Triathlon Breakdown
pre-race: Time to get your gear laid out, warm up and use the bathroom. Determine where each of the various entry/exit points are (e.g. "bike in", "run out", etc.) are. Remember where your bike is racked, so it's easy to find when you come out of the water. Note: bike spots are on a first come basis, so the best spots go early. Don't try squeezing in late. That's not cool.
swim portion: Make sure your goggles are fitting well. Take your time and nice long strokes. Don't get startled if you get bumped or splashed. If you need to rest, seek out one of the lifeguards on a kayak. If you're really in trouble, remove your swim cap and get the attention of a lifeguard.
transition #1: Commonly referred to as "T1", it is the period of time between the swim and the bike portions. It is used to return your swim gear and grab your gear for the bike course. Be sure to wipe your feet off well before you put your socks on.
bike portion: Start out in an easy gear. Stay to the right unless passing someone. Once passed by someone else, by rule, you need to stay 3 bike lengths back. Any closer is considered "drafting" and is a penalty at some races. Drop into easier gears on hills.
transition #2: Commonly referred to as "T2". Similar to T1, except it is the time between the bike and run portions. Note: T1 and T2 time counts towards your overall time. Not a big deal, but don't be surprised.
run portion: Remember to take your race bib number with you. Start out nice and easy, as your legs may be a little tight from the bike portion. Grab a drink of water at the aid stations, and visualize the finish line.
finish line: Get your medal, grab some post race food and celebrate! I think you'll figure the rest out on your own.
MISCELLANEOUS:
nutrition: Think about when you might to take something like an energy gel or electrolytes (ex: gatorade). You'll be moving your body for 1-2+ hours.
pre-race: Time to get your gear laid out, warm up and use the bathroom. Determine where each of the various entry/exit points are (e.g. "bike in", "run out", etc.) are. Remember where your bike is racked, so it's easy to find when you come out of the water. Note: bike spots are on a first come basis, so the best spots go early. Don't try squeezing in late. That's not cool.
swim portion: Make sure your goggles are fitting well. Take your time and nice long strokes. Don't get startled if you get bumped or splashed. If you need to rest, seek out one of the lifeguards on a kayak. If you're really in trouble, remove your swim cap and get the attention of a lifeguard.
transition #1: Commonly referred to as "T1", it is the period of time between the swim and the bike portions. It is used to return your swim gear and grab your gear for the bike course. Be sure to wipe your feet off well before you put your socks on.
bike portion: Start out in an easy gear. Stay to the right unless passing someone. Once passed by someone else, by rule, you need to stay 3 bike lengths back. Any closer is considered "drafting" and is a penalty at some races. Drop into easier gears on hills.
transition #2: Commonly referred to as "T2". Similar to T1, except it is the time between the bike and run portions. Note: T1 and T2 time counts towards your overall time. Not a big deal, but don't be surprised.
run portion: Remember to take your race bib number with you. Start out nice and easy, as your legs may be a little tight from the bike portion. Grab a drink of water at the aid stations, and visualize the finish line.
finish line: Get your medal, grab some post race food and celebrate! I think you'll figure the rest out on your own.
MISCELLANEOUS:
nutrition: Think about when you might to take something like an energy gel or electrolytes (ex: gatorade). You'll be moving your body for 1-2+ hours.