Andy Gray is a 30-34, age-group triathlete, from Vine Grove, KY, which is only about 45 minutes south of Louisville, where he’ll be taking on the Ironman distance again, after crossing the finish line in 2008. He’s been in the sport six years and is priming himself to improve upon his last IM effort, but this time with a friend who is also up for the challenge.
TS: What got you interested in triathlon?
AG: I wanted to try something new and see what I was capable of.
TS: What is your best discipline (swim/bike/run)?
AG: The run.
TS: Why do you want to do an Ironman?
AG: I did the race in '08 and I want to better my time. And I have a buddy doing the race this year, so I said I would do it again with him.
TS: Why Ironman Louisville?
AG: It’s the closest, and I’m from the area, so I feel like it’s my home race.
TS: What do you expect to be greatest challenges in preparing for IMLOU?
AG: Mental hurdles of preparing for the race again and devoting the appropriate time to it.
TS: What would your best case scenario be on race day?
AG: I want to finish in daylight. 12:30 overall time would be awesome.
TS: What is your most critical piece of equipment for each of the three disciplines?
AG: My hands are pretty awesome for the swim…kidding. Just some good goggles/mask I suppose. I love my aero bottle for the bike, and Bodyglide for the run.
TS: What triathlon professional(s), if any, inspire you?
AG: I like Macca just b/c he’s cocky and he likes to play the mind games with the other competitors.
TS: Other than Ironman Hawaii, what is a major “bucket list” triathlon on your radar?
AG: I would like to do one of the European ones, just for the vacation.
TS: Which would be a better triathlon rig, a classic Big Wheel or strap on roller skates with wooden wheels?
AG: Wow, I would have to go with the Big Wheel since I can’t skate.
TS: Which would be worse, losing your cycling shoes in T1 or your running shoes inT2?
AG: Running shoes. I could manage on the bike with my running shoes.
TS: Which is more important, the finisher’s t-shirt, or finisher’s medal?
AG: It’s a toss up.
TS: What song or artist would you love to hear blaring at mile 20 in the Ironman run?
AG: Nappy Roots (KY hip hop group) doing a live show would be awesome.
TS: Who will you contact first to let them know that you are an Ironman?(Given they are not in attendance).
AG: Probably my parents, just to let them know I survived again.
Mr. Gray...get 'er done! Good luck to you.
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Thursday, March 10, 2011
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
My Running Gear
Yes, there is different gear for different seasons, but I'm going to keep this gear chatter with warmer temperatures in mind. I'm also going to stick to training items, not-so-much racing, although there is certainly overlap.
I'm a Saucony guy by nature. My main shoe for the past several years has been the Saucony, ProGrid Omni. It's a great shoe. However, this past summer when I tried on the most recent version, at the Gazelle Sports Sidewalk Sale, they felt tight, and not quite right. So, I tried on the Pearl Izumi, Sycnro Float III. It felt like my foot was butter and the shoe was hot toast. My foot felt secure, but not too snug, and when I took them for a test run they felt fantastic.
These shoes are light, well-cushioned, and have a nice spring to them. I feel right at home in these bad boys. I've enjoyed many runs of various distances with them already. In fact, I wore these in my last race, a half-iron distance event in East Tawas, Michigan.
Here's the thing. I'm icing my Achilles tendon as I'm composing this and I'm wondering...did these shoes have something to do with my dimise? I hope not because I like these shoes a lot and I expect to give 'em a go again for the 2011 season. (They have very little wear).
Another items I have come to rely on while running is my visor. I've been a hat guy for a long time, but I've shifted to the visor. It's lightweight and very airy. I haven't completely abandon my running hats, but I gravitate toward my visor these days.
Another piece of equipment I rely on during a long effort is my Fuelbelt. However, I recently purchased a Nathan belt because it seemed to fit me better (and it was on sale). I've enjoyed having the Fuelbelt, so I'm guessing I will like the Nathan variety as well. I probably could have gone with the two-bottle version, as the bottles are fairly large, but that type was available where I was. I may find myself running with only two of the possible four bottles.
I'm old school, so I like to run in standard issue, split-side running shorts. I can't get into the long, basketball-type shorts. I may start running in compression shorts however. I haven't decided. This is in part because it's just more money, and in part because I'm just not sure yet.
I do wear socks when I run, and they are usually of the thinner variety. I am partial to the Wigwam and Pearl Izumi brands, but I'm open to other brands like Sock Guy and DeFeet, etc.
I've already addressed my watch when talking swim gear, so I won't go over that again, but it is a vital part of my gear. I used to wear a heart rate monitor, but I don't anymore. I discovered that over the years I have developed a really good sense for pacing, so I don't think I need a heart rate monitor to keep me in check.
Ok, I said I wasn't going to mention racing, but here I go. When I race in an event that has a 10K run or shorter, I wear my Saucony Fastwitch racing shoes because they are light and fast. For events that have a half-marathon on longer, I lean toward my training shoes, but I have worn a light-weight trainer for a 1/2 Ironman and did just fine.
Anyway, there you have it. My basic running gear.
I'm a Saucony guy by nature. My main shoe for the past several years has been the Saucony, ProGrid Omni. It's a great shoe. However, this past summer when I tried on the most recent version, at the Gazelle Sports Sidewalk Sale, they felt tight, and not quite right. So, I tried on the Pearl Izumi, Sycnro Float III. It felt like my foot was butter and the shoe was hot toast. My foot felt secure, but not too snug, and when I took them for a test run they felt fantastic.
These shoes are light, well-cushioned, and have a nice spring to them. I feel right at home in these bad boys. I've enjoyed many runs of various distances with them already. In fact, I wore these in my last race, a half-iron distance event in East Tawas, Michigan.
Here's the thing. I'm icing my Achilles tendon as I'm composing this and I'm wondering...did these shoes have something to do with my dimise? I hope not because I like these shoes a lot and I expect to give 'em a go again for the 2011 season. (They have very little wear).
Another items I have come to rely on while running is my visor. I've been a hat guy for a long time, but I've shifted to the visor. It's lightweight and very airy. I haven't completely abandon my running hats, but I gravitate toward my visor these days.
Another piece of equipment I rely on during a long effort is my Fuelbelt. However, I recently purchased a Nathan belt because it seemed to fit me better (and it was on sale). I've enjoyed having the Fuelbelt, so I'm guessing I will like the Nathan variety as well. I probably could have gone with the two-bottle version, as the bottles are fairly large, but that type was available where I was. I may find myself running with only two of the possible four bottles.
I'm old school, so I like to run in standard issue, split-side running shorts. I can't get into the long, basketball-type shorts. I may start running in compression shorts however. I haven't decided. This is in part because it's just more money, and in part because I'm just not sure yet.
I do wear socks when I run, and they are usually of the thinner variety. I am partial to the Wigwam and Pearl Izumi brands, but I'm open to other brands like Sock Guy and DeFeet, etc.
I've already addressed my watch when talking swim gear, so I won't go over that again, but it is a vital part of my gear. I used to wear a heart rate monitor, but I don't anymore. I discovered that over the years I have developed a really good sense for pacing, so I don't think I need a heart rate monitor to keep me in check.
Ok, I said I wasn't going to mention racing, but here I go. When I race in an event that has a 10K run or shorter, I wear my Saucony Fastwitch racing shoes because they are light and fast. For events that have a half-marathon on longer, I lean toward my training shoes, but I have worn a light-weight trainer for a 1/2 Ironman and did just fine.
Anyway, there you have it. My basic running gear.
Monday, March 7, 2011
One Step at a Time
So, I took five weeks off from running. During this time, I have iced my Achilles at least twice a day. I have also gently stretched, and rolled it to loosen it up. Yesterday, I started what I hope is my return to running. I walked one minute followed by jogging three minutes. I repeated this four times, so a total of 12 minutes jogging. Yes, I am using the term jogging intentionally. It was a slow shuffle. While jogging I did detect some very mild discomfort, but it subsided when I took my walk breaks and there was no discomfort upon completion. The other good news is that it was not stiff, sore, or even tender when I got up this morning. So, I'll repeat this process again, two more times before slowly increasing my minutes. I'll be doing this every other day, as to not "run" on consecutive days. I'm hoping I'm not doing this too soon and that I can start heading in the right direction.
Peace.
Peace.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Goofy Poem...It Just Happened When I Started Typing
The weather is a bit dreary, and we could use some sun.
I hope the weather changes soon, so I can have more fun.
If someone wouldn't mind, some warmth would be good too.
I would grab my bike, my helmet, and take with me some GU.
I would ride over hill and dale, with a smile upon my face.
I would be crusing with determination, in an imaginary race.
Dreams would sneak inside my head, of things I want to do,
and very clear within my mind is concuring IRONMAN LOU!
Peace,
~Sam
I hope the weather changes soon, so I can have more fun.
If someone wouldn't mind, some warmth would be good too.
I would grab my bike, my helmet, and take with me some GU.
I would ride over hill and dale, with a smile upon my face.
I would be crusing with determination, in an imaginary race.
Dreams would sneak inside my head, of things I want to do,
and very clear within my mind is concuring IRONMAN LOU!
Peace,
~Sam
My Bike Gear
Without the bike, cycling is really challenging, so I'll start here. I utilize both my road bike (see photo on side bar...Specialized Allez Sport. Not necessarily considered the coolest, best, or most current bike on the planet, but darn-it-all, I like it and I do think it's cool. I use it a great deal all year long, but I do mix it up with my triathlon bike. When I'm training for an Ironman, I tend to use my triathlon bike more often.
This will be my first season with my GURU (see bike drapped over my shoulders above). I've only ridden it outdoors about half a dozen times. I've already ridden it indoors more than this, but I am very much looking forward to taking it out on the road and getting completely comfortable with it.
When I ride I have a standard helmet. I don't own an aero helmet. This isn't because I'm not interested, I simply have not ponied up and purchased one. It's another expense that I may consider down the road, but right now, I'm going to love the one I'm with.
My shoes may be a little on the dated side (1995), but they work for me. My first cycling shoes were of the Carnac brand, and I like the way they feel, so I got a pair of triathlon shoes of the same brand. I still wear my original shoes with my Specialized, and my TRS (see below) when I do triathlon, and when I ride my triathlon bike.
For road...I believe they are the LeMond's with two straps, located on the bottom of this "poster" on the left.
My triathlon shoes are...the TRS (circa 2006). They fit and function well. They aren't as sexy as the Specialized or Pearl Izumi varieties, but they work.
When I ride my road bike, I use cycling gloves, but not when I ride my triathlon bike. Mine look something like this...
I hydrate with GU Brew, and it is contained in water bottles in which I keep in my recently purchased X-Lab Mini Wing and X-Lab frame-attached cage.
My favorite cycling apparel brand is Pearl Izumi, but I love my GU cycling kit (see photo in side bar).
I don't have a power meter, and I don't use a heart rate monitor, but I do have cyclo-computers on both of my bikes. However, I have black electrical tape across the screen so I don't see the current speed. If I can see the current speed, I start to over think things. I am more interested in current distance, and then when I'm done, average speed. This will be the first year I've raced with a computer on at all. In the past, I would race with no computer at all.
I used to race with HED 3 wheels, but my former triathlon bike had a 650-sized wheels, where my current triathlon bike has 700-sized wheels. My wheelset is pretty solid, yet pretty light, so I'm good for now.
The thing about gear, whether it be for swimming, cycling, or running, is that someone or some company has something cooler, sleeker, ass-kickin'-er, than what you have...no matter what you have. So, the key is to become comfortable and happy with what you have because you will never be able to keep up with the proverbial Jones'.
This gear keeps me rollin'. Peace.
This will be my first season with my GURU (see bike drapped over my shoulders above). I've only ridden it outdoors about half a dozen times. I've already ridden it indoors more than this, but I am very much looking forward to taking it out on the road and getting completely comfortable with it.
When I ride I have a standard helmet. I don't own an aero helmet. This isn't because I'm not interested, I simply have not ponied up and purchased one. It's another expense that I may consider down the road, but right now, I'm going to love the one I'm with.
My shoes may be a little on the dated side (1995), but they work for me. My first cycling shoes were of the Carnac brand, and I like the way they feel, so I got a pair of triathlon shoes of the same brand. I still wear my original shoes with my Specialized, and my TRS (see below) when I do triathlon, and when I ride my triathlon bike.
For road...I believe they are the LeMond's with two straps, located on the bottom of this "poster" on the left.
My triathlon shoes are...the TRS (circa 2006). They fit and function well. They aren't as sexy as the Specialized or Pearl Izumi varieties, but they work.
When I ride my road bike, I use cycling gloves, but not when I ride my triathlon bike. Mine look something like this...
I hydrate with GU Brew, and it is contained in water bottles in which I keep in my recently purchased X-Lab Mini Wing and X-Lab frame-attached cage.
My favorite cycling apparel brand is Pearl Izumi, but I love my GU cycling kit (see photo in side bar).
I don't have a power meter, and I don't use a heart rate monitor, but I do have cyclo-computers on both of my bikes. However, I have black electrical tape across the screen so I don't see the current speed. If I can see the current speed, I start to over think things. I am more interested in current distance, and then when I'm done, average speed. This will be the first year I've raced with a computer on at all. In the past, I would race with no computer at all.
I used to race with HED 3 wheels, but my former triathlon bike had a 650-sized wheels, where my current triathlon bike has 700-sized wheels. My wheelset is pretty solid, yet pretty light, so I'm good for now.
The thing about gear, whether it be for swimming, cycling, or running, is that someone or some company has something cooler, sleeker, ass-kickin'-er, than what you have...no matter what you have. So, the key is to become comfortable and happy with what you have because you will never be able to keep up with the proverbial Jones'.
This gear keeps me rollin'. Peace.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Ironman Louisville: Interview with age-group Athlete Nancy Dasso
Meet Nancy Dasso. She is an amazing 45-49, age-group triathlete from Austin, TX. Nancy is no stranger to endurance events, because completing Ironman Louisville in August will be her third Ironman, and it will give her, her 50th marathon finish!
TS: How many years have you been doing triathlon?
ND: I did my first triathlon at age 19. It was a Bud Light, Olympic distance, in Chicago. It was a great race even though I did it on my sister’s bike. Later I completed a few sprints, before going into the Peace Corps. When I came back to US, I had three kids and got a graduate degree. I focused on running because it was easiest to get out the door and it was a cheap activity as well. I got back into triathlon again a few years back as a way to round out my running.
TS: What got you interested in triathlon?
ND: Well, I’m a runner first, but I’m always interested in any workout, and I do better when I have a goal. Triathlon provided both workout opportunities and goals to be reached.
TS: What is your best discipline (swim/bike/run)?
ND: Running.
TS: Why do you want to do an Ironman?
ND: I’ve done two, and want to do better. Both were adequate, but I think there are things I can improve upon.
TS: Why Ironman Louisville?
ND: I did it last year and really like the venue. The bike is challenging without being horrible, the run is mostly flat, and I do like the time trial start to the swim.
TS: What do you expect to be greatest challenges in preparing for IMLOU?
ND: Getting to the swimming pool. Last year I only got in seven swims during July and August. My goal is three per week this year. We’ll see…
TS: What would your best case scenario be on race day?
ND: I’d like a good swim. I don’t care too much about the time, but I don’t want to spend too much energy in the water. I’d like to increase my bike pace 1-2 mph over last year. I also had terrible stomach cramps last year, I think from taking coke in the T2 tent, and I would like to avoid having that problem again so that I can run the whole marathon. If I can do that, I think I can go under 12 hours and place well in my age-group.
TS: What is your most critical piece of equipment for each of the three disciplines?
ND: Swim – I seem to always be looking for comfortable goggles. If I swim more than seven times leading up to IMLOU, I may be able to work this out before race day. Bike – I just got a new bike, I really like it, but need to make sure I work on the fit. I want to be comfortable enough to maintain the aero position the whole ride. I haven’t been able to do that in my two previous IM’s.
TS: What triathlon professional(s), if any, inspire you?
ND: Chrissie Wellington, because she always looks like she’s having fun. But I’m truly more inspired by the person who isn’t athletic and has to work hard at it; the person who is also holding down a day job and a family. This is often more inspiring to me than the pros who have all day to train.
TS: Other than Ironman Hawaii, what is a major “bucket list” triathlon on your radar?
ND: I’d like to do IMAZ, Beach to Battleship, and Vineman.
TS: Which would be a better triathlon rig, a classic Big Wheel or strap on roller skates with wooden wheels?
ND: The Big wheel – I’d kill myself on roller skates.
TS: Which would be worse, losing your cycling shoes in T1 or your running shoes inT2?
ND: Losing running shoes. I could bike in running shoes, but I couldn’t run in bike shoes.
TS: Which is more important, the finisher’s t-shirt, or finisher’s medal?
ND: I just want to finish, but I think I like the medal more. It’ll last longer, and a finisher’s t-shirt is not always something that I want to wear. However, my mother did make an awesome quilt for me out of my marathon shirts back in the day when they gave out cotton t-shirts.
TS: What song or artist would you love to hear blaring at mile 20 in the Ironman at IMLOU?
ND: I ran a marathon once that blasted Knocking on Heaven’s Door at mile 23. I thought that was wrong. But I like anything to get me moving. Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day is awesome, Born to Run works, and Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty is inspiring as well.
TS: Who will you contact first to let them know that you are an Ironman?(Given they are not in attendance)
ND: My kids. I’ve been a single, full time mom (their father doesn’t help) since my kids were 2, 6 and 8. They’re now 20, 18 and 13. They are my favorite people in the world, my best friends, and my biggest fans. IMLOU is after they all go back to school, so they’ll be watching me on the Internet all day, and they always get my first call.
Nancy, YOU are inspiring. My ideal time in IMLOU is also a sub-12. If you cross the line in 11:59:58 and I cross the line in 11:59:59, I would be honored. Go get it Nancy!
TS: How many years have you been doing triathlon?
ND: I did my first triathlon at age 19. It was a Bud Light, Olympic distance, in Chicago. It was a great race even though I did it on my sister’s bike. Later I completed a few sprints, before going into the Peace Corps. When I came back to US, I had three kids and got a graduate degree. I focused on running because it was easiest to get out the door and it was a cheap activity as well. I got back into triathlon again a few years back as a way to round out my running.
TS: What got you interested in triathlon?
ND: Well, I’m a runner first, but I’m always interested in any workout, and I do better when I have a goal. Triathlon provided both workout opportunities and goals to be reached.
TS: What is your best discipline (swim/bike/run)?
ND: Running.
TS: Why do you want to do an Ironman?
ND: I’ve done two, and want to do better. Both were adequate, but I think there are things I can improve upon.
TS: Why Ironman Louisville?
ND: I did it last year and really like the venue. The bike is challenging without being horrible, the run is mostly flat, and I do like the time trial start to the swim.
TS: What do you expect to be greatest challenges in preparing for IMLOU?
ND: Getting to the swimming pool. Last year I only got in seven swims during July and August. My goal is three per week this year. We’ll see…
TS: What would your best case scenario be on race day?
ND: I’d like a good swim. I don’t care too much about the time, but I don’t want to spend too much energy in the water. I’d like to increase my bike pace 1-2 mph over last year. I also had terrible stomach cramps last year, I think from taking coke in the T2 tent, and I would like to avoid having that problem again so that I can run the whole marathon. If I can do that, I think I can go under 12 hours and place well in my age-group.
TS: What is your most critical piece of equipment for each of the three disciplines?
ND: Swim – I seem to always be looking for comfortable goggles. If I swim more than seven times leading up to IMLOU, I may be able to work this out before race day. Bike – I just got a new bike, I really like it, but need to make sure I work on the fit. I want to be comfortable enough to maintain the aero position the whole ride. I haven’t been able to do that in my two previous IM’s.
TS: What triathlon professional(s), if any, inspire you?
ND: Chrissie Wellington, because she always looks like she’s having fun. But I’m truly more inspired by the person who isn’t athletic and has to work hard at it; the person who is also holding down a day job and a family. This is often more inspiring to me than the pros who have all day to train.
TS: Other than Ironman Hawaii, what is a major “bucket list” triathlon on your radar?
ND: I’d like to do IMAZ, Beach to Battleship, and Vineman.
TS: Which would be a better triathlon rig, a classic Big Wheel or strap on roller skates with wooden wheels?
ND: The Big wheel – I’d kill myself on roller skates.
TS: Which would be worse, losing your cycling shoes in T1 or your running shoes inT2?
ND: Losing running shoes. I could bike in running shoes, but I couldn’t run in bike shoes.
TS: Which is more important, the finisher’s t-shirt, or finisher’s medal?
ND: I just want to finish, but I think I like the medal more. It’ll last longer, and a finisher’s t-shirt is not always something that I want to wear. However, my mother did make an awesome quilt for me out of my marathon shirts back in the day when they gave out cotton t-shirts.
TS: What song or artist would you love to hear blaring at mile 20 in the Ironman at IMLOU?
ND: I ran a marathon once that blasted Knocking on Heaven’s Door at mile 23. I thought that was wrong. But I like anything to get me moving. Boulevard of Broken Dreams by Green Day is awesome, Born to Run works, and Won’t Back Down by Tom Petty is inspiring as well.
TS: Who will you contact first to let them know that you are an Ironman?(Given they are not in attendance)
ND: My kids. I’ve been a single, full time mom (their father doesn’t help) since my kids were 2, 6 and 8. They’re now 20, 18 and 13. They are my favorite people in the world, my best friends, and my biggest fans. IMLOU is after they all go back to school, so they’ll be watching me on the Internet all day, and they always get my first call.
Nancy, YOU are inspiring. My ideal time in IMLOU is also a sub-12. If you cross the line in 11:59:58 and I cross the line in 11:59:59, I would be honored. Go get it Nancy!
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
My Swim Gear Review
This is called My Swim Gear Review because I am reviewing the swim gear that I use. It may not be the best, the brightest, or even the latest, but it is what I use and what I know to work well for me. So, if you are looking for a general swim gear review, you've looked in the wrong place.
My most critical pieces of swim equipment are my goggles, my earplugs, and my watch. Yes, a suit is important for comfort and keeping from being arrested, but I mean beyond the obvious component of swimwear. However, I will address that as well.
I have tried a variety of goggles, but the ones that work best for me are the TYR, Racetech variety. What makes them good is that they fit my face well, they do not leak, they don't fog up, they come in a variety of colors, and they have a very reasonable price point. I've used them ever since I started triathlon 15 years ago. Again, I've tried to branch out and try different styles, just to see what's out there, but these work the best for me. Understand however, that I certainly have not tried all other types of goggles. I used to purchase them from Gazelle Sports near where I live, but I haven't been able to find them on the rack. I have also been known to purchase them from on-line triathlon shops such as Tri-Zone, and the like. The place where I have gone most recently however, for both my goggles and my earplugs is SwimOutlet.com. They retail around $12-$14, but I usually find a deal and spend closer to $8-$10 per pair.
I have used different colors for different situations. Early on I exclusively used black, but that was before I realized there were other options. I do like the black variety for sunny days, but at the pool and for predawn swims at the lake, I like clear, blue, aqua, or amber. I haven't tried the purple or the pink options.
For Ironman Louisville, due to the early morning start and the murky water, I will likely use clear or blue.
The reason I use ear plugs is because I hate having water in my ear. I also later realized that they help me with my equalibrium when shifting from a horizontal position in the water, to a vertical position out of the water. In fact, one time when I forgot my ear plugs at a triathlon, I found myself on my knees momentarily because the world was spinning. So keep in mind, once you go to ear plugs...don't forget them!
I have tried the moldable type, but the ones that work best for me are the Speedo, molded rubber type. They fit me well and do the job. The downside is that they are clear and sometimes can be misplaced as a result. Having said that, it really hasn't been a real issue for me, but I've heard that from others. I replace them once, sometimes twice a season. These retail around $3-$4.
The suit that has been my standby for years is the TYR, Racer. The one that I've really come to enjoy lately is the TYR, Solid Durafast™ Polyester Racer. The difference is the material lasts much longer. Usually I could go through two suits during the fall/winter/spring, pool season because the chlorine would eat up my suits, but this material is amazingly durable. I'm not opposed to a jammer or a square-legged suit, but this has worked will for me, so I go with it. I may change up the style, but I'm sold on the material. My guess is the Speedo Endurance suits are made of something similar, but I haven't tried them. Again, they come in different cuts if you are uncomfortable with the brief style.
When the month of May hits, I try to go to open water swimming, but the weather/water temperature certainly has an impact on this decision. If the water is in the low 60's I'm up for a go at it. This for me, of course means getting out my wetsuit.
I love my wetsuit for a variety of reasons. One is that it keeps me warm in cold-to-cool water, two becuase it keeps me boyant and hides several of my swimming errors, but most importantly, I enjoy the fact that if I am having some kind of issue, I can basically turn over on my back and just float with no effort. So, it is a security blanket of sorts, albeit a wet blanket.
I have used the QR brand, long-john (long legs, no sleeves) since I've started and I'm now on my second one. I thought about the long-sleeved type, but I like the freedom of motion the sleeveless provides, the ease of taking it off, and I'm often in water that is near 78' (the official USAT wetsuit cutoff for wetsuit use) and I believe the sleeveless type keeps me from overheating. I should mention that when I swim 30 minutes or longer, I apply Bodyglide to my neck and areas around my shoulders where there are seams on my suit. This prevents unwanted chaffing. I believe I paid around $150 for my suit.
If you are just getting into the sport, I suggest you go to a shop that carries wetsuits and try them on. Talk to an educated salesperson about how it should fit and feel. After you have an idea for size you can shop around in a variety of places, and for a variety of brands. I think the best deal going right now is probably the XTerra brand. They seem to have great deals going on all the time, and they do make good quality suits.
I should probably mention that whenever I swim in open water, whether it be with or without a wetsuit, I wear a bright colored swim cap. I swim along the shore at our lake where most watercraft would not want to be, but I am sometimes in competition with fisherman for water space. Either way, I want to be as visable as I can be. The good news is that when you do a triathlon, the event gives you a cap, and a lot of the time they are bright, so I don't ever have to buy one.
With the exception of when I'm sleeping, I always have my watch on, so this piece of equipment is for swimming, cycling, running, and being. My watch of choice is the Timex, Sleek, 50-lap. It has a some very cool features. One such feature is the chronograph (stopwatch) indicates both my average pace per split and my fastest split. This can be per 50 yds. or for miles. Whenever I push the button for a split. Another feature I like is the multiple interval timer. I can set two timers in one. For example, I can set it up so it beeps after one minute, and then again after three minutes. After this it repeats the one-to-three sequence again until I push stop. It's great for intervals. I like the other features too. I use the countdown timer for when I ice, and I use the alarm (there are three) for getting up early to workout. The size of the read-out is nice and large as well. Nice watch, which does the key things I need it to do.
I also where sandals at the pool to keep my feet safe. I wear a TYR variety, but a cheap $2 pair would be just fine. I just happen to use mine for a variety of purposes, so I want them to be durable.
Another piece of "equipment" I use when swimming at the pool is my sling bag. It carries my swim essetials easily to and from the pool.
This is what works for me, but there are a lot of great products out there. Good luck finding the essentials that work for you.
Peace,
~Sam
My most critical pieces of swim equipment are my goggles, my earplugs, and my watch. Yes, a suit is important for comfort and keeping from being arrested, but I mean beyond the obvious component of swimwear. However, I will address that as well.
I have tried a variety of goggles, but the ones that work best for me are the TYR, Racetech variety. What makes them good is that they fit my face well, they do not leak, they don't fog up, they come in a variety of colors, and they have a very reasonable price point. I've used them ever since I started triathlon 15 years ago. Again, I've tried to branch out and try different styles, just to see what's out there, but these work the best for me. Understand however, that I certainly have not tried all other types of goggles. I used to purchase them from Gazelle Sports near where I live, but I haven't been able to find them on the rack. I have also been known to purchase them from on-line triathlon shops such as Tri-Zone, and the like. The place where I have gone most recently however, for both my goggles and my earplugs is SwimOutlet.com. They retail around $12-$14, but I usually find a deal and spend closer to $8-$10 per pair.
I have used different colors for different situations. Early on I exclusively used black, but that was before I realized there were other options. I do like the black variety for sunny days, but at the pool and for predawn swims at the lake, I like clear, blue, aqua, or amber. I haven't tried the purple or the pink options.
For Ironman Louisville, due to the early morning start and the murky water, I will likely use clear or blue.
The reason I use ear plugs is because I hate having water in my ear. I also later realized that they help me with my equalibrium when shifting from a horizontal position in the water, to a vertical position out of the water. In fact, one time when I forgot my ear plugs at a triathlon, I found myself on my knees momentarily because the world was spinning. So keep in mind, once you go to ear plugs...don't forget them!
I have tried the moldable type, but the ones that work best for me are the Speedo, molded rubber type. They fit me well and do the job. The downside is that they are clear and sometimes can be misplaced as a result. Having said that, it really hasn't been a real issue for me, but I've heard that from others. I replace them once, sometimes twice a season. These retail around $3-$4.
The suit that has been my standby for years is the TYR, Racer. The one that I've really come to enjoy lately is the TYR, Solid Durafast™ Polyester Racer. The difference is the material lasts much longer. Usually I could go through two suits during the fall/winter/spring, pool season because the chlorine would eat up my suits, but this material is amazingly durable. I'm not opposed to a jammer or a square-legged suit, but this has worked will for me, so I go with it. I may change up the style, but I'm sold on the material. My guess is the Speedo Endurance suits are made of something similar, but I haven't tried them. Again, they come in different cuts if you are uncomfortable with the brief style.
When the month of May hits, I try to go to open water swimming, but the weather/water temperature certainly has an impact on this decision. If the water is in the low 60's I'm up for a go at it. This for me, of course means getting out my wetsuit.
I love my wetsuit for a variety of reasons. One is that it keeps me warm in cold-to-cool water, two becuase it keeps me boyant and hides several of my swimming errors, but most importantly, I enjoy the fact that if I am having some kind of issue, I can basically turn over on my back and just float with no effort. So, it is a security blanket of sorts, albeit a wet blanket.
I have used the QR brand, long-john (long legs, no sleeves) since I've started and I'm now on my second one. I thought about the long-sleeved type, but I like the freedom of motion the sleeveless provides, the ease of taking it off, and I'm often in water that is near 78' (the official USAT wetsuit cutoff for wetsuit use) and I believe the sleeveless type keeps me from overheating. I should mention that when I swim 30 minutes or longer, I apply Bodyglide to my neck and areas around my shoulders where there are seams on my suit. This prevents unwanted chaffing. I believe I paid around $150 for my suit.
If you are just getting into the sport, I suggest you go to a shop that carries wetsuits and try them on. Talk to an educated salesperson about how it should fit and feel. After you have an idea for size you can shop around in a variety of places, and for a variety of brands. I think the best deal going right now is probably the XTerra brand. They seem to have great deals going on all the time, and they do make good quality suits.
I should probably mention that whenever I swim in open water, whether it be with or without a wetsuit, I wear a bright colored swim cap. I swim along the shore at our lake where most watercraft would not want to be, but I am sometimes in competition with fisherman for water space. Either way, I want to be as visable as I can be. The good news is that when you do a triathlon, the event gives you a cap, and a lot of the time they are bright, so I don't ever have to buy one.
With the exception of when I'm sleeping, I always have my watch on, so this piece of equipment is for swimming, cycling, running, and being. My watch of choice is the Timex, Sleek, 50-lap. It has a some very cool features. One such feature is the chronograph (stopwatch) indicates both my average pace per split and my fastest split. This can be per 50 yds. or for miles. Whenever I push the button for a split. Another feature I like is the multiple interval timer. I can set two timers in one. For example, I can set it up so it beeps after one minute, and then again after three minutes. After this it repeats the one-to-three sequence again until I push stop. It's great for intervals. I like the other features too. I use the countdown timer for when I ice, and I use the alarm (there are three) for getting up early to workout. The size of the read-out is nice and large as well. Nice watch, which does the key things I need it to do.
I also where sandals at the pool to keep my feet safe. I wear a TYR variety, but a cheap $2 pair would be just fine. I just happen to use mine for a variety of purposes, so I want them to be durable.
Another piece of "equipment" I use when swimming at the pool is my sling bag. It carries my swim essetials easily to and from the pool.
This is what works for me, but there are a lot of great products out there. Good luck finding the essentials that work for you.
Peace,
~Sam
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