TRIATHLON RACE DAY CHECK LIST
q Swim Goggles
q Watch
q Towel (2)
q Water pail (if used)
q Bike
q Bike Shoes
q Socks (if used)
q Shirt (if used)
q Swim Suit
q Running Shorts and or Bike Shorts (if used)
q Helmet
q Sunglasses
q Water Bottle (1 for bike , 1 for run (if used) )
q Spare Tube
q Running Shoes
q Hat
q Race Number Belt or Safety Pins
q GU or other Gel Pack (if used)
q Sun Screen
q U.S.A. Triathlon Card (not needed on race day if you already have your packet)
q Photo ID (not needed on race day if you already have your packet)
q Chip (if used)
q Air Pump
q Allen Wrench
q WD 40
q Peto Bis Mal
q Vaseline (for chaffing and helps keep goggles from leaking)
q Body Glide
q Anti Fog
q Baby Powder (Makes shoes go on wet feet faster)
q Arrive at least one hour before start
q Check your packet for correct Race Number, Get Pins to hold it to your clothing. Find out which wave you are in and what time it starts
q Get body marked. Put on your chip
q Take your bike to the transition area. Make sure that you put the bike in the rack that corresponds to your Race Number.
q Set up your gear in order of use. Remember sunglasses before Helmet. Make sure that your helmet straps are not twisted. Make sure that you have nothing stuck in your shoes. Make sure that you have water in your Water Bottles and that the lids are tight.
q Check out the Transition area. Go to the Place you will be entering it from the Swim. Make sure that you know exactly where your bike is. Count rows or look for some landmark.
q Make sure your bike is ready to ride. Check the tires. Check the gear. It should be in an easy gear to start. Put your water bottle in the cage. Reset your computer to zero
q Warm up with a 5 to 10 minute easy run. You can bring your shoes back to the transition area after you finish. If you feel comfortable with it, swim for 5 minutes. Stretch. Drink some fluids.
q If you need to go Potty, go early! The lines get long and slow. You don't want to choose between a call of nature and the starting gun.
q Line up to the right of the pack in the swim. Check you goggles for fit, and fog. You may want to tighten the strap a little in case you get hit. You can also wear them under your cap
q Hold your own in the swim. Do not be intimidated by the other swimmers. It is ok if you bump someone, just move over on the next stroke. Don't swim over them
q The first 50 yards or so, you are going to go anaerobic. Don’t panic. Relax, breath, and try to get into a rhythm that is comfortable for you
q Lift your head up or look forward about ever 3 or 4 strokes to keep your line. Currents and wind can push you off course. Don't just rely on the person in front of you.
q Going out, concentrate on the buoys. Swim toward the last one and keep the others to your left.
q Make the turn then look for the swim finish banners. Start thinking about how you are going to approach the bike transition.
q Put on your bike shoes, your sunglasses, then your helmet. Make sure to fasten the strap. (Instant DQ). Most races require you to run your bike to end of the transition area.
q Mount the bike carefully, and start off in an easy gear. Start picking up speed when you legs feel loose.
q Ride on the right. Do not cross the yellow line in the streets. Stay to the far right except to pass. Always pass on the left and let the other rider know you are there with a "On Your Left".
q Drafting is illegal.
q Drink Plenty of Fluids.
q Start you run controlled. Get your running legs, then add the speed. Stay focused on the positive. Set short goals - the next corner the next water stop. Pick out a runner in front of you and reel them in.
q Feet Quick, Legs Strong, I can do this all day long! Stay focused.
q Finish Strong! Smile for the Photos!