd say stick to a standard swim suit but schedule some open water swim training in the wet suit. A local triathlon club will likely have sessions you could go to.
4) ForestMan (17/06) and The Big Woody (29/08) are other UK options. At that time of year however, I think you'd need to go abroad if you can't do IMUK or Outlaw. Regensburg (01/08) is one option that I think still has entries available: http://www.ironman-regensburg.de/english/default.htm
The Big Woody is great timing as I'm back from holiday but am I right it saying its not actually an ironman? There is no mention of it on the site and the run is 40k so not a marathon. I have to say, if I'm going to spend every spare moment training, I want to be able to call myself an ironman.
ReplyDeleteDo you know when entries open for Ironman UK? I'd rather do that than go to Germany but I don't want to miss out on both.
Is the an Europe-wide ironman event calendar web site?
I'd pretty much echo Rob's comments above:
ReplyDelete1. Don't bother with an aero bike unless you have money to burn. Comfort is the number one priority. Fit clip on bars for fast aero sections if you feel the need.
2. I love my Craft tri suit - the shorts are the best tri shorts I've ever worn.
3. Just train in your speedos in the pool and try and get some openwater in come the spring.
4.Regensburg is the only other option on that date, but i don't think you'll have a problem with IMUK if you get your entry in quick.
http://ironman.com/events/ironman All Ironman corp accredited events on here. Lists their entry status, too. As i said, as long as you get your entry in early, I don't think you'll have a problem
ReplyDeleteThe Big Woody would still class as a full distance event. From what I hear it is a good race but much lower key than IM events (or the Outlaw will be).
ReplyDeleteThe Ironman brand is copyrighted by WTC who apparently defend it pretty vigorously. You won't find any other events calling themselves an Ironman therefore but it is just a brand - doing the distance is what counts.
I think IMUK took a few months to sell out last year and with increased competition from Outlaw, I doubt you'll have a problem as John says.
OIC. That makes sense. I'll plan for getting into the Ironman UK then and cross my fingers.
ReplyDeleteDon't know if you've seen but the course details are now up on the website and it looks like registration is open:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ironmanuk.com/ironman-uk-registration
Thanks Rob. I'll enter first thing in the morning (I need to have a quick chat with my wife just to prepare her for the amount of training).
ReplyDeleteJust saw this post after ignoring my Google Reader for quite some time... :)
ReplyDelete1. Aero trumps power every time. The more aero you can be, the faster you will go for less energy spent. An Ironman bike leg is essentially a time trial (non-drafting), so a TT bike will save you energy and get you more speed than a road bike. Of course, if you can't afford a TT bike, no worries! You'll be fine on a road bike. But clip-ons on a road bike just won't be as aero as a proper TT bike and might even be less comfortable due to the hip angle -- see this page for more info.
A couple of caveats though:
- you must have a well-fitted bike. No sense in contorting yourself to be aero if you come off the bike unable to run. You can get this by getting the right bike, getting fitted properly, and training on it lots to get your body used to the position. There's no reason why a tri bike will be any less comfortable than a road bike in a long triathlon if those conditions are met.
- some very hilly triathlons like IM Nice are better on the road bike. But from what I've heard, IMUK, Regensburg, even Lanzarote are better on the TT bike.
I also believe that TT bikes are frowned upon in sportives (maybe not allowed?) due to the close proximity of the riders -- lots of people ride in a peloton to "earn" their "gold time" -- and TT bikes are notoriously bad news in a group. So that's why you don't see them.
2. Some people wear the clothes they'll ride and run in under their wetsuit, some people do a full change in T1 to bike shorts and jersey and then again in T2 to run gear. Personally I wear the same thing all day long. It's personal preference, but the most important thing is to PRACTISE IN TRAINING what you plan to do in the race. If you've never cycled in wet tri shorts and decide race day that you'll wear them under your wetsuit then jump on the bike, you're asking for a world of hurt. Always test your race clothes in training first.
3. Most guys wear speedos in the pool but these days knee-length tri shorts are also common. Wetsuits in the pool are a no-no, the chlorine will ruin them and you'll overheat if the pool is anything over 70 degrees. Save the wetsuit swimming for open water come spring.
4. IM Regensburg would be a great alternative to IMUK if you want to spend the big bucks on an official "Ironman branded" race. The Germans have impeccable organisation, the experience will be amazing and you'll come away with great memories of a tough but awesome race. I did IM Germany in Frankfurt as my first Ironman and never regretted it. Germans (after Americans) embrace Ironman racing like no other country on earth.
Otherwise, a grassroots IM like New Forest would be great too. A smaller race but no less challenging I'm sure.
Hope this helps!