Top Tips for Completing a Successful Triathlon

Posted by Matthew Prudhoe on 21st Mar 2019

Many people try out a triathlon for the first time because someone talked them into it, or because it's for a good cause like for a charity event. Aside from "Don't lose", most of the convincers wont give you much in the way of tips for actually standing a good chance at the race. Below are 5 bits of advice to help you be certain you'll cross the finish line on the big day.

1. Choose a fitting swimsuit

Unless you want to introduce your skin to pain only comparable to some sort of slow torture, you should definitely make sure you have a decent quality swimsuit in the correct size.

Choosing a suit too large could lead to water seepage; not at all enjoyable when you're in the very chilly temperatures our seas bring us. Water will enter the suit at any point it can, and fill it up with freezing cold water, both making you more uncomfortable and less hydrodynamic because of the additional weight. On the contrary, picking out a suit too small (or using the one you bought 15 years ago) is not a good idea either. This will lead to some serious chafing around the cuffs and neck, which your body will let you know about the following morning.

Avoid all of these in your triathlon and ensure you have a correctly fitting suit for the race. A suit of the correct size should be tight, yet not restrictive, so you should have full range of motion with your limbs. If you don't understand the sizing, contact one of our team and we will be happy to assist you.

2. Good condition goggles

As you'll probably know, seawater and human eyes make a terrible combination. Goggles are there to protect your eyes from the elements and allow you to see where you are going under the water, so if they aren't up to standard, you will not get very far at all.

Prior to your triathlon, inspect the goggles you have for signs of wear and tear, such as worn seals and ripples, and you'll thank me you did. Chances are you've not worn the goggles in a long time, so they've worn down to the point they let water in. In addition to that, check over the straps to make sure there are no tears or signs of imminent snapping: losing the goggles mid-race will not lend any favours.

3. Don't expect to run perfectly after cycling

In the moments immediately post-cycling, your legs are well used to the idea of moving pedals around and around. You should not expect them to switch to the muscle movements required for running very well straight away, so you should prepare for this, and take it easy at first.

During your triathlon it's highly likely you will experience cramping at some point. If you are prepared for this, it wont knock you down on the day and you'll be able to keep going.

.ff

4. Ensure you keep hydrated and fed

This is perhaps the most important tip on the list. With something as athletically demanding as a triathlon, you are using almost all muscle groups in one event. That's why its especially important to fuel up all of your muscles with energy gels such as those from GU or energy bars from MuleBar because without it, points mentioned in tip 3 will be much more prominent.

Hydration is also especially important, and with such a varied event it can be difficult to remember about this. Stop periodically and take short drinks of water to keep your brain as hydrated as your wetsuit.

With all things considered, you are now better equipped to deal with whichever triathlon you are running. Make sure you prepare in advance physically, as we can't do that part for you! So best of luck to you all, and have fun!

What do I need for my Triathlon?

Essentials:

Wetsuits https://mytriathlon.co.uk/swim/wetsuits/

Triathlon Clothing https://mytriathlon.co.uk/triathlon/clothing/trig...

Footwear https://mytriathlon.co.uk/triathlon/shoes/

Race Belts https://mytriathlon.co.uk/triathlon/race-belts/?s...

Nutrition https://mytriathlon.co.uk/triathlon/nutrition/

Goggles https://mytriathlon.co.uk/swim/goggles/

Bike https://mytriathlon.co.uk/cycle/

Helmet https://mytriathlon.co.uk/cycle/helmets/

Puncture Repair https://mytriathlon.co.uk/cycle/bike-maintenance/...

Swimskins (if Needed) https://mytriathlon.co.uk/triathlon/swimskins/