Transitions 101

Describe your T2. 3:13 does sound long.

I was kind of milling about, after I put the bike on the rack, I seemed to be taking my time to much. I had to get my number belt, fuel belt, I was talking a bit to the lady next to me, oh , and I almost forgot to put on my running shoes...

Yeah, that was kind of what I was thinking .

I just talk to much :D.

Here were the times from my du age group I am #3. They did get the full time data.

Place Ag Rank Run 1 Trans1 Rank Bike Trans2 Rank Run Penalty Final
1 26 1 10:48 1:25 1 43:49 1:10 1 41:18 1:38:28
2 26 2 12:20 1:46 2 44:00 1:39 2 45:40 1:45:22
3 29 3 12:51 2:20 3 45:26 3:03 3 48:07 1:51:45

I start a mantra on the swim transition run

Helmet
shades
socks
shoes
go

at the end of the bike its

shoes
hat (with number belt attached, go

attach the number belt to the hat and put it on on the way out.

My T2 time at my last race was exactly 40 seconds. I have posted about my transition strategies on here before and will just copy and paste it here because it is somewhat long. There is T1 info in there that I know you didn't ask about, but because I'm lazy I'm just going to paste the entire thing. Here we go........

One thing to remember when planning for transitions is to do as little as possible in the transition area. Don't change any articles of clothing unless you have to. Here are my typical transitions.

A good transition starts the day before the race. After you pick up your packet go look at the transition area and see if spots are assigned or if it's first come first serve. Either way figure out what spot would be the quickest to get in and out of. It is important to try and make sure that the shortest distance you will run will be after you have your bike shoes on and are running with your bike out of transition. Therefore you want to be by the bike exit if possible. Also you always want to be at the end of the rack next to the isle and facing the TA exit when the bike is racked by the brake levers. Then at night set your alarm so that you are one of the first 10 people in the transition area (it does no good to scope out a great spot if you're not there early enough to claim it).

Keep it simple in the TA. Here is what you have to lay out. Helmet, glasses, bike shoes, run shoes, run hat (if needed) and race number belt. After your bike is set up on the rack hanging from the brake levers (and you make sure it's in the correct gear for leaving the TA) put on your helmet and glasses. Then take off your helmet making sure the straps flap over the outside of the helmet, this way when you slap the helmet on your head quickly the straps will be dangling around your chin ready to be clipped. Cradle your helmet onto your aero bars or someplace on your drops so that it won't fall off. I put my helmet on top of the bar end shifter so the shifter is sticking through one of the air vents on the helmet, that way it can't fall off easily. Next put your glasses inside the helmet with the arms of the frame facing you so you can easily grab them and slip them on.

Next to your bike (on the aisle side of your bike) lay out a towel. When standing next to your rear wheel this is how it should be layed out. Bike shoes closest to you opened up and ready for your feet. Next in will be run shoes and further in from there your hat and race number belt. Now that things are set up you're ready to go. Here are the transitions.

NOTE: Always try to wear the clothes that you will be using for the rest of the race under your wetsuit. Nothing slows transitions down like changing clothes.

T1

Exit water and immediatly find a spot to take off your wetsuit where people won't be tripping over you (this spot should be found prerace). The wetsuit comes off easier if it is wet. Don't run all the way to the TA and let a bunch of water run out then try to get it off. Once the suit is off run to your bike, throw the suit under the bike, put on your shoes on, glasses on, helmet on and you're on your way.


T2

About a 1/4 mile before T2 start slipping your feet out of your bike shoes. Only do this if you have tri specific shoes. Regular bike shoe straps open toward the bike and can be caught in the chainring. After your feet are out place them on top of the shoes and continue pedaling to T2. When you get to T2, dismount and grab your bike by the stem and run with it. By grabbing the stem you don't have to worry about balancing the bike. If it starts to veer off course just pick up on the stem and pull it back in line. Get to your transition spot and throw the bike onto the rack. Take off your helmet and glasses (or leave the glasses on if you wish), slip on your run shoes (which should be equiped with EZ laces) and grab your hat and race number belt. Hat and race number belt should be put on after you exit the TA.

I'm sure I left something out, but that should be a good start. Hope it's helpful.