Stupid Rookie Question: Transitions

get yourself a pair of tri shorts - they have a thinner pad (and you can ultimately use them for a whole triathlon). No diaper feeling

yes you will have a transition spot - take the time in the morning to figure out where you are located (count the number of racks etc look for landmarks) so that when you run in you can find your bike.

I use (as do many people) a small towel for my stuff in transition - I have only done tris, so I have half the towel with bike shoes...and half with running shoes, number belt and hat.  In your case you will start out in running shoes so you just have to get out of those and into bike shoes  -

you might want to get yankz or speedlaces for your running shoes so you do not have to tie and untie - saves time!

You can wear whatever you'd like as long as you are comfortable with it.  I'd find cycling shorts tough to take for 10 miles of running, but doable I guess.  If you plan to participate in more duathlon/triathlon events, they have triathlon specific shorts that have a much smaller pad; a bit less comfortable on the bike but better for running.   

I'm sure others can offer much more extensive advice, as I'm new as well, but for the transition you will rack your bike by race number (number and rack event provided).  You'll have a small space to keep your gear (about the size of a towel folded in half).   You'll basically just keep your stuff on the ground next to/under your bike.  In transition, try to keep to your space as much as possible and keep your gear in check as well.   A loose shoe or helmet in a travel area could trip someone up and possibly cause injury.  You can find a gear checklist on BT for transitions.  If you search youtube you should find some vids.  Good luck.

Edited by jammers 2009-07-06 3:42 PM

There will be a transition area, which you should be able to see when you get your number and packet. This is where you rack your bike and keep your gear, which should be minimal. Your run will start in a line, hopefully in some sort of group, like age group or estimated speed group. After the run, you will head to the trans. area, remove your run shoes, put on your bike shoes, helmet, grab your bike and run to the line with your bike. At the line, you will mount your bike and ride your A$$ off. At the end of the ride, dismount befor ethe line, run your bike to your rack spot and put your running shoes back on, take your helmet off, rack your bike and head back on the run course for your 5k. There will be mats outside the trans. area which will track your time. I think I didn't miss much, but don't worry, dont stress, train, and you will be fine. Relax, have fun. Triathlon is the same, except instead of running in the beg., your swimming. Find a pair of tri shorts, look at trisports.com and look for deals. There is a 10% discount for being a member of this site. You can wear these for all 3 stages of this event as well as all 3 stages if you do a tri.

Edited by robertp1024 2009-07-06 8:44 PM

Can I ask another stupid question:


How safe are the transition areas?  Like, can I just leave clothes/food/bike lying around or do I need to lock up my bike, hide my food, etc...

OBVIOUSLY I wouldn't leave valuables around (cell phone, wallet, etc...) but locking/unlocking my bike alone takes up a good bit of time!

While I would not leave my wallet laying around they are pretty safe.  One thing, often times there is not a lot of room so you won't need a lot of stuff.  There are several videos on youtube (and one on this site I believe) that discusses transitions.  While I believe they are Tri specific they will give you the general feel.

BTW, best tip ever given to me was the one listed above.  Pic a spot with an easily seen landmark.  In the confusion of transitions it is easy to miss where your bike rack it.  My first Dua I picked a rack were there was a big trashcan on the other side of the rope.  Could not miss it for the world.  Others will use a bright towel, etc to help find it.  Kinda like the luggage racks at the airport, lots of luggage that looks like yours, that bright red string on your luggage helps you find it faster.

Good luck!

Link to video on this site: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=1488

Edited by GaryRM 2009-07-06 9:57 PM