Signed up for your first triathlon? Read on for my top 5 tips to help you get through the day smoothly and with a smile on your face!
- Prepare your gear
This handy list might help you to pack for your race. Don’t forget to pack a chnage of clothes and sliders for afterwards. And of course the celebratory snacks.
2. Practice pacing
Before a sprint triathlon it’s a good idea to do some 10km efforts on the bike and a 3k/5km effort on the run. It will give you an idea on what pace you can maintain for the full event.
But don’t worry if you don’t have time now! Don’t try to squeeze it in now. Just start off conservatively and build into it. You’ll feel much better having done that instead going out too hard and crawling to the finish.
Plus you can always break your PB in the next race 💪
3. Rally your friends
Racing with friends is so much more fun, and you can all experience doing something for the first time together. Or failing that grab your support crew. They can help you carry your stuff and more importantly cheer you over the finish line!
4. Familiarise yourself with the transition area
Transition can be one of the most confusing parts for a first time triathlete. But don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Work out where you need to put things. Read the rules. Check out the way you run into and out of transition. And if you aren’t sure find an official who can help you understand what is going on.
Practice getting your wetsuit off fast. Keep your kit tidy. And you don’t need to towel dry yourself – trust me you will dry quickly on the bike!
Find a ‘marker’ so you can remember where your bike is in transition. One of the key parts is that you cannot touch your bike until your helmet is on. And you cannot take your helmet off until you have racked your bike when you get back after the bike section.
Elastic laces in your trainers will make your second transition a lot faster – it’s an easy win.
5. Focus on yourself, not others
It’s all about you today. If you want to start near the back – do it. Take your time. You don’t need all the fancy kit to take on a triathlon. If you see someone with all the gear….try not to get intimidated it’s highly likely they have all the gear and no idea.
And finally, don’t forget to smile at the finish line!
If you want some help for your next triathlon – contact me here.
Sophie Kirk - Triathlon Coaching 