3 questions during a race...cell phones and flat tires??

Was looking at acbbrown's mini tri and the motor started churning in my head...That type of race is totally doable.  Because of my back, a 1 mile run wouldn't kill me or my back.  Just wondering if you always try and have an aid partner on your races (both bike and run)...How do they help you?  Do you carry a cell phone on a race??...or is that just stupid...You want to get away and that would be counter productive!  Also on bike races what do you do if you get a flat??  If you're a mile or two from the finish do you just run the bike in??  Thanks for the info...Brian  

You should look up the HITS series triathlons...they are taking place every month this year all over the US - there might be one close to you, and they all have the Open distance (the shortest triathlon ever lol)

There were enough people around - both participants and volunteers to help if there are any problems. I wouldnt carry a cell phone because I was still dripping wet when I went out on the bike section (and run for that matter). I dont think one would be necessary. I cant imagine (maybe other than a hlf or full ironman) that youd be spending any significant time alone.

If it's a short race, its probably easier to walk back, but they have flat kits with a spare tube, some tools, and a CO2 cartridge to fix it for longer distance races. 

There is support out on the course. So, if something happens you can't fix yourself, a race volunteer will come by eventually and help you.

I keep my cell phone in my transition bag so I can use it after the race.

About flats: Chrissie Wellington got a flat 4 miles from the finish at IM Arizona and she just kept on riding! LOL  Usually, if you are very far out, you change the flat though. You don't want to damage your wheel to save some time.

For the really short Tri's you may not have aid out on the course.
So learning to fix a flat rapidly is important.

One of our local companies that puts on a lot of the small super sprint tri's won't have aid out on the bike, but there will be someone at the turn around and there may be a water station or a person at the turn around for the run.  It depends on how far it is.

They always have people out in canoes for the swim though.  Getting a flat or a leg cramp isn't a big deal for the ride or the run, but having a swimming issue could be fatal.

It really doesn't matter how long it takes you to complete the event unless you want to be competative.  But because the races are so short, any kind of mishap will put you out of contention anyhow.

Scott

Lol - i saw someone get a flat near the turn around and they ended up basically doing 2 run segments (and one them pushing a bike!)