Checklist
The essentials:
Swim:
- 2 pair swim
goggles (with different
tint levels)
- extra cap
- neoprene cap
(cold water only)
- wetsuit
- race suit
- digital watch
for swim/run pacing
- wax ear plugs
T1: towel (more to
organize things than to
dry off with)
Bike:
- bike
- helmet
- sunglasses
- water
bottles with fluid of
choice (don't experiment with
any new fuel/fluid on
race day: better to
stick with something your body is
familiar with.)
- Goo
packets can be taped on
your bike for easy access.
Pre-rip these slightly
to make it easier
T2: race belt with
number; racing
flats/shoes with elastic
laces.
Run:
- a strong stomach
for pain.
Other:
- Student ID
- proof
of full-time student
status (official transcript)
- USAT card
Nonessentials that will
make life easy:
- Black permanent maker
(So you don't have to
wait in the long marking
lines)
- waterproof sunscreen
- Body glide or Vaseline
for ankles, neck, pits.
- spare race suit
- warm clothes for
pre-race
- spare tubes with flat
kit, bike pump,
multi-tool, electrical
tape
- camera, running shoes,
visor /hat for run
- dental floss for
stringing your left bike
shoe into an easy
position where you can step right
on.
Racing FAQ's
1. Should I wear a
wetsuit?
It depends on if
wetsuits are allowed in
the race. Most of the
age group races allow
wetsuits. In this case,
by all means, use a
wetsuit! You will not
only be able to
withstand cold water,
but you
will also be given the
gift of buoyancy by your
apparel- which will make
it a lot easier to get
through the swim.
2. Can I swim another
stroke besides
freestyle?
Yes. Although freestyle
is the fastest and most
common stroke in
triathlon, beginners may
benefit from an
occasionally few strokes
of backstroke or
breaststroke to regain
their breath.
3. It's my first race.
Where should I line up
at the beginning of the
race?
Stay towards the back
and to the outside (away
from the first buoy). If
you start in the pack,
you will get clobbered,
and likely lose more
energy fighting against
the conditions than if
you get some
cleaner water and take
the first buoy a little
wider.
4. Should I use a heart
rate monitor?
If you are used to using
a heart rate monitor
when you train, it may
help you during a
triathlon at certain
points, like
transitions, to keep
your heart rate from
getting too far out of
whack. However, for
the swim, it will be
impossible to look at
your watch and keep
track of your heart rate
while you swim and try
to see where you're
going at the same time.
5. How often should I
"sight"?
First of all, find out
how many buoys there are
and learn the course
before your race. This
will limit the number of
times you need to pop
your head up to see
where you are. Ideally
you can find an
object- like the swimmer
in front of you, or the
next buoy, to focus on
when you lift your head
up. Otherwise, taking a
peek every 6-8 arm
cycles should be
adequate.
6. How often should I
breathe during a race
swim?
If this is your first
race, don't get hung up
on this. Breathe when
you need air, even if
that means every 2
strokes. However, as you
get a race or two under
your belt, learn to
bilateral breathe- or
every 3 strokes. This
will help with
navigation, and keep you
a little more straight.
For more tips and the
Complete Guide, Click
Here!
http://triswimcoach.c.topica.com/maaeQ4cabqXs3bmETXSbaeQA5z/
