Tri Talk Tuesday: Race Day Etiquette Tips

I am participating in Tri Talk Tuesday hosted by Bloggers at You Signed Up for What? , The Tri Girl Chronicles , & Blisters and Black Toenails . The topic this week is Race Etiquette and I would like to share some race day tips I have learned over the past 4 years participating in Triathlons.





1. Pre-Race: If possible, always pick up your Race Packet the day before the event and attend the Expo.  It will save you time and any potential anxiety to have this information ahead of time!  The Race Packet will contain your Run Bib, Swim Cap, Race Tattoos (if available), Bike & Helmet Number Stickers, and Swim Wave Information.  Attending the Expo will allow you to visit different vendors and get a chance to ask questions about the race day.

2. Bike Inspection : Make sure your breaks work and you have end cap plugs on your handle bars. You will not be allowed to participate without the end cap plugs due to risk of injury. If you do not have them, Bike Support on site may be able to provide them for you, but it is always best to be prepared! If you rack your Bike the night before the event, do not over inflate your tires!  It is best to pump them up on the morning of the race to avoid overinflation and the tire "popping" as the day warms up!

3. Transition: Place your items neatly on a small towel to the Right Side of your Bike. Common items in Transiton are: Bike Shoes, Bike Helmet (mandatory & must be strapped on before leaving transitions area), Running Shoes, & Socks ,Visor or Hat, RaceBelt with Bib, Extra Water & Fuel & Fuel Belt (depending on Distance).

               (My Transition Area at Quassy 70.3)


4. The Swim: If you have a long wait until your swim wave goes off, do not zip up until closer to start time to avoid potentially overheating.  Use Body Glide or Tri-Slide all over exposed parts of body before putting on your wetsuit to avoid the dreaded chaffing!  A place not to forget is the back of your neck wear your wetsuit attaches, as it is a common area for chaffing.  If the water is very cold, it is a good idea to wear 2 swim caps to keep your head warm, just make sure race cap is the last one you put on!

  (Run to T1 at Rev 3 Oly Tri, I pulled my suit down as I was running out of the water)


5. The Bike: Always be respectful & safe.  When passing, make sure you can quickly make the pass and let the person know that you will be passing them by saying, "On Your Left".  Ride Single File 2 Bike Lengths apart, or you could be penalized for Drafting.  Do Not Ride side by side!

6. The Run: Sprinkle your socks & shoes with a little bit of baby powder to make them easier to slip on in Transition.  If you do not wear socks, applying a little bit of body glide to the inside back of the shoe makes it easier to slide them on.  Make sure your race bib is on and facing forward during the run.

                                                   (Smiling Always Helps!)

7. The Heat!: If it is a hot day, grab ice at the aid station and switch back and forth between hands to help cool down. Also, tuck a few cubes of ice in your shirt or in your hat if you are wearing one.  I like to grab 2 cups of water at the aid stations and pour one over my head and sip on the other one.


These are just a few tips that have worked for me over the years!  Do you have any great tips to share?  Remember, Triathlons are FUN!!  Smile and thank all of the volunteers out there and you will go Faster on Race Day!!