Top Triathlon Tips — 6 Quick Ways To Improve Your Triathlon Performance
A triathlon is a unique event — it combines 3 different sports that each require their own set of skills.
If you can run, swim, and cycle your way to the end of a triathlon, you can accomplish just about anything.
To really push your performance to the next level, though, you need practice, planning, and persistence.
If you’re an experienced tri-athlete, then you may already be familiar with these tips — but stick around anyway and maybe I’ll surprise you.
Without further ado — here are six proven methods for shaving some seconds off your finish time.
1.Back-To-Back
Training each of the three triathlon skills individually is good, but to really be ready for race day you need to train your body to handle them together.
Plan your practice sessions to include at least two of the three activities back-to-back, and change them for each session.
2. Proper Gear
The right gear makes all the difference.
Make sure you’ve got the right shoes, sunglasses, and, most importantly, a high-quality tri-suit.
They’re made specifically for swimming, running, and cycling — to keep you comfortable and improve your speed.
3. Refuel & Rehydrate
You’re gonna be burning a lot of calories during the event, and you’ll perform better if you refuel as you go.
The best time to do this is while you’re cycling — you can even tape energy bars or a banana to your bike for easy storage.
Don’t forget to drink lots of water, too — you may be swimming in it, but your body still needs more.
4. Transitions
Transitions can easily make or break the event — so practice them first.
The ideal time to practice your transitions is during back-to-back training sessions, but you can also work on them in shorter sessions designed just for transition practice.
5. Know Your Route
Practicing locally wherever it’s most convenient is great.
To really get a leg up on the competition though, try to get some practice in on the actual route you’ll be racing.
There may be some surprises that you’ll be prepared for once you’ve run it a few times, and at least you won’t have to worry about taking a wrong turn.
6. Mark Your Bike
When you’re running an event with lots of other people, you need to mark your bike.
If you can, mark the bike directly with something very obvious and visible — if not, then take note of a nearby landmark that will make it easy to find in the chaos.
With these tips and a lot of practice — and I mean a lot of practice — you should be able to shave precious seconds off your time.
Just practice those transitions, don’t forget to refuel, and get yourself some good kit.
You can find some great quality gear at a reasonable price, and the best suppliers will even provide a crash replacement guarantee — so if you wipe out and tear your suit, they’ll replace it for free.
Because getting a rip in your shorts is the last thing you need to worry about when you’re racing.
Good luck, and Godspeed.
