A Triathlon is an exhilarating multi-sport endurance event, which attracts men and women of all abilities and ages. The event consists of swimming, cycling, and running in immediate succession over various distances. Athletes are timed from the beginning of the swim to the end of the run with “transitions” between the individual swim, bike, and run components. With an abundance of Triathlons occurring across the country in the coming months it is no wonder these events are becoming so popular. Chartered Physiotherapist, Aoife Clarke from our Sandyford/IFSC clinics outlines some background information to triathlon preparation, what you might need to know and some useful Triathlon tips.
Who is likely to enter a Triathlon???
Triathlons can be entered individually or as a relay team, making them an even more appealing event! Ireland’s recent move towards a healthier nation has seen Triathlon Ireland grow from a small sport with 30 events and less than 600 members to 140 events and over 6000 members in just five years. Over 20,000 people of all ages, gender and ability participated in a Triathlon in 2011. The sport is steadily growing in popularity with female participants, with the male to female ratio is 60:40.
What are the Various Distances in Triathlons?
In an attempt to appeal of everyone, most events offer a range of distances:-
Try-a-Tri: 250m swim, 6km cycle, 3km run
Sprint : 750m swim, 20km cycle, 5km run
Standard: 1500m swim, 40km cycle, 10km run
Middle: 1900m swim, 90km cycle, 21.1km run
Long : 3800m swim, 180k cycle, 42.2k run
Equipment Needed for Triathlons – Basics for Beginners!
Swim: swimming togs, goggles, swim hat, wetsuit (compulsory to wear a wetsuit in all open sea swims)
Cycle: basic bike – mountain, hybrid or racer. Helmet, you will not be allowed to race without one.
Run: runners, sunglasses
Whats Transition?
Transition is the term used to describe the change over between the individual segments of a Triathlon, Duathlon or Aquathlon.
Transition 1 (also known as T1) occurs between the: Swim and cycle
Transition 2 (also known as T2) occurs between the: Cycle and run
A smooth transition can make a big difference to your time, especially over shorter distances. Unfortunately there is no easy option……… the best way to improve your transition time is to practice, practice, practice! Many Triathalon websites will include helpful advice on transitions.
Part 2 of this blog, which outlines some great Triathlon training and preparation tips will follow in the coming days so keep an eye for it!!
