Today is my 40th birthday. In honor of turning the big 4-0, I thought I would post 40 of my favorite triathlon tips of all time and what every beginner triathlete should know. Enjoy and happy training!
1) Get a tri kit, you'll be much more comfortable in one.
2) You will be hungry. Eat well, eat often.
3) Train without headphones.
4) Start slow.
5) Have someone help you with your swim stroke.
6) Know what T1 and T2 means. T1 is the transition between exiting the swim and starting the run. T2 is the transition between exiting the bike course and starting the run.
7) Wear your timing chip on your left leg to avoid getting caught in your bike gears.
8) Make sure you have caps on the end of your handlebars to avoid disqualification.
9) Bring 2 pairs of swim goggles.
10) Race number should be worn during the bike and run
11) Count how many rows back your bike transition is set up.
12) Do not tie a balloon to your bike.
13) Balance your helmet and glasses on your handle bar so you don't forget them.
14) When passing someone on the bike yell on your left to avoid collisions.
15) Two bike bottles in case you drop one.
16) Don't be afraid to ask people questions on race day.
17) Nothing new on race day.
18) Study the course maps prior to race day.
19) Waterproof sunscreen.
20) Tinted goggles if swimming in the morning heading East.
21) Lay out all your gear the night before you race.
22) Bonus points if you post to Instagram!
23) When setting up your transition area, lay your items out according to order of event.
24) Buy a race belt (prior to race) for your bib number.
25) Prior to setting up for transition make sure your bike is in a low gear.
26) Prior to putting on your wetsuit, lube ankles, wrists, and neck generously for easy removal.
27) Buckle your helmet strap prior to exiting the transition area to avoid disqualification.
28) Start fueling for your race the week before. Eat a proper balance of carbs and protein and be sure to hydrate!
29) Replace the shoelaces in your running shoes with elastic quick laces.
30) Know how to fix a flat tire. Then practice at least three more times!
31) Know what a brick workout is. (It's a double workout usually consisting of a bike ride immediately followed by a run).
32) During training it's a good idea to incorporate brick sessions.
33) Never say, you'll never do (an Ironman, Half, Olympic etc) distance race.
34) Practice a few open water sessions wearing your wetsuit.
35) If a race requires you to enter the water by jumping of a step, dock, boat or ledge...be sure and place your hand over your goggles to avoid them ripping off upon impact.
36) If racing long distances it's a wise idea to call your local bike shop and schedule a bike fit.
37) Several weeks out from your race it's a good idea to schedule a tune-up with your local bike shop.
38) Always wear glasses when riding your bike. You never know what will get kicked up from passing cars.
39) Join a local triathlon club. Not only will you make new friends but those folks' are the perfect people to solicit advice from!
40) Finally, have fun. Because if you are not having fun then why bother?
Any tips or advice you can add for beginner triathletes?