Love Of Lycra

Triathlon is the one sport that has endless spangly dangly sexy kit. Bikes, trisuits, trainers, wetsuits, gps watches, the list just goes on and on. I spend more on tri stuff than I do ''normal'' clothing. I can't remember the last time I bought a cd, or make up, or a dress.

When I'm driving and I see a cyclist, I look to see what bike they're riding, what it says on their shirt and if they're from a club, and I look at their technique. I find myself wanting to give them that special nod or wave that cyclists give when they pass each other. Apart from I can't, because I'm in the car, and it'd probably completely freak them out and they'd wonder what I was waving at. After all, what car driver actually likes cyclists?! ;)
Same with runners. I look at them and wonder what they're training for, and if they have a Garmin 310xt on the wrist, I almost certainly know they're a triathlete!! And it makes me feel good that other people are out there too.
And when I am walking or driving, I look at cyclists and runners with envy and think, 'I want to be doing that, can't wait to ride my bike later/tomorrow'.

Went to the Triathlon Show today. On the way there in the car we had quite an interesting discussion about kit. It started regarding aero helmets- for or against. I personally absolutely would not. No way. they just look ridiculous!! And having to go at an average of 20mph before the aerodynamics actually even start to make a difference is not much use to me anyway. They just look weird. Sorry to all you alien headed converts out there, but no. It looks wrong.

But contrary to that, I will wear a tight all in one suit,  I will wear skin tight leggings, and I will go out in them! Yes, I have been known to go to friends houses in my skins (a brand of compression leggings for the non-triathletes reading) and club hoody,  I've been to meetings in them, and I often pop and do my shopping as well! And think nothing of it either! In fact I barely even notice anyone staring anymore!

Even more bizarrely, I LIKE wearing this stuff. It's comfortable, I feel at home in it. And I feel good in it! Especially when it all matches.  When I put my new bike stuff on I waltzed about in front of the mirror beaming, and couldn't wait to go out and wear it! This is acceptable in certain circles. An inevitable part of being within that circle actually. A discussion about which compression top squeezes your muscles the tightest or which type of cycle shorts to go for are regular and enthusiastic conversations.  But within the normal world people don't talk about these things.  Or approve.

Upon meeting my friend in town recently she recoiled in horror as I wandered up, in my pink trimmed Orca leggings, pink trainers, and club hoody. I thought I looked fine. in fact, lycra has taken over my jeans for the up and coming casual outfit of now.

As we walked into the show today there were stalls of stuff everywhere,  I didn't know where to look or go to first, it was a true lycra fest. I get excited when I see this stuff! The latest tri suit designs, the flappy arm bits (the advanced aqua zone catch panels) on the new Speedo wetsuit, mirrored goggles, rows of trainers in all different colours, it was great.

I was looking to get some calf guards, and found some... in bright pink. And I mean bright. Think 80s disco. I am naturally drawn to bright colours, particularly on workout gear for some reason. The choices were black (boring), white (will go grey and dirty), and luminous green. I like pink stuff,  have already got a pink watch and pink trainers. The other people I was with didn't look so sure, and tried to steer me away from becoming an extra for Flashdance, but the pink won. I will probably look a complete muppet. But calf guards look strange anyway, so why not stand out too?!

Had a go on a turbo challenge to do a mile as fast as possible up Alp du' huez . The reason I did it? You got a water bottle for taking part. And it was a special edition water bottle. So on the turbo I got in skin tight jeans and pumps. Not the most comfortable experience I've ever had, I can tell you. Ouch.
But I got my bottle and I was really happy!

I think I'm just proud to be part of such a great sport that has given me so much. So when I parade round in my leggings or get excited for stands of gels and protein bars, it's because I love being part of this little community.  So many different people were there today, all united in one thing-
Love of lycra :)