Loads of Lycra

So the reality of living with a an Ironman triathlete is washing lycra. It's never-ending - especially in winter!

Our living room is looking like a chinese laundry - thank goodness for the recent sunny days in Sydney!

I tried to count the number of pieces over the weekend...long rides in layers because of the wind chill, then an indoor ride in which I saw at least two change of sweat dripping tops, on to two long runs, again in layers....at least 20 pieces over one weekend!

Add onto that my run and sometimes our son, and it adds up to loads of lycra! (before even starting the usual household loads)

So what is the best way to wash lycra?

The labels and the sales assistances tell me what I already know - cold wash, gentle wash, no clothes dryer, no ironing (I don't iron anything anyway!)

After so many years of washing lycra I have discovered a few things:

i.   Don't wash the gloves and hats that have velcro fastenings - they attach to the lycra and create pulls that can be fixed.
ii.  Don't forget to check pockets for goo packets - just spreads extra sticky stuff throughout the wash.
iii. Wash it as soon as you can as that smell can get real nasty after a few days. My trick is a few drops of lavender (what's yours?)
iv. Don't use fabric softener (I am not one to anyway) as apparently it can wreck havoc with all the super techy fabric.

If you start to read the websites who sell all the gear, you could be reading for hours and be overwhelmed - and who in the end has time to separate different types of lycra and spandex fabrics and wash accordingly!?!

Asos do have some pretty strict guidelines - I guess they need to justify the money spent on the gear. They even have their own "Active Wear Cleanser". Have to admit the few pieces we have just get thrown in with the rest.

Nike have detailed care instructions for Dri-FIT Technology but could not see anything on 2XU about washing their range...

There is one washing lycra dilemma I have not managed to resolve - the oily cream/vaseline leftovers in the bike pant chamois. Have to say that over time I am reluctant to even touch the chamois post-wash  - and cold water just doesn't get the job done! Any suggestions/solutions?

Would love to hear your tips and tricks on dealing with loads of lycra.

Lisa xx

New Look...One Year On

It's been almost exactly a year since my last post - where does the time go?!

So what happened you may ask?

Life took over I am afraid. Lots has been happening, and this blog and my writing got forgotten amongst all the things life has thrown our way.

I remain an Ironman wife. I am now a marathoner. I have taken on more work as a PR consultant. Kids are both settled into primary school. Ironman still works a busy corporate job - and yes he continues to race Ironman Triathlons.

In fact, we have  had a very exciting year of Ironman and I am proud to say I have had the chance to announce "We are going to Kona!" once again. (another post about this soon)

So I am back on my blog, keen to write again especially in the lead up to another Hawaii Ironman experience.

I have been doing some housekeeping, giving it a fresh new look and linking through to my TriCrew website (which I continue to fill with content when I can) and my TriCrew T-shirt Shop. My new "Eat The Pain" t-shirts were a sell out for Ironman Melbourne - watch out for more to come.

In the last year I have become quite addicted to Twitter and Instagram. I have added a Instagram feed to this blog and on my TriTitbits Twitter I am regularly sharing news, ideas and tips related to triathlon and life in general. I am particularly active on it when we are at a race - so say hi if you are a twitterer too. We could even create a Ironman wife meet when we are next all at the same race! I also have a Facebook page - so say hi whatever way takes your fancy!

Thank you to my blog followers for staying connected despite my silence.

If you want to hear from me regualry, you can subscribe by email from my home page to this blog, or alternatively you can subscribe to my website if you want a mix of tri supporter info - and I plan next to start a monthly newsletter so watch this space!

In celebration of the re-launch of my blog I am offering all my readers free shipping (Australia only) on my TriCrew t-shirts. Use the code NEWLOOK in the discount code box when ordering. This is on top of my winter special -  all kids t-shirts $20 each and  mini (baby) ones $10- $12 each! (sale ends August 31st)

Until next time (promise not to make it a year) - stay healthy and happy - Lisa xx