TeamX Triathlon Primer
It you are new to triathlon or thinking of doing your first race, here are a few basics to know.
What is Triathlon?
Triathlon is a sport that consists of three sports, swim, bike & run. There are several triathlon distances:
- Sprint: 700m swim, 20k bike & 5 k run
- Olympic: 1500m swim, 40k bike & 8-10k run
- ½ Ironman: 1800m swim, 90k bike & 21k run
- Ironman: 3800m swim, 180k bike and 42k run
Getting Started
It
is highly recommended that before starting into triathlon and investing
a lot of money that you first volunteer at a race(s) or sit and talk to
someone who has done the sport for a while so you know what to expect.
Triathlon
is a fast growing sport so check out your area for some triathlon
clinics or clubs. Talk to the coach to ensure the club or clinic will
suit your needs. If you don't want to join a club, then train with a
friend or group of friends, but make it fun! The Internet is also full
of useful information. Set your goals, work hard and celebrate your victories!
Triathlon
can take up a lot of time so be prepared to put in some hours. It can
be tough juggling work, family and training so you may want to set up a
training schedule that allows you to train without guilt. Include
family and friends in your training; let them share your experience.
Triathlon
can also be expensive so until you are sure you would like to pursue
this sport don't go out and buy up the most expensive gear out there.
Most races allow for mountain bikes, you don't need to have a road
bike. Borrow from a friend or check out the classifieds for used gear.
Once
you enter a race, it is highly advisable to check the course out. If
you have the opportunity, train on the route. That way you know what to
expect, the more you do it, the more confident you will be on race day.
Be prepared. As you know, nothing is guaranteed,
especially the weather. We all hope racing conditions are perfect with
lots of sun and no wind or rain, but that is not always the case. Check
out the forecast and be prepared with the proper gear!
The most important factor to remember is Have Fun!! Unless you are trying to qualify for the Olympics, the only time you have to worry about having is a Good Time!
Even the veteran triathletes have 'off days' so don't panic if
something happens during the race that wasn't in the plans. There will
be race officials cruising the course, if you run into some sort of
trouble, wave them down, or stop at an aid station that will be
positioned throughout the course.
As you are cruising on your bike or running, don't forget to thank your volunteers, for without them standing out there for hours on end, there would be NO race.
Tri Lingo
Race/Package Pick-up
Package pick up is held a few days before the race and usually in
conjunction with the bike check. This is where you will find out what
swim heat (time) you will be starting. You will receive your bib # and
if you are lucky some race swag. No race day pick up so be sure to pay
attention to place/time when registering. If you have any questions,
please be sure to ask when picking up your package.
Bike Check
In order to ensure safety for all participants, most races make it
mandatory that you have your bike and helmet checked for any defects.
Information is provided upon registration regarding times/dates and places that bike checks are held.
Bike mechanics will look at tires, seat. handlebars and breaks. Don't
forget to bring your helmet! They will then put a sticker on your bike
to let the people in transition know that it has been looked at and
safe to use.
Transition Area
(see diagram)
This is usually the first place you go when getting to the race site.
It is usually fenced. There will be an official at the entrance to
ensure that only participating athletes are allowed access, so you know
your equipment is safe. You will 'rack' your bike according to the
heats. Racks will be clearly marked so you will know where to put your
bike. This is also a place where all the equipment you will need for
the race is placed (see Race Day Check List). Space is limited so only bring what you need, leave the rest in your car.
- Transition 1 (T1)
The period between the swim and bike portion of the race. - Transition 2 (T2)
The period between the bike and run portion of the race.
Body marking
Because there is a swim involved, paper numbers cannot be used to mark
the athletes. So each triathlete's race number is written on arms and
legs. This lets officials mark down numbers as triathletes exit the
water; also helps to identify triathletes throughout the entire race.
Swim Heat/Wave
It is the time you will start the swim based on the swim time you
recorded on the entry form. Colored Swim caps will be assigned to
athletes so timers can keep track of lengths done. You do not have to
count your laps; timers will submerge a kick board in the water as you
approach the wall to advise you that you have one more lap to do. An
official will be at the end to advise you of the direction to go for
transition. A pre-race meeting will be held shortly before the start of
each heat to go over some rules. It is mandatory you show for these
meetings.
Drafting
A race tactic that involves on athlete positioning themself directly
behind another athlete either in the run, bike or swim to reduce wind
and drag. Is illegal during the bike portion of a triathlon. A penalty
will be given to athletes that are drafting. Depending upon the race, a
penalty can be either a time penalty or even disqualification.
Number Belt
An elastic strap that is placed around the waist usually for the
bike/run. The belt allows paper numbers to be pinned on so that they
can be visible during the run. This saves times over putting on a
T-shirt or shorts. Can be purchased at running stores.
These are some very basic pointers, if you have further questions or need information, email me, Connie at info@SookeSpringtri.com . I will post your question and answer on the site.
Race Day Check List
There
is an endless list of different items and gear that people bring for
triathlons, and everyone has there own little secret ingredient. Here
is a pretty extensive list of the types of things you may want to
bring. Don't worry if you haven't got all of them, the basics will get
you through the race.
Swim
- Swimsuit
- Goggles (defog)
- Towel (dry off before getting on bike)
- Wetsuit and Pam (for anti-chaffing)
* open water race
- Wetsuit bag
Bike
- Bike
- Helmet
- Cycling shorts
- Cycling shoes
- Socks
- Jersey or singlet / jacket
- Cycle gloves
- Vaseline or other anti-chaff
- Sunglasses
- Pump & extra tubes
- Water bottles
- Towel to lay gear out in the event of rain
- Plastic bag to cover seat and gear in the even of rain
Run
Transition Bag
- Sunscreen
- Race belt/number (s)
- Food for bike/run
- Medications
- Dry clothes for after race
- Glasses/ contacts
- ** Put all items in a Tupperware container for easy transport.
