February 24, 2020
I am a member of my local Tri Club and this time of year we are doing indoor triathlons to help those new to the sport prepare for their first outdoor race in May. It’s super exciting to be around this group as you watch them grow into the sport!
So the question that pops us is regarding transition. What do you need? What do you wear? How do you stay organized? So here are some tips to help you get ready for that first race.
1. WHAT TO WEAR. First thing to remember is comfort it key. You will enter the swim probably wearing two layers. The base layer can be–a tri suit or tri shorts/sports bra combo. If you come from a cycling background, tri shorts have significantly less padding than bike shorts. The outer layer will be your wet suit. This helps keep you warm and aids in buoyancy. You will also want goggles and a swim cap. Most races provide a swim cap as well. Check the guildlines for your specific race.
2. SETTING UP TRANSITION. This happens race morning. Rack your bike in your designated area. Under your tire I would suggest placing a small towel to keep your personal items on. You want to be prepared, but less is usually more. I put my helmet (unbuckled) on my handlebars with my gloves (if using) and sunglasses. Any fuel I am brining is also on the bike. Bike shoes are open and socks (if wearing) are in each shoe ready to go. Next to it I may have a facecloth (to wipe sand off bare feet if needed), something for chafing, and sunscreen. Behind that I have my running shoes (again open and ready to go with socks…I like quick laces so I don’t have to tie my shoes…every second counts!), a hat/visor/headband and any fuel I want for the run. RACE BELT with bib attached and unbuckled. Also any additional clothing you need for the race. EX…If you are swimming in tri shorts and a sport bra, you will need a tank, cycling top, or running top for the rest of the race.
3. MAKING IT HAPPEN. When you exit the water, unzip you wetsuit, take arms out so you are just wearing it from the waist down and take off your goggles and swim cap. DO THIS AS YOU MAKE YOUR WAY TO THE TRANSITION AREA. Once you get to your bike, finish taking off your wetsuit and stash it under your bike. Remember….you are already wearing most of what you need for the bike and run. Put on additional clothing if needed. Put on bike shoes, helmet (make sure you buckle before un-racking your bike) and sunglasses. Walk your bike to the BIKE OUT. Once you get to the mount line you are free to get on your bike and ride. DON’T WORRY! There will be volunteers and signs! Once you get back, get off your bike at the dismount line of BIKE IN and walk it back to your area to rerack. Take off helmet, shoes and put on your sneakers. Grab your fuel, hat and race belt and put them on while you make your way to the RUN OUT EXIT.
I KNOW. It sounds like a lot. Practice setting up a transition area at home. Make a list of the stuff you want to bring. When you set up in transition race morning, look around and see where the SWIM IN, BIKE OUT, BIKE IN, and RUN OUT are. Maybe walk through it. And if you look through my past blogs, you will find one I wrote with some tips to keep your transitions efficient. HAVE FUN and SEND ME YOUR SPECIFIC QUESTIONS!
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