Carbo-Loading and Lubricant?!?

TheLassThatLost and I headed out to the library this afternoon to load up on triathlon info. While parking, we notice a man is about to leave with an extremely flat tire (Note: his truck was LOPSIDED from the flat and riding on the rim…but he somehow didn’t notice it? okie dokie). After informing him of the problem (and dodging the sparks from the metal rubbing the ground..ok, no sparks…but it sounds dramatic, right?), we were on our way to become educated triathletes.

TheLass brought a couple of triathlon magazines that were VERY informative. I learned the equipment basics and transition details. One of the most interesting (and scary) aspects of the training is the nutritional changes that have to occur. I feel a little strange about having to modify the WW program. Once we start our intense workouts, I’m going to have to figure out what amount of points to add to my daily intake…and how to successfully add more carbs to my diet without turning into a bloated sea cow.

Triathlon 101 advises that a common method of ingesting carbs is using carbohydrate gel (the book quickly points out that this is not a hair product used to help a person become aerodynamic).

Gels are essentially the sports drink without the water.

Apparently carb gel is a good product for people who get stomach problems from ingesting solid carbs and is a great racing aid. TheLass and I saw this gel in a health food store a couple of months ago and laughed at it…claiming we had enough time on our hands to CHEW our supplements. Who knew that we may actually need it during the event?

Reading books/mags and surfing websites has provided me an abundance of TRI info. Two of the most helpful tidbits:

*Bring a water-based lubricant “to rub in areas where wetsuit chafing may occur or during running and cycling.” After all these years of nearly causing fires with fat leg friction, it takes training for a triathlon to put this idea in my head? Oy vey…

*Put baby powder in your socks to help ease your wet feet into them. I found this valuable tip on a personal experience triathlon site. The most hectic time of a triathlon is during the transitions between events. Women are literally hauling ass out of the lake in a dash to the bike racks. Some complete the entire race in their swimsuits/wetsuits, others add shorts after the swim portion. Why not decrease the madness by avoiding the struggle of putting wet feet into dry socks? Add powder and be on your way. How practical is that???

Well, this concludes today’s TRI lesson…more to come, I’m sure. 🙂 If any of you are crazy enough interested in training for a triathlon, I highly recommend Triathlon 101: Essentials for Multisport Success by John Mora. The book has a lot of great information for beginners.