Tips

TRAINING TIPS

Congratulations on entering the Schools Triathlon Challenge!

Before Race Day

  • Make sure you know the course and the Transition area (see course maps tab).
  • Plan and pack what you are going to wear and use during the race the night before. Follow our checklist to make sure you haven’t forgotten anything
  • Eat a good meal the night before.

 

Race Day

  • It is important to stay hydrated. Drink water prior to your race, but not too much.
  • It is common to be nervous or have butterflies before the event. Remember there are others that have never participated in a triathlon, who most likely are feeling the same way.
  • Unless you are in the first wave, be sure to watch how the flow goes so you can get a good idea as to what you should expect.

 

Transition Area

  • Make sure your area is free of clutter and your bike is in an easy gear.
  • Know where your bike is located. All the bikes look the same after a swim and run!
  • After exiting the swim you will be putting on your shoes with wet feet and clipping your helmet with wet fingers so make sure you practice with wet feet and hands a few times before race day.

 

Swim

Equipment: swimsuit, goggles, towel (wipe your feet, sit on in transition area, dry off), sunscreen, wetsuit (not compulsory), swim cap.

  • Swim starts can be scary, especially if you are not used to swimming in crowds. If you feel nervous about the close body contact, start at the side or the back of the pack.
  • The swim buoys can be difficult to see when you are in the water. Its different from looking at them from the shore line, so look up every once in a while to make sure you are swimming straight.

 

Bike

Equipment: Helmet, shoes, socks, jersey or singlet, water bottle.

  • When on the bike, be sure to look forward and keep your eyes on the road. There most likely will be participants behind and in front of you. If possible, always stay to the left in case someone wishes to pass.
  • If you should pass another athlete, be sure to let him/her know you are approaching. Shout out “on your right” when passing.

 

Run

Equipment: running shoes, sock, sunglasses, shirt, hat/visor

  • When you start the run, your legs may feel wobbly or heavy from the bike. If this is the case, don’t panic, but simply take shorter strides until your legs adjust.
  • Pace yourself to avoid having to walk near the end. Ideally, you should conserve your energy to enable a burst of energy near the finish line.
  • If you have to walk, that is perfectly fine. Keep in mind, you have just done two other activities, but more importantly, the finish line is up ahead!
  • After completion, have some fun and relax! You are now a Triathlete!

 

Equipment Checklist

Swim Equipment

  • Swimsuit
  • Goggles
  • Towel
  • Wetsuit (not compulsory)
  • Swim cap

 

Bike Equipment

  • Bike
  • Helmet
  • Shoes
  • Socks (not compulsory)
  • Jersey or singlet
  • Water bottle
  • Sunglasses

 

Run Equipment

  • Running shoes
  • Hat/visor

 

Miscellaneous Equipment

  • Sunscreen
  • Watch
  • Warm Clothing/Change of Clothing
  • Food
  • Drink