If this is your first triathlon it is hard to imagine how confusing and chaotic it can be. Below are my top 7 tried and tested tips for reducing the confusion and allowing one to have a mistake free transition.
1. Plan the transition and practice the plan: Practicing both the swim-bike-transition (T1) and the bike-run transition (T2) should be done several times until it becomes routine. Exactly what will you do and what order will you do it in? While experienced triathletes may be able to multi-task through the transition zones to save time, the absolute beginner needs to follow a sequence with no variation. One thing I do for T1 is I do not consider my swim portion of the race over (technically it is) until I pack my goggles, swim cap and towel in a bag and place it next to my bike and out of the way. The next task is to slip on a dry T-shirt (non-baggy) then shoes followed by a quick application of sun screen (if required) and helmet and glasses, helmet fastened and a drink of water, while I quickly look around and double check that I know which way to leave the transition zone. Are there quicker ways to do this? Yes, there are. I could have shoes in my pedals, not use socks, not apply sun lotion and drink while riding the bike. However, if this is your first triathlon, the goal is to pass through it successfully without confusion and without forgetting something. Finding the sequence that works for you is the key.
2. Mindful sharing of space: Be cognizant of the fact that the transition zone is shared space and that space is at a minimum, this is not the place for a cooler and chairs. It is the place for you to park your bike and change between events all the time ensuring that you are not in anyone’s way. Anything you brought with you must fit into a small bag or fold up and lay flat and out of the way.
3. Location/Location/location: Know where your bike is: Some races have numbered spaces for your bike, others are first come first served. If you get to choose where your bike is placed make sure that you remember exactly where it is. There are two methods you can use to remember where your bike is. The first is to mark your bike with something that stands out, such as a bright colored towel around the seat, the second method is to note the location in terms of which isle it is in. For example; on the left two-thirds of the way down the 4th isle or something of that sort.
4. Rehearse the route to the bike: This may sound like overkill, but it takes less than a minute and is a worth doing. Simply walk back into the transition zone as if you had finished the swim. Find your bike and perform one last check that everything is tidy. I do this every time. When I am racing I enter the bike area I know exactly where I am going and what I will do and in what sequence.
5. Think ahead: I start thinking and feeling T1 before I get out the water, I find this brings clarity to the process of the race. As I swim to the exit, I start being conscious of the sequence of events ahead, such as standing up, making sure I am not dizzy and moving out of the way while taking off my swim cap and goggles as I run/walk/jog to my bike. The same for T2. I start being conscious of my speed and dismount location and the distance I must try and run with my bike once I dismount. It is a very common phenomenon that when you dismount your legs will feel very heavy and it may be hard to run at all for a few minutes, if that is the case, just do the best you can until your legs start working again.
6. Reward your fan club with a smile: If you are a first timer you have worked hard to get to the race, and it is quite likely that some family and friends may show up to cheer you along. Their best places to cheer you on and photograph you are at the entry and exit points of the transition’s zones and finish line. Say thank you to them by flashing a smile as you run barefoot, soaking-wet, looking for your bike. The image will be on social media before you get you get your helmet on.
7. Enjoy the transition zone: The transitions zones are not obstacles to the race but very much part of the race and the time counts. While it may only amount for a few minutes, it’s a cerebral portion of the race that everyone can master and train for. Enjoy the transition zones and keep your mind on the next leg of the race.
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