Beach to Battleship

Do most triathletes wear running shorts or some kind of compression shorts for the run?

My first time at this distance. I'm more interested in comfort and finishing - not as interested in my finishing time. So I definitely plan to take the time to change into some nice bike shorts for the bike.

This will be my first full iron distance race. At each of the 4 1/2s I've done, I wore a tri suit for the entire thing. But for this I plan on wearing biking bibs and jersey for the bike and changing into running shorts and a singlet/shirt for the run.

Comfort to me will mean more than the 5 minutes or so it will take to change clothes.

this will be my first iron distance race as well and i'm also planning to do it in comfort- will be changing into favorite running shorts and shirt..

Anyone have any experience or comments on wearing running shorts or compression shorts? Do compression shorts help on a long event like this?

Honestly, I have only done one full and I changed. It is worth being comfortable. I wore regular running shorts with the mesh pockets in the back for gels and such.

since it will be wetsuit legal a great idea when you "suit up" that morning would be, wear your tri shorts and top (or tri suit), then put on your bib over top of it, then put on your wetsuit. that way you save yourself a couple of minutes throughout the day by peeling things off rather than changing. EX: out of the water peel off your wetsuit, then put on your cycling jersey (if you so desire) and go hammer 112, then when you get back off with the jersey and peel off the bib. now you are in your regular tri suit, which hopefully you are pretty comfy in. then throw a long sleever in your speacial needs for the run just in case you end up getting cold as the race goes on, and you likely will. Hope this helps...it seems to be my most efficient way to wear what I want throughout an IM.

I suggest changing to your favorite running shorts for comfort unless you are planning on finishing in the top 25, otherwise change.

Here's another thought. I have heard several people tell me they prefer to do the run in some sort of compression shorts as it feels better on sore quads, plus you don't have to worry about chaffing. For what it is worth, I have never changed clothes during an IM, I have always worn tri shorts and a tri top. I have added layers during the bike in colder races. Regardless of time savings the most important thing is to be comfortable mentally and physically. If you think you will be most comfortable in running shorts, then change. Just be sure to plan for any weather conditions. After 2 very hot years at IM Wisconsin, the weather was rainy and in the 50's the year I did it. I got to the run transition and realized I didn't have any warm clothes, so I ended up running in my vest and arm warmers, which worked fine fortunately. Check the weather report the day before the race. If it questionable at all, you can place an extra layer in your transition bags and know you will get them back. The Special Needs bags are a little less reliable, but I have always gotten those back at the end of the race as well.

Hi,
Has anyone considered it may be very cold on Nov 1 in Wilmington?Having done the battleship half marathon a few times I can tell you that it is often very cold. Last year I ran in long pants, a hat, gloves etc... This is my first half iron distance and I don't know if all this extra time on the move will mean I am staying warmer or not. Any suggestions?
Dana

I am just keeping the potential temps in mind while training. I figure it could really be anywhere from the 30s at night up to 90s during the day, so planning for both extremes but will make the final decisions on what to wear/pack for the T1/T2 bags closer to the race.

T

tombiowami wrote:I am just keeping the potential temps in mind while training. I figure it could really be anywhere from the 30s at night up to 90s during the day, so planning for both extremes but will make the final decisions on what to wear/pack for the T1/T2 bags closer to the race.

T

30s are a possibility but 90s are VERY doubtful. The average temp is 71 on Nov. 1st and the record high is 85. Could it be warm/hot? Definitely. In the 90s, very doubtful.

I've seen it on here before, but open up www.wunderground.com and just put "Wilmington, NC" in the search bar. Scroll down on it and find historical and almanac info; you should be able to get a very clear idea what to expect. As 11.1.08 draws nearer, keep watching it, you'll know what to pack. Enjoy your training and I'll see you five weeks from tomorrow,

Jay

As part of this discussion about what shorts to wear, i'll throw a twist into it.

My experience is that after the bike most people are ill-served by sitting down and taking their time in T2. Yes, your body may be kind of weary and both body and brain are urging you to give it a rest for a while, but to do so often exacts a toll on the rest of the race. Your muscles may like a break, but what they really do not want is to be activated again after sitting down for even a few minutes -- let alone time in double digits, which a lot of people take! My approach to an iron distance T2 is to take as little time there as possible while making certain that you have everything you need for the run.

With this in mind, then, if you plan to change into running shorts do so quickly and try to do so standing up. Better yet, though, is to take the next six weeks and get comfortable running in what you have just spent 112 miles biking in - which is what you also spent 2.4 miles swimming in. Keep it all simple, as there will be enough going on with your iron-addled brain without adding to it a wardrobe change or two !

I posted the original question in this thread for LAST year's race. Everybody has different goals, but for me doing my first IM, comfort and finishing were at the top of my list. I did take the time to change into bike shorts and dry clothes for T1. And judging from the crowds at the T1 tents most participants did the same.

My original question was more about running in either running shorts or some kind of compression shorts (like tri-shorts). I did take the time (4:42) to change into running shorts at T2. Using the chairs in the tents were a welcome aid but I also agree with longspur...too long a transition could make moving again difficult.

That worked well for me.