Transition Area

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2009-08-11 4:53 PM

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Subject: Transition Area
I have my first tri this sunday.  I am just wondering what all is allowed in the transition area.  I know there can be no glass of any kind but can i bring a duffle bag of towels, gels, drinks, drink mix?

2009-08-11 4:56 PM
in reply to: #2342442

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Science Nerd
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Subject: RE: Transition Area
You can.  However, space is usually pretty tight, so having less stuff is often better.  My fastest transitions are usually when I have just what I need for the race and nothing else.  Pre-mix your drinks before the race (like the night before) and have them ready to go.
2009-08-11 4:57 PM
in reply to: #2342442

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Resident Curmudgeon
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Subject: RE: Transition Area
Yes, but why? Your race (apparently) is a sprint, you need very little of that. Keep it simple!
2009-08-11 5:05 PM
in reply to: #2342442

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Expert
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Subject: RE: Transition Area

Except for glass you can bring whatever you want. Keep in mind it all has to fit into an area roughly 18 inches wide and about the length of your bike. If you don't mind climbing over a bunch of stuff you don't really need during the race, then go for it.

Ideally you only should have what you need during the race in transition, plus whatever you carry it in. If you bring in items you find you won't be needing, take them out to your car before the race starts.

2009-08-12 8:40 AM
in reply to: #2342442

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West Windsor, NJ
Subject: RE: Transition Area
Yeah Agreed. Premix everything. Leave towels, extra stuff in the car..you can have it/get at it "Just in Case". Assuming its a sprint, you really dont need much. And, most likely, you will have a lot less space than you realize.

As bear said "Keep It Simple". Its not a leisurely training session or a picnic...its a race.

Good luck..and have fun.
2009-08-12 8:47 AM
in reply to: #2342442

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Subject: RE: Transition Area
Hello

My first race is Sunday also.

Do you wear your running shoes walking around before the race? Flip flops?

How long before the race starts should you take a practice swim? 30 minutes?

Should you mark you space (set-up) in the transition area first and then take your bike for a quick spin?

I dont want to look like a newbie even though I am.

Kevin

2009-08-12 8:50 AM
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Monroe, NY
Subject: RE: Transition Area
Does anyone every bring a flag or some other marker for the rack to help find their bike? I read in one of the articles that at some of the bigger ones people do this as you can get confused rushing to get to your transition spot. I did the NYCTri and didn't really notice many people doing this. I just found a sign at the end of my row and used that as a marker. Sounded like a good advice but odd that I didn't really see anyone doing it.
2009-08-12 8:51 AM
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Subject: RE: Transition Area

Just no buckets........

2009-08-12 8:57 AM
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Subject: RE: Transition Area
b2673ad - 2009-08-12 8:47 AM Hello

My first race is Sunday also.

Do you wear your running shoes walking around before the race? Flip flops? Running shoes. Again, keep it simple, why bring another set of footwear that you're not going to use to the race? If you want flipflops for later, leave them int he car.

How long before the race starts should you take a practice swim? 30 minutes? If I do anything, it's right before the start, within that 30-minute window. A reverse warmup (run, bike, swim) is what I like to do most, if I warmup at all.

Should you mark you space (set-up) in the transition area first and then take your bike for a quick spin? Yes, I usually but a towel over the bar and my stuff underneath. Even that sometimes fails to deter the late-arriving inconsiderate.

I dont want to look like a newbie even though I am. You'll be fine. Good luck!

Kevin
2009-08-12 9:15 AM
in reply to: #2343462

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Science Nerd
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Subject: RE: Transition Area
jrsuss - 2009-08-12 9:50 AM Does anyone every bring a flag or some other marker for the rack to help find their bike? I read in one of the articles that at some of the bigger ones people do this as you can get confused rushing to get to your transition spot. I did the NYCTri and didn't really notice many people doing this. I just found a sign at the end of my row and used that as a marker. Sounded like a good advice but odd that I didn't really see anyone doing it.


I don't bother. I do walk transition and count racks from an entrance to my rack or look for nearby landmarks that help me pick it out quicker.
2009-08-12 9:50 AM
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Subject: RE: Transition Area
b2673ad - 2009-08-12 8:47 AM

Hello

My first race is Sunday also.

Do you wear your running shoes walking around before the race? Flip flops?

How long before the race starts should you take a practice swim? 30 minutes?

Should you mark you space (set-up) in the transition area first and then take your bike for a quick spin?

I dont want to look like a newbie even though I am.

Kevin


I wear flip flops. They have saved my feet a number of times before the swim start. I have tender feet so I don't like walking around barefoot, that's just me.

I get in an swim when they tell me I can and I get out when they tell me to.

I never take my bike for a quick spin. Too much hassle.



2009-08-12 9:52 AM
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Subject: RE: Transition Area
ritzb - 2009-08-11 4:53 PM

I have my first tri this sunday.  I am just wondering what all is allowed in the transition area.  I know there can be no glass of any kind but can i bring a duffle bag of towels, gels, drinks, drink mix?


I have a tri backpack for all my stuff. I pull out when I need in my area and then I put my backpack by a fence or something in transition but out of the way. Usually the car is pretty far away and I need to be able to put my keys, etc. somewhere.



Edited by KSH 2009-08-12 9:56 AM
2009-08-12 1:06 PM
in reply to: #2342442

Extreme Veteran
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West Windsor, NJ
Subject: RE: Transition Area
FWIW: I always use a rack marker (helium balloon). Its sort of a tradition now. My kids pick it out, and its a nice pick me up coming into transition. Sort of like a "GO DADDY GO" sign. Plus, I just think its easier to spot your area quickly. I dont have to think about it. I dont have to remember anything. I just run to the marker and go.

You can really use anything, including chalk on the ground marking a big arrow. But i would do something, especially for your first. It can be a little disorienting when you come out of the water in the thrill of the race (especially given your probable exhuberation after finishing your first swim leg!) You dont want to waste time wandering around in a panic trying to locate your bike.

2009-08-12 1:09 PM
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Subject: RE: Transition Area
My first tri is Sunday as well.. I'm bring a large pizza and a 6 of beer to celebrate... Perhaps a beer before and after the swim.. Its a dare....
2009-08-12 4:25 PM
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Subject: RE: Transition Area

Hi.  

I did the London Tri this year.  There were 656 just in my distance (female sprint).  Transition area was v confusing but under British Triathlon Federation rules we're not allowed to 'mark' out where we are, we were mixed in with the blokes too.  Think there were about 6,000 competitors on the day i did it, so transition was v cramped!!  They did have letters on posts at the end of each rack, but i never noticed as i was in such a rush.  Found my bike in the end though (well, not literally at the end!!). 

Take only what you need.  If you're not allowed to mark you area (which it sounds like you are) then get a REALLY bright towel to put on the floor by your bike and put your *bright* bike top on the saddle of your bike.  That's how I found mine in all that carnage!! 

Just take only what you need, have your water bottle on your bike ready to go so you don't have to worry about it, and your lid on your seat/handlebars ready to rock, with your sunglasses inside (if needed). 

 

All the best both, keep us posted on how u get on :D

2009-08-12 10:40 PM
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Subject: RE: Transition Area
I tend to think that less is better for a sprint. I've found that it seems having less stuff and simpler transitions not only make things less stressful on race morning with less things to keep track of and decisions to make but also make you quite a bit faster.

So yeah, for a sprint, I put on a helmet and socks (going sockless this weekend though, wish me luck!) in T1 and in T2, I grab my race belt and a gu and put my running shoes on. I also have a towel laid out to stand on while i put on my running shoes, which is good for knocking gravel or other crap off your feet while you are doing this. The first two tri's I did I thought it would be a good idea to put on clothing, but quickly found that to be quite a huge time waster, so I ditched the clothing changes for my first oly and ended up top 15 in transition times even though I think I was around 96th overall.

Edited by golfer17 2009-08-12 10:53 PM

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