For my readers who don't know, I work at a specialty running store. It's the best job and I love what I do. With the tri seasons underway, I've been getting a lot of people who are just getting into triathlons all asking very similar questions. So I've decided to answer some questions via this post as well as offer some tips and advice haven't completed several triathlons.
First of all, setting up your transition area (this was my 2nd sprint tri from last year):
1. Have a towel laid down just to the side of your bike. I recommend using a towel with a bright color or pattern to help better recognize your station while you're in your daze of trying to be fast and get to your gear.
2. Only lay out what you will absolutely need. (My bag was removed from the area after the photo)
3. Place your helmet on your bike handle bars so you don't forget it and it's not on the towel in your way of laying down anything.
4. For those not using clip in shoes, simply just lay your shoes towards the front of the towel. If you are wearing socks, place each sock in each shoe. If you do have clip ins, then place that pair in the front and your running shoes in the back.
5. Place nutrition/accessories towards the back of the towel.
6. Have your tire pressure checked before racking your bike, before getting into the transition area.
7. Have your water bottle set on the bike filled and ready.
Tips: Have a head lamp/flashlight with you while setting up. Sometimes transition area will only be open while its still dark outside and you don't want to rely on the chance that lighting will be bright enough. Stay focused on your area, don't worry about what others are doing or how they have their transition set up. You don't want to change your plan at last minute with anything.
For the swim, wear two swim caps. The first one as base, then put your goggles on top of this one, then put on the swim cap that has been provided to you for the race. Why? If while you're swimming and you get smacked across the face (which yes, does happen) and your goggles get knocked off your face you don't want to go the rest of the swim without them. By placing them under the swim cap they might get moved off your eyes but you wont lose them.
If you plan on using nutrition on the bike, such as GU, tape (using
electrical tape-it wont mess up the paint on the bike) to attach the
tab of the packet onto the bike so that you can easily rip off and open the packet. (see photo on right) Make sure not to liter during the bike, this can cause for a penalty. If you take nutrition and have a wrapper, stick it in your tri shorts/sports bra/top.
Note: Your bib is not required to be worn during the bike, only during the run. To make your T2 (transition 2, bike to run) faster and easier, have your bib number on a race number belt. That way all you have to do is clip the belt on to you and you have your number on you. You will receive a penalty for not having your bib on you during the run.
Note: Do not draft! You must keep 3 bike lengths from cyclists in front of you. When you are passing someone, you must pass them within 15 seconds. If someone passes you, you must exit the draft zone, even if it means braking. If you fail to abide by these rules, you will be given a penalty.
Transition 2:
TAKE OFF YOUR HELMET! Sounds like a silly reminder, but its true. You will see people in such a rush that they forget to take off their helmet. Also make sure to rack your bike on the correct spot, you don't want to frustrate another athlete by having your stuff on their space.
Note: No headphones/music devices are allowed during triathlons.
Most importantly, especially if this is your first triathlon, have fun! And don't be scared to ask a fellow triathlete a question about the race if you're unclear of something. For the most part, we are all friendly and love that you're out there with us.
Also here is a pre-race checklist!
Swim:
-Goggles
-Swim Caps
-Watch
-Wetsuit/Tri Suit
Bike:
-Bike
-Helmet
-Emergency Kit (Co2 cartridge, tube, basic tire changing tools)
-Air Pump
-Nutrition
-Clip in shoes
-Sunglasses
Run:
-Race Number belt
-Bib
-Nutrition
-Socks
-Running Shoes
Other:
-Sun Screen
-Body Glide
-Flashlight
-Change of clothes
-Gallon of water (to shower with if theres not showers available)
-2 Towels (1 for transition, 1 for cleaning yourself after)
-First Aid Kit (granted their will be medical staff provided, better safe than sorry)
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