Entered my first Tri - Help!!
mickwood
Posts: 93
in General Chat
So...having had one eye on triathlon for a while as a 'cool thing to try one day' I've decided this year I'm gonna go for it. So I've been working on my swimming and have done my own sprint lewngth tri a few times now (with the help of my lovely fiance who meets me en route to pick up the bike then picks me up at the finish of the run - lucky man!)
I've now, maybe foolishly, signed up for the East Leake Triathlon in March to 'force my hand' into doing it for real!! Problem is that I know nothing of how things work, transitions, what kit is needed, 'rules' to follow (someone pointed out that I have to put a helmet on before picking the bike up and then need to keep it on until it's back in the rack - didn't even know that)
If anyone has any tips, articles, etc which could help me get prepared I'd be very grateful!!
Cheers
Mick
I've now, maybe foolishly, signed up for the East Leake Triathlon in March to 'force my hand' into doing it for real!! Problem is that I know nothing of how things work, transitions, what kit is needed, 'rules' to follow (someone pointed out that I have to put a helmet on before picking the bike up and then need to keep it on until it's back in the rack - didn't even know that)
If anyone has any tips, articles, etc which could help me get prepared I'd be very grateful!!
Cheers
Mick
0
Comments
Regarding the rules. e.g Helmet. If you break them, will someone spot you and tell you. Or is it instant DQ? As you say many aren't doing this to win or even podium, but for fun and it seems to me that it could really ruin a lot of peoples day if the judges are a bit OTT.
first-triathlon-nerves-t20015.html#p20025
The main thing is ask people if you are not sure, triathlon is friendly and you will be very unlucky indeed to encounter a complete arse.
Don't worry about making mistakes we have all been through that (still make them mind) treat it as a learning experience.
Do some searching and them ask about any specifics that you are not sure about.
Re DQs etc. The officials are not there to unleash death from above, if you are doing something wrong they will warn you off first e.g. 'no, put the bike back then put your helmet on' . Drafting is something you need to be aware of but it is late and I am tired so will ask that someone explains that as really must go to bed now.
Good luck and enjoy.
tri is an expensive sport but often the biggest timesavers are the cheapest things. racebelts are good examples - £5 will mean you haven't got to worry about having race numbers pinned to t-shirts and the like. if there are things you must have with you (nutrition/drink, inhalers, sunnies, cap, favourite cuddly toy and the like) then put them somewhere you can't miss them - in your shoes or helmet is quite good. some of that stuff can be taped to the bike if you prefer.
if budgets are tight then you can get away with tri-shorts and a running/cycling top rather than a tri-suit. at my first tri i used a pair of hideous cheapo trishorts and then put a full-zip cycling top on in t1 with race number already pinned on the back. (definitely recommend full-zip, you'll struggle to get a t-shirt or half-zip over a wet body).
the other good place to spend a fiver is on elastic laces or locks, saves on all that titting about tying shoelaces.
There are no lane counters at the East leake Tri, you have to count your own.
If you are unsure about any rules or transition, have a word with the race referee he will be happy to help you out.
Good Luck in your first Tri
Personally it's no problem as I swim in 200m or 400m 'blocks' and have to count them when training anyway
can partners stand pool side? (would be good if I had SOMEONE to check me! lol!)