We have all had them. . . .those times when you wish no one was watching. Those embarrassing moments (yes plural!). I have a had a few and I have been witness to a few. I have had my chain yanked and I have to admit to yanking some chains myself.
Many years ago, I was at the Royal Victoria Marathon (I have to say that I must go crazy when I go to Victoria since I tend to have embarrassing moments in that city - see the October 13th post) and I was at the expo the day before the race.
As a side note, this race has one of the best pre-race expos ever.
I was waiting to pick up my race package when I was struck with the best practical joke! In the beginning, the Royal Vic held only a full marathon so it was really only for the fully committed (I mean, crazy). When I gave the gal my name, she immediately handed me my race pack. I looked at and exclaimed, "Marathon! I didn't sign up for the marathon. I signed up to run the half!" The expression on the race volunteer's face was priceless (think Mastercard commercial). She tried to calm me down by trying to find the race director to see if I could just do half the marathon.
"I trained for the half. . . .I don't know what to do!!" I cried. Then, in a moment of brilliance, I said, "Oh what the hell, I just run the full."
"Are you sure?", she said. "Why not? Live for today!", I said as I walked away. I don't know if that women ever recovered. Hilarious!!
I did the same thing at a triathlon when I was racing as a team with my daughter. She swam and I was the other two thirds doing the ride and run. As with most triathlon, transition was like the kitchen at a party - the place to be! My daughter handed off to me and I rode like I had stolen something. As I came in to transition, I racked my bike and looked around.. . . I said in a panicked voice,
"Where is my runner? Seriously, Where is my runner?" The spectators got into it right away by yelling for my runner "Hey, this gal needs her runner. Does anyone know where she is?"
Now having a flare for the dramatic, I exclaimed, "Oh what the hell, I'll just have run it myself". I threw my runners on and started running. . . I immediately got a round of applause. "Wow, she is amazing!" could be heard murmuring through the crowd until one volunteer looked up, recognized me (damn) and said, "Oh come on, it's just Mad Norma"
Been known as Mad Norma ever since :)
Monday 31 October 2011
Friday 28 October 2011
Mean Girls
Good day Divas et al,
If you have been following this blog regularly (thank you by the way!), I have to apologize for the lack of posts lately. I had a serious case of writers' block. Now, this was a shock to me as I am not even a writer so I just figured I would be immune from this affliction.
A big shout out to Natalie for giving me today's topic and all I can say is keep them coming!
Mean Girls - you know them - maybe you are one of them - they are out there. Having survived high school and a few all-female organizations (brownies, girl guides, and a brief stint in a sorority), I really thought I had surpassed the need to even think about this subset of the fairer sex. Part of the reason I love sport is that a lot of the crap (soft word) we deal with as young women is avoided by training hard, racing hard and simply being kick-ass females!
Not the case I am afraid. I have few stories about some scary ladies who can be described as nothing as than a mean girl. One of my encounters with a mean chick occurred near the beginning of my tri career (ha! career, the word is almost laughable!). I was competing as an age grouper in an ITU race. We were grouped by our age category and corralled awaiting our wave start time. There were about 75 athletes and you could hear a pin drop. . . .we were all very nervous. I decided that someone needed to break the tension so in my own quiet, unassuming way (stop giggling), I started wishing the ladies around me luck. "Good Luck", Good Luck to You", "Have fun out there" could be heard not just from me but several of the ladies around me.
Seems positivity is contagious.
Before the rest of the story is revealed, I need to pause to point out that racing is as much psychological as it is physical. So much of what we battle as athletes isn't questioning our training, it is overcoming the inner demons. Each person has their own way of doing this and part of getting the most out of your performance is knowing yourself and what you need physically and psychologically.
Ok on with the anecdote.
As I was wishing ladies well, one woman came up to me and I swear she was about 2 inches (5 cm) from my face. "Norma, STAY AWAY FROM ME!!!" Clearly, this gal was wound up a bit tight. As I welled up with tears, a few women tried to prop me up. Now, granted I can be quite annoying to some people especially if you are having a bad day/race. I still see this women from time to time at races and I have to say, she continues to scare the daylights out of me.
I have a few more instances of this type of behaviour from women and it always surprises me. I try to look at it from their point of view. I am not always upbeat or jovial but I make the effort to not affect anyone else by my nastiness.
Most of the time, I think these women are threatened by something or someone and they feel the need to lash out. If we are witness to this and do nothing, I feel that we are like the bystanders in a bullying situation. We need to stick together and be part of the sisterhood (love that word). We can't be those women who eat their young. Sure we compete in races but I would like to believe that we compete with ourselves and not each other. Instead of ripping each other apart, look around and find ways to lift another sister up!
Keep in mind what Nelson Mandella said about the Olympics and the Olympic movement. . . .I am paraphrasing:
"We are competitors for only one moment in a race but we are compatriots for all the rest of our days."
Be supportive. . . be understanding. . . be the sisterhood :)
If you have been following this blog regularly (thank you by the way!), I have to apologize for the lack of posts lately. I had a serious case of writers' block. Now, this was a shock to me as I am not even a writer so I just figured I would be immune from this affliction.
A big shout out to Natalie for giving me today's topic and all I can say is keep them coming!
Mean Girls - you know them - maybe you are one of them - they are out there. Having survived high school and a few all-female organizations (brownies, girl guides, and a brief stint in a sorority), I really thought I had surpassed the need to even think about this subset of the fairer sex. Part of the reason I love sport is that a lot of the crap (soft word) we deal with as young women is avoided by training hard, racing hard and simply being kick-ass females!
Not the case I am afraid. I have few stories about some scary ladies who can be described as nothing as than a mean girl. One of my encounters with a mean chick occurred near the beginning of my tri career (ha! career, the word is almost laughable!). I was competing as an age grouper in an ITU race. We were grouped by our age category and corralled awaiting our wave start time. There were about 75 athletes and you could hear a pin drop. . . .we were all very nervous. I decided that someone needed to break the tension so in my own quiet, unassuming way (stop giggling), I started wishing the ladies around me luck. "Good Luck", Good Luck to You", "Have fun out there" could be heard not just from me but several of the ladies around me.
Seems positivity is contagious.
Before the rest of the story is revealed, I need to pause to point out that racing is as much psychological as it is physical. So much of what we battle as athletes isn't questioning our training, it is overcoming the inner demons. Each person has their own way of doing this and part of getting the most out of your performance is knowing yourself and what you need physically and psychologically.
Ok on with the anecdote.
As I was wishing ladies well, one woman came up to me and I swear she was about 2 inches (5 cm) from my face. "Norma, STAY AWAY FROM ME!!!" Clearly, this gal was wound up a bit tight. As I welled up with tears, a few women tried to prop me up. Now, granted I can be quite annoying to some people especially if you are having a bad day/race. I still see this women from time to time at races and I have to say, she continues to scare the daylights out of me.
I have a few more instances of this type of behaviour from women and it always surprises me. I try to look at it from their point of view. I am not always upbeat or jovial but I make the effort to not affect anyone else by my nastiness.
Most of the time, I think these women are threatened by something or someone and they feel the need to lash out. If we are witness to this and do nothing, I feel that we are like the bystanders in a bullying situation. We need to stick together and be part of the sisterhood (love that word). We can't be those women who eat their young. Sure we compete in races but I would like to believe that we compete with ourselves and not each other. Instead of ripping each other apart, look around and find ways to lift another sister up!
Keep in mind what Nelson Mandella said about the Olympics and the Olympic movement. . . .I am paraphrasing:
"We are competitors for only one moment in a race but we are compatriots for all the rest of our days."
Be supportive. . . be understanding. . . be the sisterhood :)
Wednesday 19 October 2011
Let's Talk Fashion. . . .
You knew we would eventually get here. . . right? A primarily female blog that doesn't discuss fashion. . no way! Now, we are not talking Dior or Chanel (who knows. . . a girl can hope) but more like Zoot, Adidas and She Beast. It can seem a bit overwhelming what to wear for training and racing but what better way to waste an afternoon than shopping and trying stuff on.
I will be doing some product reviews in future posts but for now I simply wanted to answer the age old question, "What should I wear?" The barometer for this has to be comfort. If what you train and race in is not comfortable, guess what. . .you won't race or train! Most of us can figure out what to wear while we are training. I usually look around the swim lanes or on the track to decide what is 'in' at any particular time. A more difficult question is what do I race in.
What I usually race in is a one piece tri-suit. I am kind of weird when it comes to racing stuff as I only use my racing stuff for racing (looks odd when I see it writing). I like to 'save' this part of my wardrobe for the big day because I just feel faster! This is especially true for footwear. A few years ago, I got racing flats. It seemed silly at the time as I was pulling down 9 minute miles (stop chuckling!) so I didn't think I deserved flats since I wasn't technically 'fast'. After my first race in them, I realized the reason to wear them is purely psychological. I just felt 'faster'. Oh and the other reason to have flashing footwear was all the cheering I got on the race course: "Nice foot candy!" "Sweet shoes!"
My suggestion for you newbies is get out there and try on some gear. It should be a bit snug since the water (from the swim) and general moisture will make the item relax a bit (think bathing suit). Go to a reputable shop and find a female salesperson (ok a bit sexist but I want an honest opinion) or better yet take some buddies and make an event out of it.
That's it for today. . . please send questions, comments or posts. . . cheers!
I will be doing some product reviews in future posts but for now I simply wanted to answer the age old question, "What should I wear?" The barometer for this has to be comfort. If what you train and race in is not comfortable, guess what. . .you won't race or train! Most of us can figure out what to wear while we are training. I usually look around the swim lanes or on the track to decide what is 'in' at any particular time. A more difficult question is what do I race in.
What I usually race in is a one piece tri-suit. I am kind of weird when it comes to racing stuff as I only use my racing stuff for racing (looks odd when I see it writing). I like to 'save' this part of my wardrobe for the big day because I just feel faster! This is especially true for footwear. A few years ago, I got racing flats. It seemed silly at the time as I was pulling down 9 minute miles (stop chuckling!) so I didn't think I deserved flats since I wasn't technically 'fast'. After my first race in them, I realized the reason to wear them is purely psychological. I just felt 'faster'. Oh and the other reason to have flashing footwear was all the cheering I got on the race course: "Nice foot candy!" "Sweet shoes!"
My suggestion for you newbies is get out there and try on some gear. It should be a bit snug since the water (from the swim) and general moisture will make the item relax a bit (think bathing suit). Go to a reputable shop and find a female salesperson (ok a bit sexist but I want an honest opinion) or better yet take some buddies and make an event out of it.
That's it for today. . . please send questions, comments or posts. . . cheers!
Sunday 16 October 2011
Sunday Housekeeping
There is nothing like the long run or ride on the weekend to crystallize thoughts and ideas. It is a short blog today only to remind you to send me your questions for the Q & A on Tuesday. If you don't want to post it on the blog, you can email it to me (mathdva@hotmail.com). Also, I am considering a new addition to the blog in the form of "Time with a Triathlete". . . .a monthly interview with a local, national or international tridiva. I can ask all the things we are dying to know. Always looking for feedback so send a post, email me or find me on twitter (@mathdva)
Cheers!
Cheers!
Thursday 13 October 2011
We are just like the Pro's
One thing that always amazes me about this wacky sport of triathlon is the commonality of experience. In most sports, the mortals and the pro's just don't mix. The fact is that professional triathletes are the most accessible group of 'superstars'. I have had the privilege/luck to rub shoulders with various "biggies".
Many years ago, I was in Victoria to run the marathon (I think it was 2002 or around then) and my crazy running buddy and I had nothing to do the day before the race. I mean, really, there is nothing to do the day before the marathon besides hydrate and obsess!
We decided to go to Beacon Hill Park to watch a cross-country race with the U of A against UVic. Now, if you have never been to a varsity Xcountry race, you have not yet seen the true grassroots of running. We arrived just in time to see the runners huddle up for the team cheer. It was the first time I realized that all these guys look like 12 year old boys. I have a tridiva buddy that calls them the 'rib boys'. . . Love it!!
There were two groups of guys (UVic and U of A, I guess) and then this lone runner off by himself. We look over and screamed like 14 year old groupies. . . .It was Simon Whitfield. For a bit of context, he had just won the inaugural olympic triathlon in Sydney and was recovering from a terrible crash where he broke his collarbone and both wrists. We (my crazy tridiva friend and I) were enamoured from the get go.
The race starts and after the first loop, we are yelling, "Go Simon. . .go go go Simon" He ends up third, incredible. We rushed over to talk to him (ok we gave him a few minutes to recover) and because I am a mother first, I wanted to know how he was healing, was he ok, is he taking care of himself. He was super cool and friendly, he asked why we were in town and if we were ready for the marathon. I don't know many pro athletes that take the time to query their fans about their upcoming races!!! He signed my marathon shirt (which I still have) and we walked away, dreamily. If you want to catch up with him, I just saw a great uTube video on "a day in the life of Simon". Check it out in the link section of the the blog.
As I write this, I can think of more "chance" encounters with these amazing athletes. I usually say something either inappropriate or goofy. I remember meeting Heather Fuhr (one of my absolute favorites) at our local pool. It was in the showers no less and as I stood there gushing to try to figure out what to say. .. . .I heard myself utter, "You look so much taller on TV". Seriously!?!?!?!! She was also really cool and signed a tri magazine I had in my locker (go figure!) which I still have. I pull out that autograph regularly when I need an extra push or inspiration.
She wrote, "To Norma. . .Keep on Triing from Heather"
I guess I will :)
Many years ago, I was in Victoria to run the marathon (I think it was 2002 or around then) and my crazy running buddy and I had nothing to do the day before the race. I mean, really, there is nothing to do the day before the marathon besides hydrate and obsess!
We decided to go to Beacon Hill Park to watch a cross-country race with the U of A against UVic. Now, if you have never been to a varsity Xcountry race, you have not yet seen the true grassroots of running. We arrived just in time to see the runners huddle up for the team cheer. It was the first time I realized that all these guys look like 12 year old boys. I have a tridiva buddy that calls them the 'rib boys'. . . Love it!!
There were two groups of guys (UVic and U of A, I guess) and then this lone runner off by himself. We look over and screamed like 14 year old groupies. . . .It was Simon Whitfield. For a bit of context, he had just won the inaugural olympic triathlon in Sydney and was recovering from a terrible crash where he broke his collarbone and both wrists. We (my crazy tridiva friend and I) were enamoured from the get go.
The race starts and after the first loop, we are yelling, "Go Simon. . .go go go Simon" He ends up third, incredible. We rushed over to talk to him (ok we gave him a few minutes to recover) and because I am a mother first, I wanted to know how he was healing, was he ok, is he taking care of himself. He was super cool and friendly, he asked why we were in town and if we were ready for the marathon. I don't know many pro athletes that take the time to query their fans about their upcoming races!!! He signed my marathon shirt (which I still have) and we walked away, dreamily. If you want to catch up with him, I just saw a great uTube video on "a day in the life of Simon". Check it out in the link section of the the blog.
As I write this, I can think of more "chance" encounters with these amazing athletes. I usually say something either inappropriate or goofy. I remember meeting Heather Fuhr (one of my absolute favorites) at our local pool. It was in the showers no less and as I stood there gushing to try to figure out what to say. .. . .I heard myself utter, "You look so much taller on TV". Seriously!?!?!?!! She was also really cool and signed a tri magazine I had in my locker (go figure!) which I still have. I pull out that autograph regularly when I need an extra push or inspiration.
She wrote, "To Norma. . .Keep on Triing from Heather"
I guess I will :)
Wednesday 12 October 2011
More Questions. . .More Answers
Hello Divas!
The question is "How do I afford to do this sport?" An excellent question because let's face it; most of us are not earning our living by racing! I remember when one of my good (fast) tri-buddies won some money. I asked, "What did you do with the winnings?". The big haul barely covered her gas to get to the race!!!
If you are completely new to the sport, there are lots of ways to be frugal. First of all, most people come to tri being somewhat accomplished in one of the three sports. If so, this means you already have stuff for that sport. (Yeeha!) Let's look at each sport to see where we can cut costs:
Swimming: The required equipment include goggles, swim cap, training suit. Most pools supply pull buoys, flutter boards, and fins. As for racing, you may need a wetsuit. This can be a bit pricey so ask around, maybe you can borrow one. Also, this is an item you can rent from local try stores. You should be able to get one for $50 to $75
Cycling: Ok this is the one that can really kill any budget. For the first few seasons, consider borrowing a bike or using your mountain bike (if you have one). I borrowed one for my first race because I wasn't sure if I was going to like the sport. (I was hooked from the get-go). It doesn't matter what your bike looks like as long you are out there doing it. I remember doing a ladies' only sprint many years ago and going up a big hill, I passed this amazing women on a bike with a basket (yes, a basket). She had this massive smile on her face and she did not care what she looked like!
When it is time to purchase, consider the following:
1. Fit, Fit, Fit. . . . The bike has to fit you otherwise you won't ride/train. Go to a respectable bike store and take a buddy (preferably someone who rides or does tri)
2. Decide on a budget and stick to it. My first bike cost $500 and it was on consignment at a local store. I still love that bike (electric blue TREK). I used it for three seasons!
3. Ask around, in the swim lanes, at local races. . . . someone is always selling. Best time to buy is January/February so check Kijiji or eBay or Craig's list.
4. If and when you decide to buy a new bike, be sure to get free stuff: helmet, gloves, water bottles, bike computer, etc. They will throw it just to make the sale!
Running: The required equipment here include runners (uh duh!), shorts, decent jog bra and tee's. Be sure to spend the money on great shoes (same logic as the bike. . . .if they are not comfy, you won't train). Go to a reputable running store that employs people who actually run!
Racing: This is a category because you will probably wear something different for the race. For pool swims, use your regular suit, throw on some cycling shorts for the ride and run. I would wear a bra under the suit if you need the support (literally!). The other cost to factor in is the entry fee. A bit of touchy topic. . . .to cut costs, consider racing in a team. I did a few races with my daughter (so awesome!) and I only did the ride and run. Teams are also a great way to ease into the sport and soak up the culture of Tri without doing the whole thing.
I don't claim to be a budget diva but I hope you get a few ideas from this answer. Don't forget to add your suggestions to the blog.
Please keep sending your questions. I will respond next Tuesday or Wednesday.
The question is "How do I afford to do this sport?" An excellent question because let's face it; most of us are not earning our living by racing! I remember when one of my good (fast) tri-buddies won some money. I asked, "What did you do with the winnings?". The big haul barely covered her gas to get to the race!!!
If you are completely new to the sport, there are lots of ways to be frugal. First of all, most people come to tri being somewhat accomplished in one of the three sports. If so, this means you already have stuff for that sport. (Yeeha!) Let's look at each sport to see where we can cut costs:
Swimming: The required equipment include goggles, swim cap, training suit. Most pools supply pull buoys, flutter boards, and fins. As for racing, you may need a wetsuit. This can be a bit pricey so ask around, maybe you can borrow one. Also, this is an item you can rent from local try stores. You should be able to get one for $50 to $75
Cycling: Ok this is the one that can really kill any budget. For the first few seasons, consider borrowing a bike or using your mountain bike (if you have one). I borrowed one for my first race because I wasn't sure if I was going to like the sport. (I was hooked from the get-go). It doesn't matter what your bike looks like as long you are out there doing it. I remember doing a ladies' only sprint many years ago and going up a big hill, I passed this amazing women on a bike with a basket (yes, a basket). She had this massive smile on her face and she did not care what she looked like!
When it is time to purchase, consider the following:
1. Fit, Fit, Fit. . . . The bike has to fit you otherwise you won't ride/train. Go to a respectable bike store and take a buddy (preferably someone who rides or does tri)
2. Decide on a budget and stick to it. My first bike cost $500 and it was on consignment at a local store. I still love that bike (electric blue TREK). I used it for three seasons!
3. Ask around, in the swim lanes, at local races. . . . someone is always selling. Best time to buy is January/February so check Kijiji or eBay or Craig's list.
4. If and when you decide to buy a new bike, be sure to get free stuff: helmet, gloves, water bottles, bike computer, etc. They will throw it just to make the sale!
Running: The required equipment here include runners (uh duh!), shorts, decent jog bra and tee's. Be sure to spend the money on great shoes (same logic as the bike. . . .if they are not comfy, you won't train). Go to a reputable running store that employs people who actually run!
Racing: This is a category because you will probably wear something different for the race. For pool swims, use your regular suit, throw on some cycling shorts for the ride and run. I would wear a bra under the suit if you need the support (literally!). The other cost to factor in is the entry fee. A bit of touchy topic. . . .to cut costs, consider racing in a team. I did a few races with my daughter (so awesome!) and I only did the ride and run. Teams are also a great way to ease into the sport and soak up the culture of Tri without doing the whole thing.
I don't claim to be a budget diva but I hope you get a few ideas from this answer. Don't forget to add your suggestions to the blog.
Please keep sending your questions. I will respond next Tuesday or Wednesday.
Friday 7 October 2011
Gratitude
Happy Friday,
I know it probably is a bit trite but being the Friday before Thanksgiving, let's pause and be grateful for a few things!
Be grateful for the lane mate that "encourages" you do the next set or a faster time.
Be grateful for the healthy body that allows you to do this training and racing. It is not all of us that have the physical capabilities to do triathlon. If you don't believe me, tell someone this weekend that you have completed a triathlon and watch their reaction.
Be grateful for the health professionals that keep us going (ok maybe that only applies to me as a 'mature' athlete!) - doctors, physios, chiropractors, naturopaths, therapists, etc.
Be grateful to all those volunteers that work races and never expect a thank you. There would be no racing if we did not have the faithful that stand a water station, or run and hand out bananas on the bike. Small tip: ALWAYS thank at least one volunteer at every race you do. . . .it creates good karma.
Ok. . . .your turn! Post a "Be grateful . . . " onto the blog and let's see how good we will feel by the end of the weekend.
Finally, A big Thank you to those that read this blog!!!!
Cheers
I know it probably is a bit trite but being the Friday before Thanksgiving, let's pause and be grateful for a few things!
Be grateful for the lane mate that "encourages" you do the next set or a faster time.
Be grateful for the healthy body that allows you to do this training and racing. It is not all of us that have the physical capabilities to do triathlon. If you don't believe me, tell someone this weekend that you have completed a triathlon and watch their reaction.
Be grateful for the health professionals that keep us going (ok maybe that only applies to me as a 'mature' athlete!) - doctors, physios, chiropractors, naturopaths, therapists, etc.
Be grateful to all those volunteers that work races and never expect a thank you. There would be no racing if we did not have the faithful that stand a water station, or run and hand out bananas on the bike. Small tip: ALWAYS thank at least one volunteer at every race you do. . . .it creates good karma.
Ok. . . .your turn! Post a "Be grateful . . . " onto the blog and let's see how good we will feel by the end of the weekend.
Finally, A big Thank you to those that read this blog!!!!
Cheers
Tuesday 4 October 2011
Q and A Day
Hello all and Happy Tuesday,
It is time to answer the plethora of questions you have sent me (ok just one). A big shout out to Tash for sending in this question as it allows me to tell one of my favourite stories. How do female cyclists/triathletes relieve themselves on the bike?
Hmm. . . .not something that comes up in everyday conversations!
Before I tell the story and even before I divulge the secrets to this rarely seen talent, we should address the issue of whether you need to go or not. Let's consider the different events:
Sprint: 750 m swim / 20 km bike / 5 km run In these events the bike can take anywhere from 40 - 80 minutes so I think the need to pee is slim.
Olympic: 1500 m swim / 40 km bike / 10 km run The total time for Olympics varies from 2 hours (yes, the super human!) to 4 hours. I think once you are active for more than 2 hours, you need to factor in the contingency for peeing.
Half-Iron: 2000 m swim / 90 km bike / 21 km run. Now we have arrived at the place where you are most likely have to deal with the uncomfortable reality of "going" on the bike.
In some ways, if you 'feel the need' on the bike during a race (or even in training) this can viewed as a positive thing since it means you are hydrated! My general rule is that you should be drinking one bottle per hour riding. When I have done this consistently, I had to pee only once during a race. The concept is that by drinking and exerting during competition, you will be using it up!
When I say competition, I can't help think about the Tour de France as those guys must have to stop to go since they are on the bike for 5 - 7 hours everyday. They call it "pause de nature", a nature break. Professional cyclists are a classy bunch as the peleton eases the pace when nature calls so typically you will see packs of backsides during the stages.
Now for the answer. . . . I can only, as always, share what I do and I learned how from another gal during a race. It was at Great White North many years ago and I had decided to use Nuun in my bottles for the first time. I committed to my coach that I would drink, drink, drink!!! I am sure I overdid it (sounds familiar for me) and by about 45 km through the bike portion I was ready to burst.
The simple solution is to stop, run for cover (or not) and go. That was not going to happen. . . . It is a race for goodness sake! First order of business, find a woman! Clearly, any advice from a guy would be useless. It was during this race that I realized that us women are few and far between because it took me a good 15 minutes to find one. I caught up to her and quickly asked "I need to pee like a race horse, any advice?". She empathized immediately (I love the sisterhood) and told me three things; 1. Move your bottom over to one side of either your saddle or top bar 2. RELAX and go. 3. Use water to rinse yourself and your bike.
Surprisingly, step 2 turned out to be the most difficult because most women are taught to clench 24/7. I hope that helps.
My angel on the bike did tell me one more thing before I successfully completed the task.
"Hey, get behind me before you pee."
Think about it!
It is time to answer the plethora of questions you have sent me (ok just one). A big shout out to Tash for sending in this question as it allows me to tell one of my favourite stories. How do female cyclists/triathletes relieve themselves on the bike?
Hmm. . . .not something that comes up in everyday conversations!
Before I tell the story and even before I divulge the secrets to this rarely seen talent, we should address the issue of whether you need to go or not. Let's consider the different events:
Sprint: 750 m swim / 20 km bike / 5 km run In these events the bike can take anywhere from 40 - 80 minutes so I think the need to pee is slim.
Olympic: 1500 m swim / 40 km bike / 10 km run The total time for Olympics varies from 2 hours (yes, the super human!) to 4 hours. I think once you are active for more than 2 hours, you need to factor in the contingency for peeing.
Half-Iron: 2000 m swim / 90 km bike / 21 km run. Now we have arrived at the place where you are most likely have to deal with the uncomfortable reality of "going" on the bike.
In some ways, if you 'feel the need' on the bike during a race (or even in training) this can viewed as a positive thing since it means you are hydrated! My general rule is that you should be drinking one bottle per hour riding. When I have done this consistently, I had to pee only once during a race. The concept is that by drinking and exerting during competition, you will be using it up!
When I say competition, I can't help think about the Tour de France as those guys must have to stop to go since they are on the bike for 5 - 7 hours everyday. They call it "pause de nature", a nature break. Professional cyclists are a classy bunch as the peleton eases the pace when nature calls so typically you will see packs of backsides during the stages.
Now for the answer. . . . I can only, as always, share what I do and I learned how from another gal during a race. It was at Great White North many years ago and I had decided to use Nuun in my bottles for the first time. I committed to my coach that I would drink, drink, drink!!! I am sure I overdid it (sounds familiar for me) and by about 45 km through the bike portion I was ready to burst.
The simple solution is to stop, run for cover (or not) and go. That was not going to happen. . . . It is a race for goodness sake! First order of business, find a woman! Clearly, any advice from a guy would be useless. It was during this race that I realized that us women are few and far between because it took me a good 15 minutes to find one. I caught up to her and quickly asked "I need to pee like a race horse, any advice?". She empathized immediately (I love the sisterhood) and told me three things; 1. Move your bottom over to one side of either your saddle or top bar 2. RELAX and go. 3. Use water to rinse yourself and your bike.
Surprisingly, step 2 turned out to be the most difficult because most women are taught to clench 24/7. I hope that helps.
My angel on the bike did tell me one more thing before I successfully completed the task.
"Hey, get behind me before you pee."
Think about it!
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