< View All News  Tri TipsTwenty-five pointers for faster multi-sport racing by Laurie Kocanda Training for triathlon is a lot of work. Not only do you have to become a proficient swimmer, cyclist and runner, you also have to work hard on race day putting all three disciplines together. World-class triathlete, Siri Lindley says, “Race day is a celebration of time spent training and the sport as a whole.” Races should be fun, something you look forward to during training. To race faster, consider the following race tips. 1. Check out the course ahead of time Know what to expect during the race and don’t get lost driving to the race at 5:30 a.m. 2. Eat a good dinner the night before the race Eat a meal high in “good” carbohydrates like whole grains and vegetables. Remember to drink enough fluids so you start the race well-hydrated. 3. Get your race gear ready the night before Get everything packed up and ready to go so you don’t have to think about anything other than your race when you wake up. 4. Eat a good breakfast on race morning Again, think about “good” carbohydrates as well as fluids. 5. Arrive early to the race Get to the race early so you get a good spot in the transition area. For some races, a good spot in transition can make or break your PR. 6. Get your transition area set up right when you arrive Take care of business right away. Get everything set out for your transitions so you can spend some time relaxing before the race starts. 7. Know the race rules Don’t get disqualified for riding your bike in the transition area or for not buckling your helmet strap. Know the rules for drafting as well as any race-specific information. 8. Don’t do anything new on race day If you’ve always worn socks while biking and running, race day isn’t a good time to try going without. 9. Wear a race belt with your number on it Put your race belt on underneath your wetsuit. Then, wear it though the swim, bike and run. Don’t mess with pins and shirt changes. 10. Wear sunscreen Ever hear of skin cancer? Enough said. 11. Use body glide or other lubricant before putting your wetsuit on Use a non-petroleum lubricant before putting on your wetsuit. Then, reapply under places that are most likely to rub, especially your neck. 12. Get down to the swim start early Get in the water before the race, know which wave you are in, and try to relax while waiting for your start. 13. Remember to race the race you trained for Pace yourself. Don’t get caught up in other people’s races. 14. Position yourself appropriately in the swim No one likes to swim over someone, and no one likes to be swum over either. If you’re a good swimmer, get out in the front of your wave. If you’re not, head to the back of the pack. 15. Use a towel to get off excess sand Keep an extra towel in the transition area to brush off excess sand from the swim. 16. Resist the urge to overdress on the bike Remember, you will warm up on the bike. Unless it’s a particularly cold day, you will typically warm up after the first couple of miles on the bike. 17. Use the first couple of miles on the bike to recover Spend the first two or so miles on the bike getting your heart rate under control. Relax. Then focus on hitting the bike hard. 18. Pack an extra energy gel or bar on the bike This is especially true for long-distance races. If you depend on gels or bars while on the bike, pack at least one extra. All it takes is one bump to lose something. 19. Bring a spare tube and know how to use it Learn how to quickly change a flat in case it happens on race day. If you flat, finish the race without worrying about what it did to your overall time. 20. Use quick laces on your running shoes Again, try this before race day. 21. In longer races, eat and drink regularly Particularly for half-ironman and ironman-distance races, eat and drink as often as you can tolerate it. 22. Finish with a smile and keep your chin up for that photo No matter how much it hurts, muster a smile. 23. Pack sandals and a change of clothes for after the race Especially true if you plan to stick around after the race. 24. Thank the volunteers Without them, there would be no race. 25. Have FUN First and foremost, enjoy the day. < View All News |
advertisements |
© Copyright 2008 by Midwest Events, LLC
