By Dan Smith
Aug. 14, 2007 -- Much has been written and said about training for triathlon, whether it is a tough but effective workout, mental imagery or the latest piece of go-fast gear. As an athlete, you train your body and mind to tackle the race to the best of your ability, but what good is all that work if you get a flat tire and neglect to pack the spare tube or practice using a CO2 inflator. One of the quickest ways to sabotage an important race is not to take look after the logistics of the day. Part of any racer’s preparation should involve getting as much information about the race, the course, their equipment and also the rules before actually being at the event.
The old adage “forewarned is forearmed” is always applicable to triathlons. The internet allows for a great deal of information to be available to the athlete regarding every aspect of the race. The obvious, like course maps, which can include profiles (even comparisons to other courses), location of feed zones and accommodations are easy to find. It is also worthwhile to dig a little deeper making sure everything is clear.
Always plan to attend the pre-race meetings. Even if you have done dozens of races, there is always something to be learned. At a recent Ironman, the organizers had a video that covered all aspects of the race from bike check the day before, to the swim and right up to the finish line. It went step by step through each of the transitions and what to expect on the course. It included all details right down to the wetsuit strippers, what do if you lost your chip on the course and proper etiquette through the feed zones. This took the guesswork out of the day and as the video was almost thirty minutes long, it goes to show how much is taken for granted when showing up to a race. It also gives an idea of what to expect and what to be aware of. Of course this is far beyond what most races provide, but there is always information provided.
Arrive on site early enough to get a clear picture of the course and all transitions. See how far of a run it is from the water to the bike area. Take a mental picture of cues to allow quick location of your bike. Note the direction to the bike course and then to the run.
Be aware of unique rules for a particular race. For age group athletes, at many Ironman events these days, shoes and helmets are to be kept in a “swim to bike bag” and not on the bike. Everything must be carried from the change tent to the bike before heading onto the course. Other races have two transitions so it is important to know what is allowed at your bike and what to do with wetsuit and cap once you exit the water. It is the racers responsibility – “I didn’t know” is not an excuse! Being aware of such rules is key.
If you ship or fly with your bike to a race, plan to ride at least two days before the event. That way you have plenty of time to fix any gremlins that may have crept in during the rebuild. Have an idea where to get the CO2 cartridges that you are prohibited from carrying on the plane.
Taking the time to familiarize yourself with the specifics of an event will greatly reduce the stress leading up to the start line.
LifeSport coach Dan Smith has been involved with multisport for over fifteen years. He has also coached and instructed cycling, sailing and sailboarding since 1981.Beginner and experienced triathletes looking to start or improve their performances are invited to join the LifeSport team. Visit us on the web at www.LifeSport.ca or email LifeSport Coaching (coach@LifeSport.ca).