The DOS & DON’TS OF TRIATHLON
Whether you’ve big ambitions or simply want to embrace the social side of tri, race days will test your mettle. Here’s what dhb ambassador Charlotte Beresford wished she knew at the start of her triathlon journey
Organisation is key to ensure there are no lastminute hiccups, although you’ll always find a friendly face or supportive ear among your fellow athletes if panic does set in.
It was that welcoming and like-minded community that attracted dhb ambassador Charlotte Beresford to multisport events a little under a decade ago.
Over the past couple of seasons, she’s committed to triathlon more and more, even testing herself at middle-distance racing as she continues to hone her training and relishes working towards a goal.
But, like all of us, Charlotte was a newbie once. And having made rookie mistakes, like accidentally wiping Vaseline on the inside of her goggles, she’s well qualified to run through a few dos and don’ts to help give beginners a little head start. Here are a few things she wished she knew at the start…
DO THIS… 1 Bring lots of bags
It sounds simple but sometimes the transitions won’t be in the same place, so kit gets wet, separated or, worse still, lost. Always bring enough bags and more – to help you set up and pack up at the end.
2 Remember to breathe
Get your breathing into a clear rhythm from stroke one of the swim. For me, this is the only thing that keeps me going in the first five minutes until I find my flow. Blowing out to a count of three, consciously and deliberately, helps you distract yourself until it all becomes less chaotic.
3 Stay wide and at the back
During a mass start, if you’re new to triathlon you will probably want to avoid contact with other competitors. It’s always best to stick to the edge of the pack when you start in the water.
4 Be proud of your achievement
Make sure you tell everyone you know that you’ve done a tri. Because if you don’t tell everyone, is it even worth doing?!
5 Check your goggles
Always make sure your (ideally open-water) goggles are on very tight. This isn’t always the most comfortable thing but water in your goggles is even worse. It also ensures they remain clamped nicely in the tussle of the swim.
6 Pack an extra layer or two
It’s worth putting extra layers in your bag at transition one (T1) and always check the weather forecast. The British weather is unreliable, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry. It might be blazing sunshine when you start and hailing by the time you climb out of the water, so it’s best to come prepared and not be caught out.
7 Remember to fuel your tri
It’s crucial you remember to take on some fuel, especially in longer races. And the best time to do this is during the bike leg. Make sure you pack some energy gels in your race belt or leave a few snacks waiting for you in transition. It is likely you’re going to be racing for a few hours, so the last thing you want is to run out of fuel.
8 Give yourself loads of time
It’s really important to leave plenty of time on the morning of the race to get yourself organised. You need to factor in time for registration, dropping your bike off and taking the rest of your kit to transition. This all takes time and is better done calmly than in any last-minute nervous panics!
9 Wear a race belt
Even if it’s your first time, fiddling around with safety pins and paper – with nervous, shaky hands – is pretty awful. Race belts are cheap to pick up, with dhb’s priced at £7.
10 Have a bloody good time
There’ll always be moments where you think, ‘Why am I doing this?’ Yet there’ll also be times where you’re feeling on top of the world. Any tri is a great achievement, no matter how quickly you complete it. So, pat yourself on the back and remember it’s about enjoying the journey, as well as the end goal.
11 Realise white isn’t always right
Think twice when buying a fully white tri-suit. While you might have a lovely backside, not everyone will enjoy the view!
12 Understand wetsuits aren’t cool
It’s really important you come to terms with the fact you’re not going to look your best in a wetsuit. Save the pictures for the run!
13 Prepare to say cheese!
Keep your eyes peeled for any photographers and remember to smile. When you show the pics to your friends and family afterwards, you’ll want to make it look like it was a piece of cake!
NOT THIS… 1 Become intimidated
Ever heard the saying, “All the gear, no idea?” Well, just because someone looks like they’ve got stuff nailed, this has absolutely no impact on your ability. So, don’t be intimated. You’ve got this!
2 Overtrain for tri
Triathlon is a tough sport, so a lot of people who decide to give it a go are usually willing to put their bodies through a bit of hell. You’ll be tempted to train harder than ever. Train more than ever. But often that isn’t the answer. You must remember to train smart.
3 Risk the open water too soon
It’s wise not to pick an open-water triathlon without practising first. Open-water swimming can be a bit daunting, especially if you’re used to swimming in a pool where you can see the bottom. Nerves, cold water and lots of bodies at the start of a race can be unnerving enough without having to swim in open water for the first time.
4 Put Vaseline on your goggles
Be careful when you’re lubricating your wetsuit. Swimming with cataracts isn’t fun!
5 Wear an everyday waterproof
As we’ve said, British weather can be changeable. Chances are you are going to encounter rain at some point. And cycling in a plastic bag that isn’t breathable can be a bit uncomfortable! So, a proper waterproof rain jacket that’s been designed for cycling is worth investing in for both training and as a race backup.
“Tri is a tough sport but remember to train smart instead of just training harder than ever”