Somehow, back in the dead of winter, I convinced two of my BRF’s (best running friends) to sign up for their first sprint triathlon. Now that we are days away from our race, I promised them a little info on how things will work on race day. So Holly & Laura this post is for you!
The transitons (T1 & T2) are essentially a 4th component of a Triathlon race and can really be chaotic and confusing to a newbie. I preface all this information by stating that I am not an expert or a tri coach. I have done quite a few tri races myself in the past 8 years so this is suggested info based on my own experiences.
Of course we will start with a list of gear. Using Racechecklist.com you can create your own printable checklist for all types of races (triathlon, century, marathon, etc). Here’s what I came up with for our race this weekend:
I suggest wearing to the race what you plan to swim in. Most people wear tri shorts or a tri suit. Less to carry and pretty much ensures you aren’t forgetting it. I plan to swim in a pair of tri shorts and a sports bra. I will have my goggles and cap in my bag. Wearing a pair of flip flops to the start helps keep your feet clean while you are waiting to jump in. I will be wearing some sort of warm up top depending on the temperature.
When we go pick up our packets the day before, we will have the opportunity to scope out the transition area and get an idea of how things will work race morning. I like to count how many rows in my bike will be so I know exactly where to find my gear. It can be somewhat disorienting emerging from the swim and running towards the bike area. For me, counting the rows out in my head is somewhat calming.
I like to use a brightly colored or patterned towel that I know I will recognize.
T-1- The Bike leg-I arrange my gear on my towel in the order that I will be using it. I’ve put my socks into my bike shoes and turned them open. I’ve found that sprinkling a little baby powder into my socks helps to put them onto wet feet a little easier. I will do that race morning.
My sunglasses are open inside of my helmet. My bike gloves are inside my helmet. Once my bike is racked in place race morning, my helmet will be on top of the handle bars. I have one water bottle on my bike and a back up on my towel.
I find it hard to fuel on the bike because I really don’t like to let go of the handlebars too much. One trick I started doing a few years back was to tape a small ziploc bag with my gu or gels in it. That way they are easy to grab out. If there are any left after the bike, I can throw them into my pocket and take on the run.
I also take note of where the “bike mount” line is when I am setting up my transition.
T2-The Run-Coming off of the bike, I will be throwing my bike gear down and switching to my untied running shoes. I have my race belt with my number attached inside of my shoe so I don’t forget it. Transition 2 is usually a little quicker.
Mistakes to avoid:
-Forgetting where your bike is. I’ve seen people walking around aimlessly before.
-Mounting your bike too soon or dismounting too late.
-Forgetting your helmet (I did that once and had to go back)
Sounds simple right? Now we have to just go out there and be amazing. I am so excited to be doing this race with my friends and celebrating with them after they become triathletes. You both got this girls-No Sweat!
Any other tips for the newbies?
linking up and Anne Marie 
and 
with Cynthia, Courtney & Phaedra
Awesome list here – I haven’t done a triathlon or sprint triathlon before, but even so, reading this was really interesting. It’s amazing how many steps there are to ensure smooth transitions!
It can be a little overwhelming! I am really excited to get back into tri races. It’s going to be hot though
Awesome! One day I hope that I will get the chance to use these!
I think you wouldrock it!
Oh my, I think I would be so overwhelmed by the transitions. Maybe someday I’ll have the balls to try one 🙂
You would be so great at it!
Sue, you should try a Duathlon!
I’d like to also but haven’t been able to find one that works
Great tips Deborah. MY coach always tells me to visualize. If I have a big race I try to drive the bike course the day before. I rehearse entering transition from swim exit and visualize the bike out and in and run out. I generally get into pre-race “meditate” mode where I’m visualizing smooth transitions. Like anything, it is very much a mental game. Good luck at the race!
Thanks for the tips! I am really excited to get back into tri races and this is great practice for iron girl in August
This makes just a regular running race seem like a cake walk!!! What a great challenge!
Totally! 🙂
I’ve done 3 tris but am TOTAL newbie..I wish I would’ve read this before I did my races…not that I was truly competing with anyone but myself but it would’ve been helpful to know what I would need/what to do in transitioning!
The transitions are a little tricky aren’t they?!
Great tips! The whole transition thing really intimidates me. Well, so does the swim…
I think you would totally crush the whole thing!
These are great tips… love the check list! I wish I had that for my first tri. Once I got lost trying to get out of T2 for my run… I had no idea where to go and no one was around to help. I had to wait for another cyclist to come in before I could figure it out, haha.
I can absolutely see how that could happen esp in a bigger race.
Great tips! Things I would definitely not think of since I’ve never done one before. Not sure I ever will but that is mostly because I can’t swim 😉 Thanks so much for linking up <3 Good luck on your tri!
Thanks! You could totally do one 🙂
Thanks, Deborah, for talking me into doing this! I needed a little push to “tri” something new. Logistically, it’s a bit more work but the satisfaction of completing this with my brf’s on Sunday will be awesome!
I’m so glad that you are both joining me. We are going to have a blast and be careful they are addictive 🙂
GREAT GREAT GREAT tips. I would also add to lather vaseline on all the areas where your swim/tri suit meets skin before teh swim start. Esp around the neck. Have fun and TRI HARD!
Good idea thanks!
Great tips…they should be fine with all that! After more tris than I can count, I think I finally got it down, lol. Stay calm, don’t rush, and definitely visualize your transitions in your head the night before and in the morning while setting up…it’s like virtual practice!
Stay calm-easier said than done right?!
I’m so impressed by you triathletes. This takes so much planning and training just to make the switches. I’d be so stressed!
Oh you would totally rock it!
I find everything you need for a tri so intimidating, especially for the transitions!
They are a little tricky at first but all make sense once you get there.
excellent tips! i hope you and your girlfriends have fun this weekend 🙂
Thanks so much! Racing with friends is always more fun right?
This list is seriously like gold- you are so detailed – I love it! I’ve never done a tri – but I can imagine these tips are invaluable. I would def. be the one looking for my bike after – I’m so absent minded! LoL Best of luck and you are always awesome!!
You are so sweet! I am a detail oriented person for sure. Stay tuned for a race recap
I may have mentioned this before, I have a sister who is hardcore into Tri’s and I keep telling her one of these days, I would really like to give one a try. Once I am done with my marathon goals, I definitely think this is something I need to make some investments in and give a try!
Great tips!
hey it’s a lot less running than marathons! Go for it
I need a pinnable so I can keep this handy – someday I do plan on doing a triathlon!
Pin away! Hope you give it a tri yourself it’s fun!
Great list. Just did my first tri and went well. Plan to do more in the future, but after I get a little more trained up. Didn’t bike enough ahead of time, at full fault of my own. Wont let myself sign up again until my base is better.
Thanks and biking is the biggest part for sure but the run is always the hardest for me.
Good post! Even though I have my checklist (and my transition post), I’m always love reading other posts and picking up little stuff for the better!!
let me know if you have any tips to add!
Great list! Do they still let you put a balloon or something at the end of the bike rack? Makes it so much easier to find your bike (and your place when you’re coming in off the bike and there’s nothing visual to mark your spot).
I used to do that years ago but I think now people find them annoying. 🙂
I’ve never done a trip before- the idea sounds awesome, but in reality…the water part freaks me out!
It can be a little anxiety provoking for sure!
Wow – so much goes into this. But, it sounds like a lot of fun. If only I was a good swimmer. I suppose dog paddlers would be OK too? Good luck on race day to you and your friends!
You just have to get to the other side!
Wow – good luck! It looks like you are very well prepared. I think that’s key to feeling mentally ready.
Thanks! I hope so
I really want to do a mini triathlon soon. maybe next year. but the swim is what scares me.. I can barely swim from one side of the pool to the other! Also, I don’t own a bike lol
Hmm can you run? Lol you could train for it
I could never in a million years see myself doing a triathalon! Oh man, I give you and everyone who does them, SO MUCH credit!!
Oh you could totally do it!
Great list! I have done 4 triathlons and it is such a blast!
I would add if you are a newbie or slower swimmer, stick to the back so you don’t get trampled or kicked, which could be scary.
Also, would add wet suit to the swim list for colder water. I def used my wetsuit!
So awesome that you are doing this!! Have fun!
thanks I am trying to decide what to do about the wetsuit. It’s at 75 degrees right now-my training pool is 84. What do you think?
grest list! I have not done a Tri yet but it looks like you covered it all! Good luck!
Thanks I am really excited!
I love it when you talk tri 🙂 Also love all the pink.
Have a wonderful Thursday Deborah!
You are so funny! thanks 🙂 you Too!
Great list! I did two sprints several years ago and am thinking about going back to a tri next year.
Thanks they are fun aren’t they!
So helpful! I’ve always wanted to attempt a triathlon, but feel like I have no idea where to start. These are great tips that maybe I’ll be able to put to use some day!! Hope you have a great Thursday!!
Thanks! Hope you give it a “tri” 🙂
wow! you have this down to a science! so much to think about! Good luck my friend, can’t wait to hear all about it!
Thanks and not to worry I am sure you will hear lots of about it! 🙂
Oh this is such a great and informational post! I so want to do a tri someday… but the transitions make me nervous. I will have to pin this to save for later! 🙂
It does seem scary but when you go through for the first time it makes sense. Hope you Tri one someday.
Great tips! Now that I have a bike I’m starting to think very seriously about doing a tri (I might even get into the pool this weekend!) I need as much good advice as I can get!
Ooh fun you would be great at it!
This is awesome information! I’ve never done a triathlon, but I love anything that calls for a packing list 🙂
Lol me too!
This is a fantastic post! I’m terrified of open water, but that’s part of why I want to do this! You’ve shared so many great ideas, I’m actually taking notes!
ha ha you can just pin it! I always get really anxious in open water swims too. You will do great!
Great tips! I have a crazy zebra stripe towel for my area – easy to spot! Another tip is to rack the bike so all you have to do is pull the handle bars and the bike moves towards you – saves maybe 15-30 seconds instead of having to turn the bike around (seen some people do that)
yes for sure on the bike facing the right way!
I like your Superman tape holding your Bloks on your bike! 😉
That’s actually pretty convenient….I’m usually trying to unzip my pouch as I ride. I may have to try this technique of your in my training.
I am so afraid to let go of the handles for too long so I find it really helpful.
Great tips!!! The baby powder in the socks is KEY! I usually go sockless for shorter distances and I put baby powder in my shoes. Best. Thing. EVER. And my feet don’t stink after so that’s a bonus, ha ha. Good luck with your race!! I’m looking forward to reading all about it! 🙂
I know lots of people go sockless but I figure it’s not going to save me too much time and I would be afraid of blisters. Thanks for the link up and look forward to participating again soon.
Race Checklist dot com holy crapola what a great find. Thanks for sharing!
I know genius right?!
Ha, I love your make shift fuel baggie taped to your handle bars! Great tips!
Thanks it works well for me. I don’t like to take my hands too far off of the brakes 🙂