Triathlons are an extremely challenging sport. They are at the forefront of endurance sports when it comes to public perception, popularity and difficulty. For marathons, cross-countries and other events, athletes can focus on specific training regimens, however, for a triathlon, you need to get every muscle of your body in perfect shape, and still, the challenge seems to be a bit too much. Here are a few tips you should know about when preparing for triathlons. They will help you stay on top of the event and win it!
Brick Workouts
Inexperienced triathletes are taken aback when they start the run after the bike leg, because it is unusually difficult to move your legs after a bike race. Inexperience or insufficient training can be extremely disadvantageous for such athletes. If you have no health concerns and if you want to win the race no matter what, then you should add brick training to your exercise routine. It will help you a lot on the final day.
Have Fun
Here is a tip that all athletes with a winning strategy adopt. If you are not enjoying the pain and the physical challenge that a triathlon poses, then why are you even running? Besides, it is absolutely crucial to have an optimistic attitude about the triathlon. Join in with the cheering crowd if you feel like it, and all in all, this will make the triathlon a blast for you. Sometimes, when your energy is dwindling and your mantra does not seem to do the trick for you any more, the best thing that you can do to squeeze that last bit of gas out of your tissues is to say optimistic things to yourself and to smile.
Use Bike Clips
Most amateurs are afraid of clipping because it seems to make the bike leg riskier, but that is contrary to the truth. In fact, clip secures your foot in place and it makes sure that your legs are not flailing around and slipping off the pedal. If you want to win, then you need to make sure that your energy is not waster bringing your foot back on the pedal every now and again. In this case, clipping is the perfect solution. There are no injury risks or health concerns with clipping and it is certainly the right option for you.
Handle your Transitions
The transition from one length to another is one of the most difficult aspects of a triathlon. The best way to optimize your performance while switching from swimming to cycling and from cycling to running is to determine the equipment you will be needing for the next phase and putting it in a bag at the appointed place. If you will need a change of shoes, or a helmet or sunglasses, then you should have no problem finding them at the junction. An even more effective strategy is to visit each of the two junctions before the race, so that you know exactly how everything will be done, so that you do not waste time or effort figuring everything out.
Hang Back
If you are not an experienced triathlete, or if you are afraid that jumping into the water with your wave will give you a disadvantage, then make sure that either you are not in the middle of your wave or even hang back and let the bulk of the wave jump in before diving into the water. This will keep you away from the hassle, and you will be able to manage the rhythm of your swimming without many disturbances. The start of the swim has a lot of health concerns for athletes and there is a risk of drowning.
Try the Waters First
If it is your first triathlon, then it is wisest to choose a lake-swim, but if you are going for a triathlon with a swim in the sea, you should be aware of the difficulties attached to choppy water conditions and waves. It is best to try the water beforehand so that you have sufficient experience and confidence on the day of the race.
How to Endure 