TRIATHLON
FAQ
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Common getting started in triathlons, duathlons, and cycling questions answered
Frequently asked questions
Answer #1: You don't need a tri bike. I've been racing on a road bike for seven seasons and it works great for me. I would recommend for those starting to race with a mountain bike or one with nubby tires that you at least put slicks and bar ends on to make riding a bit smoother and offer more hand positions.
Check out our Blog about Triathlon + Duathlon Training for Beginners to find out more!
Answer #2: Depends on why you are getting into triathlon. If you are getting into the sport to be competitive and race, yes you should invest in a tri bike, or a higher end road bike for shorter distance races. If you are entering the sport to just have fun, then you can complete a triathlon just fine on a mountain bike, cross bike, fat tire bike, etc. A tri bike can make you go faster.
Answer #3: I started doing triathlons on a road bike, then went to a tri-specific bike, and this season I am racing on a road bike. For someone just starting, stick with a road bike. If and when you get more serious, invest in the tri bike. I prefer my tri bike for the longer distances.
Answer #4: I would highly recommend at least some sort of road bike. If you do a triathlon on a mountain bike, chances are you're going to hate it and either go buy a road bike or tri bike anyway, or never do another tri again. If all you have is a mountain bike, maybe look for an off-road triathlon to compete in. A road bike is smart for someone looking to do more group rides, and then maybe get some aero bars that are easy to put on and remove. Otherwise, a tri bike is obviously the best choice for a triathlon.
Answer #5: Depends on your goal for the race… If you are new to triathlon and are setting, training for, and hoping to achieve a personal goal, then do not let the perceived high cost of equipment prevent you from racing and succeeding. If you are a seasoned athlete, who is looking for PRs and podiums, then you know that a quality TT bike can lessen the demands on your body, setting you up for not only faster bike times due to aerodynamic position and properties, but also faster and smoother run times from the positioning that lessens the strain on your legs allowing you to be fresher on the run—which ultimately translates into success. I have found good success in the amateur ranks on a road bike. Having a proper bike fit makes a huge difference. And on short, very hilly, or really technical courses, sometimes that aero position does not make up for advantages gained by a flexible and good handling quality road bike. Also of note are pedals and shoes. These make a huge difference when seconds count. A good pair of tri shoes and a well practiced mount/dismount strategy can save you minutes when seconds count!
Check out our Blog: What Are 3 Of The Most Frequent Triathlon Questions Asked By Our Beginner Triathlete Friends? and get more tips!
USA Triathlon, the national governing body for triathlon in the U.S., has put together a list of Most Common Rules Violations on their website. To be sure you don't wind up with a penalty or a disqualification, take the time to familiarize yourself with the complete USAT rule book. While not every race is USAT sanctioned, most follow the USAT rules. Be sure to read all information supplied by the race directors for your race and attend any pre-race meetings.
Here are the 11 USAT Commonly Violated Rules & Penalties (Triathlon/Duathlon).
Answer #1: Warming up allows you to mentally prepare for all of the disciplines and physically loosen up and get the heart rate into zone. That makes it that much easier (and safer) when the gun goes off. I really have come to value a reverse warmup (run, bike, swim). It allows me to shake everything out, but also to build my transition area in reverse.
Check out this 7 Beginner Triathlon Tips From Triathlete CC Rowe
Answer #2: I warm-up because it helps me mentally prepare for the race ahead. I always feel better prepared if I continually practice going through the same warmup methods. Time and race distance can also play a part in how long the warmup is. It can also help prevent injury.
Answer #3: It is important to warm up before a race so that your body is prepared and to lessen the histamine response early in your swim. A tough swim can be a huge hurdle to overcome for the rest of your race. Being prepared and getting your head and body ready to perform is a key to success. Read more from Bob in his Triathlon Warm Up Strategy article.
Here’s a list of 9 Most Common Training & Racing Questions Answered
Almost without exception, the transition area is fenced off, controlled by volunteers or staff, and limited to athletes only. Pay attention to what time transition opens and when it closes so that you arrive in time get in and get your stuff ready.
Just to make sure, you can also review these 5 Things Not to Bring to Your First Triathlon Transition.
Funny helmets are usually aerodynamic helmets, although I have seen regular helmets just put on backwards. These tips will help: 15 Road Cycling Tips For Beginner Cyclists, Triathletes & Duathletes
Any way you can gain "free speed" is a plus! Now, just because you have an aero helmet doesn't mean you will go out and average 30 mph. But once you get to a certain speed on the bike the aerodynamics do play a bigger role. So for example, if I average 25 mph on a 20 km bike course (like the Hy-Vee Triathlon) without an aero helmet, just think what that could have been with an aero helmet.
Here are 10 Must-Know Cycling Road Safety Tips For Your Next Bike Ride
Answer #1: Wear what makes you comfortable. I enjoy racing in a tri kit. Last year I raced in just tri shorts without a shirt to save time in transition. This year, competing in longer distance courses, the kit has not only saved me time in transition but also saved a major sun burn!
Answer #2: When racing I prefer a tri kit that fits snugly. This way you don't have to spend time in transition getting tangled up in biking or running tops.
Answer #3: I think it is worth the investment (especially if you are a lady) in a quality trisuit. They provide a little bit of padding in the seat and a top and bottom that work great on the swim through to the run with no garment changes needed. Avoid cotton at all costs either way especially for socks and undergarments.
Answer #4: Wear what is comfortable and form-fitting. Something that is comfy for biking and running and that won't create a parachute while riding (like many running shorts or baggy t-shirts).
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There are four typical, standard distances.
Sprint: 750 m swim, 20 km bike, 5 km run
Olympic/International: 1.5 km swim, 40 km bike, 10 km run
Half: 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run
Full: 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run
Sometimes, the swim on a sprint is only 500–750 yards instead of 750 meters. There are also races advertised as "super-sprints" that are even shorter than sprints.
Check out these 7 Beginner Triathlon Tips From Triathlete CC Rowe
Duathlon: Perfect for non-swimmers, these races have you run, then bike, and then run again.
Aquathlon: An aquathlon combines just swimming and running.
Aquabike: An aquabike is like a triathlon, but goes swim-bike-done. Read our Blog: 4 Drills to Improve Your Triathlon & AquaBike Swimming
Indoor triathlon: The swimming, biking, and running all happen indoors. Read our article on Indoor Triathlons or read all our articles tagged "indoor triathlons" for more information. Check out our Blog about Indoor Triathlons - Quick, Easy & Safe Way To Try a Tri!
Off-road triathlon: In these races, mountain biking replaces biking and trail running replaces running.
FOP / MOP / BOP: Front Of, Middle Of, and Back Of the Pack. How do you compare to others at the race?
DFL > DNF > DNS: Dead Freaking Last is better than Did Not Finish is better than Did Not Start. Some people add "> DNT" (Did Not Train). The point is that just getting out there and doing it is better than not trying.
TT: Time Trial. A time trial is a race against the clock over a set distance, no drafting allowed. It also refers to an aerodynamic bike built for this purpose.
PR: Personal Record. We can't all set course records or world records, but we can work to beat ourselves. Sometimes people call this a PB, or personal best.
RR: Race Report. Putting your thoughts down after a race can help you and your coach (if you have one) learn what worked and what didn't and find ways to improve. Other athletes may enjoy reading your reports to learn from them as well.
If you want to learn more, visit our Blog and read these Useful Triathlon Terms Beginner Triathletes Must Know
Something that sounds like it might work in theory, may not work out for you in reality (at least not on the first try). It's far better to test out your equipment, clothing, and nutrition during training than to risk an unpleasant surprise on race day.
Answer #1: Yep. Learned this one at mile nine of the Chicago half marathon when I ate my first energy gel. Learned that maltodextrin (80% of the packet) and my GI tract are not compatible. With no shade, and no turn-offs from the course, I learned a life lesson to ensure that I always train my nutrition strategy with my body. Going self-contained is a popular strategy, if you require nutrition on the race and suspect that your system is finicky, then you are best to either find out conclusively that your nutrition will be available. Or bring it yourself! Sometimes an almond butter sandwich can be gold on race day! They almost never have those available!
Answer #2: My horror story was my first time wearing a wetsuit at Bluff Creek this year. I practiced in it once with no chaffing or rubbing anywhere. After the race, I had a huge mark on the back of my neck. Then it got a little sunburnt, which made it feel even more awesome!!
Answer #3 - However, sometimes something new works out amazingly well: Body Glide. Tried it for the first time on race day and it did wonders helping me get into my running shoes more efficiently and saved time.
Answer #4: I learned how to swim in a full length wetsuit (that I purchased in the parking lot before the race from a friend with an extra) during the Hickory Grove Triathlon this year.
Want to learn more? Here are 3 amazing articles from our Blog, just for you!