Useful Information On Triathlon Training

By Scott Bailey


Triathlon refers to a multi-stage competition that involves competitors completing three continuous and sequential endurance disciplines. Generally, triathlon involves running, cycling, and swimming, with the three activities completed in immediate succession over varying distances. The people who compete in this sport are called triathletes, and they compete for the fastest overall course completion time. Transition from one activity to another is also timed. The term triathlon has its origin in the Greek language where it translates to three sports.

A transition area is usually established to allow triathletes to change their gear for the various segments of the race. It is in the transition area that triathletes switch from swimming to cycling and cycling to running. This area acts as a storage or holding area for accessories such as performance apparel and bicycles, which triathletes need to complete the next phase of the competition. To be better equipped to handle the race, triathlon training is usually endurance-oriented.

The first transition entails moving to biking from swimming and it labeled T1. The second transition, which is labeled T2 involves transitioning to running from biking. Athletes spend some time in transition and it is added to their final time. The number of participants is a huge variable, so the size of transitions areas also varies a lot. Transition areas serve as social headquarters before the beginning of races.

Triathlon began somewhere in the 1920s. However, its modern variant began in California in San Diego. The event held in California happened on 25, Sept, 1974 and entailed people biking, swimming, and running. Credit for conception, and directing of the event is given to Don Shanahan and Johnstone Jack. Both Johnstone and Shanahan were members of Track Club of San Diego.

The global body responsible for governing this sport was founded in 1989. It is called the International Triathlon Union, ITU. The main goal of ITU at the time it was being established was to enter triathlon into the Olympics. Later, ITU would become the organizing and sanctioning authority for World Triathlon Series and World Cup. Three main competition levels exist, that is, age-group athletes, junior pro-athletes, and elite pro-triathletes.

Several days in advance are given for people who intend to participate in an event to sign up. After signing up, participants are given colored swim caps, timing bands, and race numbers. Timing bands are for use in electronically timed races only. Any applicable information that participants may need to know such as applicable rules and the course to follow is communicated beforehand.

In major events, athletes have to check-in their bikes at the transition area in advance. Bikes that have been checked in are them guarded until when they will be used by the athletes. Different methods are used to start races. Some of the methods are wave and mass starts. Mass starts involve a single start signal being given so that all athletes can start the race simultaneously.

If an event is wave started, athletes are released in small bunches at predetermined intervals. A start signal is given at the lapse of the predetermined time intervals. This method is less commonly used in long races than in short ones.




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