Swim.Bike.Run

Never buy a 2nd hand wetsuit from Stiggy, even if it is "almost new"

Enjoy the sport, you are one of the lucky few!

You will hit a bad patch during the run. In fact you'll be lucky if you only hit 1 bad patch. Fight through it, slow down to walk if you must, but keep on going - each step is a step closer to the finish line. During this time, snack on something, hydrate and stay positive. Miraculously you'll regain some energy and you will run again.

All time most important tip: SUNSCREEN! Especially for newbies, take the time to put on sunscreen properly before the bike and run. Ask any triathlete : The pain and damage you will suffer without sunscreen is not worth the 2 minutes you will save. Especially on a long day like the RockMan!

Bike Tip: Carry all the essential tools and a couple of cable ties. The couple of grams you'll save on weight is not worth the risk being stranded on a tough MTB course. Don't be that guy...

Swim tip: Find big markers like specific trees, koppies, etc, in line with the buoy's in the direction you are swimming. They will be easier to spot with a quick glance and save you lots of time and energy. Spot your markers before you start the swim.

Do we post the tips in this thread? How many tips can one post, 1 per week?

My 2c on the helmet issue: Certain helmets are for certain heads. Rudy just doesn't fit my head, Bell fits so well, it's as if it was moulded for me. If you go with anyone of the known brands you'll be fine (one will work just as well as the other). Thus go and fit them all and pick the most comfy one!

I had a creaking saddle and used toothpaste and it worked like a charm

That's wrong in so many ways, I cannot even count!

I've bought 3 bikes so far, all of them 2nd hand, 2 of them "new" 2nd hand You have to know your prices and you have to check out the bike thoroughly. If you pick up a very good deal, in my opinion : it's worth the gamble to loose your manufacturer's guarantee.

Every ride, baby bum cream. Yes, I know I have to HTFU! In the mean time, though, it ensures I can ride without any ass issue.

+1 for rollers

There is a spot where you may be handed food, clothes, spares, etc. It's specifically marked. You will get all the details in the race briefing, thus you can plan to get your goodies in the "assistance zone". Boerewors roll on each lap, though...?

Even if it's just in your head - cause come run time, your head starts doing funny things

Not just that, it opens up the hips and that allows your "running" muscles to be more rested when you get off the bike

Yes, lying on the couch watching cricket is just what the doctor ordered Don't stress, you're training is done, you have a week to go the race. If you were 100% healthy and cram training this weekend, you would have been worse of, come Monday.

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Lots of vitamin C (natural preferred, like Orange Juice) Vit B cocktail injection. Echinacea supplement 3 times daily Gargle with saltwater 3 times daily Drink a mix of green tea, honey, lemon and a bit of cinnamon, 3 times daily Rest for 2-3 days, you should be tapering anyhow, so take it easy and don't stress. All the best!

Buying clothing online is always a gamble...

According to the Stillwater site, the FULL will start at 08h30

LBS has to carry stock and that costs more (add insurance Et Al). It's thus justified for them to be a little more expensive and I like to support them, imagine if there were no bike shops to pop into! Also you can check out the stuff you need from all angles and maybe even get some advice. That being said, if something costs 20% or more than what you can get it for online, I go for online. As mentioned, watch out for clothing sizes, it's almost always a surprise...

This seems to be the case, yes.

1. Extra tubes, bombs, tires, yes you can 2. You have to finish with the bike & wheels you started on

To register: http://www.stillwatersports.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=66&Itemid=69 Remember the Full & Lite is split now, which is great, cause we only got started after 09h00 in 2012 and it was HOT. The Full is on Sat and the start is 08h30 and the heat will play a part.