You may often see people who take part in a triathlon race for the first time. When they came out of the transition area, they stepped forward, wearing bicycle helmets and putting on their serious faces. Stupid mistakes may occur, especially in sports that combine three disciplines and have many rules. But many mistakes can be avoided, especially with a little preparation. Like the following 10 mistakes that often occur in triathlon.
#1 Just Following Friends
Yes, triathlons are indeed social sports. But ... You should choose the race based on your needs and desires. If you cringe swimming in open water, but all of your friends take part in a triathlon race where the swimming phase is at sea, this might not be the best choice. Same with choosing a race that uses a track in the mountains, or areas with hot temperatures. Manage your success by taking part in a race that suits your abilities. If you need social interaction, ask a friend to be your weekend companion.
#2 Buy Every Gadget on the Market
"I ask people not to shop too much before their first race. You need to see if you like this sport," said Amy Simonetta, a triathlon coach and physical therapist based in Florida. If you find that you like triathlons, then you can draining the wallet to buy the equipment needed, but start with simplicity: Borrow a bicycle or use the bike that you have, added Simonetta, if you then decide not to take part in the race again, you have nothing to lose.
Some gadgets can make you confused. Heart rate monitors and power meters only work if you understand how to build a training plan to maximize results. If you see numbers as a benchmark, you will assume forcing yourself to reach the highest number is the best step. Though this is precisely the steps of suicide. And just because it exists, doesn't mean it's the right choice for you. Thin and aerodynamic rims may look cool. But in windy conditions, they are a nightmare. If you are a beginner, guaranteed to regret it.
#3 Don't Get Up Early on Race Day
Getting out of bed early may not be fun for anyone, but it is worth it. Preparation before the race always takes more time than you think. This is serious. In the morning before the race, take extra time to find a parking space and find out which roads are closed. In addition, also provide a flat tire if you need it. Rulon also likes to ask for the triathlete he has trained to provide time for warm-up and calming exercises. If the transition area opens at 06.00, Rulon advises athletes to be there at 06.00, or at the latest at 06.15.
#4 Ignoring the Transition
Every minute that can be saved during the transition is leisure time that almost makes you not have to try to get it. Triathlete must realize if time continues to run. Train your transition at home and count the time to see if you can achieve a PR (personal record) in this section. Training also helps you not to forget important things like nutrition on a bicycle or helmet.
#5 Not Knowing the Rules
This sport has many rules. And for good reason: Many things can happen quickly when thousands of people with their bicycles pile up on narrow streets, and race at high speeds. Even though most competitions have almost the same rules, you should not assume anything. Beginners triathlete often do not read the rules or attend the technical meeting. And finally they find themselves getting a penalty, or even disqualified for violations in the cycling phase. Not understanding the drafting rules, knowing where the mount and dismount lines are for cycling, and helmet strap violations are a common occurrence.
#6 Getting Naked
Seriously ... You can't do it in a triathlon race. Not in transition, and also not after the race when your clothes are wet with sweat, printing curves. Yes, clothing malfunctions can occur. The only exception is IRONMAN, if the competition provides a place to change clothes based on sex. If you are not sure, ask before taking off your clothes.
#7 Cannot Replace Flat Tire
Simonetta said she was often surprised by the number of triathlete who could not replace a flat tire. This is an important basic ability. Not only because you are required to replace the flat tire on the track, but also because this skill will save you in training sessions. One more thing, if you know what you're doing, replacing a flat tire is easy work. Ask a friend to teach you, or look for a tire replacement clinic that has gone flat in bicycle shops.
#8 Skip Nutrition in the Bike Leg
For the sprint distance category, consuming nutrients in the cycling phase is not very important. But on a long track, you have to do it even though many people ignore it. I will hear people say, I'm not hungry, so I don't eat,” Simonetta said. But then you will run with calorie deficits, he added. Find out which nutritional plan is right for you during practice, and apply it on race day. For Simonetta, this means consuming energy gel every hour and drinking on schedule. Other athletes may consume solid food. No matter what, don't wait until you feel hungry to start eating on race day. Maybe that hunger will never come.
#9 Use Water to Flush, Not Drink
Rulon said, recently he heard a triathlete reflect on what could be wrong in the final stages of a race in hot weather. He said, "I took water at each water station and poured it on my head," said Rulon. "I love it. But are you drinking water? He thinks he doesn't need it." There is nothing wrong with poring water on your head or body. But maintaining the body's hydration level is an important thing to do. Research shows, when you are dehydrated significantly, the level of exertion that you feel also increases. So in essence, you might maintain the same effort, but it's harder to do it. In the sprint distance, you might be able to cross the finish line without the supply of fluids to the body. But in a longer race, you are flirting with death.
#10 Make a Decision on the Finish Line
The final stage of a triathlon is an emotional time. And making decisions when the emotional state is at its peak is not something that needs to be done. "I ask people to make a decision two weeks later," Simonetta said. So, you cannot stop a triathlon for at least two weeks, and you also cannot register for other competitions. Why? Two weeks gives you the chance to forget the suffering you experienced while participating in a triathlon race. In addition, two weeks also gives your body a chance to rest. If you then register for the next race, you might be inclined to practice again.