How to Clean Sand Off Your Feet in T1

[ut_tri_465]

I am new to the site and saw an older thread about this topic. I have seen it all and tried it all. But one of the best race pieces of gear that have purchased is the Rinse-n-Ride.com T1 Footpool. I used it for two seasons now and great. It's fits into a small space in my race bag, works great, and has the extra benefit of being a nice visual clue to my spot as I run in from the water. At $15 it was a bargain. It was reviewed in Inside Triathlon Magazine 2006 Gear Review and trigearreview.com. At every race I invariably get requests from the triathletes next to me to be able to use the footpool. My response has always been the same, "if the water is dirty, then your are good to go, because I am already gone."

Anyway I just thought I would share the info with the forum.

[deepbluex]

I just use a rectangular plastic food container like the ones Rubbermaid makes. When not in use, I keep my socks and sunglasses inside it. That way I know my lenses won't get crushed by anything else inside my pack.

[kylie]

I'm sorry to have to ask, but as this is your first post here, are you being paid or otherwise encouraged to post this here?

As for T1, I don't use anything. Biking bearfoot lets your feet just dry and then you are good to go. If really sandy I might use an extra water bottle to rise, but I don't feel anything else is needed. And with how tight transition areas can be, I try not to take up any more room than I absolutely need.

[Triguy98]

Never bothered. Running through T1 takes care of it. Being in FL, we have some really sugary sand that likes to stick to stuff. Hasnt given me a problem yet.

[azstinger11]

I honestly don't even bother, I try and keep my transition times to a min even stepping in something seems like it would take just that extra bit longer.

[catwood]

I don't bother... I have a small towel down by my stuff and rub my feet on it as I put my helmet on. I keep my transitions fast and to a minimum.

[jbird2131]

most of the tris that i have done have community "dunk tubs" set up as u run into T1. otherwise, i let the sand fall off on its own. i ride barefoot like many other triathletes, this also helps the sand blow off your feet.

[tri2achieve]

Can I ask a follow-up question ? yes you can

Do your shoes wear out any quicker bikeing barefoot than they would if you wore socks ? I realize it may not matter even if they do because of the T1 saving. Just curious.
I know my feet sweat more in shoes if I don't wear socks.

[Gary3]

Get some baby powder. Keep it next to your bike.
When you're ready to start biking, shake out a handful of baby powder and rub it on your feet.
The dry powder will absorb any remaining moisture, and the sticky sand will fall away. Your feet will be smooth, clean, and sweet-smelling, just like the baby parts the powder was meant for in the first place! If you have time for that then time is not a matter LOL

[RV]

Ya, running through transition takes care of most of the sand - I will have powder in my bike shoes so no delay in transition to help with any moisture as I will go sockless for distances of HIM or less.

[Kiwi]

Originally Posted by Gary3

Get some baby powder. Keep it next to your bike.
When you're ready to start biking, shake out a handful of baby powder and rub it on your feet.
The dry powder will absorb any remaining moisture, and the sticky sand will fall away. Your feet will be smooth, clean, and sweet-smelling, just like the baby parts the powder was meant for in the first place! If you have time for that then time is not a matter LOL

Instead of spending time in transition putting the baby powder on your feet, sprinkle (pour) it into your shoes (bike and run). Give your shoes a shake and spread the powder around. The powder will absorb excess water and sweat during the race, and you save a bunch of time.

And the OP does sound a bit like an infomercial.

[Triguy98]

I put the baby powder in my bike shoes, but my race flats have vaseline on the hot spots- my feet are dry enough by then to not need the baby powder.

[Brad Nicholson]

i generally hire two hooters girls for the day...they make it easy to spot my stuff at transition and they are quite good at cheering encouragement. however for the sand issue i have one perform a bridge while i sit on her back and the other loufa's my feet as i pull on socks and shoes...

[TBRAVO]

Originally Posted by Brad Nicholson

i generally hire two hooters girls for the day.....

Oh man…what a great idea…you think the Hawaiian Tropic Spokes-models would work as well? Now I just have to figure out a way to convince my wife….uuuhhh on second thought…I better stick with an old beach towel.