Lets start with the overall basic definitions shall we:
Triathlon- Swim bike run, all taken on as one event. Can be
done individually or as a part of a relay. There are on road versions (road
ride and generally road run) and off road versions (mountain biking, and trial
running).
Duathlon- Run bike run, all taken on as one event. Can be
done individually or part of a relay. There are on road versions (road ride and
generally road run) and off road versions (mountain biking, and trial running).
Aquabike- Swim bike (no run), all taken on as one event.
Generally done individually. Usually a great option for people with knee or hip
issues, who don’t run. Not many of these event options but getting more common.
Aquathon- Swim Run (no bike), all taken on as one
event. Generally done individually. Not
many of these events in the north east.
Now lets talk about the different distances:
Sprint- Swim varies from ¼ to ½ mile Bike generally around
10 miles and Run usually a 5k.
Olympic- 1.5K swim
(just under a Mile), 40K bike (about 25 miles), and a 10k. Also
sometimes called International
Half Ironman- 1.2mile swim, 56 mile bike, and a Half
Marathon 13.1. Also known as a 70.3 (the distances add up to 70.3 miles). Race
must be completed within 8.5 hours of the last wave of swimmers.
Ironman- 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, and a Marathon
26.2. Also known as 140.6 (the distances
add up to 140.6 miles). Race must be completed by midnight on race day.
Not all sprints and Olympics/International are the set
distances. Anything sanctioned by World Triathlon Corporation (WTC) is that distance
for a Half or Full Ironman. The name Ironman belongs to the WTC so any races
that are that distance and not run by WTC are not considered Ironman and cannot
be named such.
Then you have the governing bodies of triathlon:
USAT- USA Triathlon- The governing body for USA races. You
must have a license to participate in a race, day passes are generally
available with registration for about 12 bucks. If you decide after a race you
want a year membership you can apply that 12 bucks to the year cost. They
create and enforce the rules!
World Triathlon Corporation- WTC- The Half Ironman and
Ironman distance events governing body. They have slightly different rules and
enforcing.
Different types of races and race series:
Kona- Ironman World Championships- it’s the super bowl for
triathletes. In order to attend you must win your age group in an Ironman race
throughout the year. There are lottery and charity spots available for the
common man. This is the race every triathlete hopes to get to at some point.
Rev3- A new race series offering the 70.3 distance, full
distance, and Olympic distance all over the US
Challenge Series- A European competitor to the WTC offering
similar distance events.
Registration for most races is available online. Ironman
events generally are registered for a year in advance starting registration the
day after the race day. Depending on the race size the race will include an
early packet pickup or an expo- similar to run races.
There are some rules that are really good to know going into your first race here's a few:
Wetsuits are only legal in water temperatures less than 78.
78-84 can wear but not eligible for awards. 84 and higher not legal.
Littering on the course is a violation- keep your wrappers
in your pockets or drop them in trash zones at aid stations. Dropping your
goggles or your cap can be considered this too.
Helmet must be on for you to be on your bike. Bike must have
bar ends
Bike Course rules:
Ride
on the right side of your lane.
Keep
three bike lengths between yourself and the cyclist in front of you.
Pass
on the left of the cyclist in front, never on the right.
Complete
your pass within 15 seconds.
If
passed, you must drop completely out of the zone, to the rear, before
attempting to re-pass.
NO IPODS!
If you are going to do a triathlon its good to know the big name pros in the sport. Here are the few that just about everyone will mention at some point:
Chrissie Wellington- She was the queen of Ironman. Recently
retired but everyone is compared to her she did 13 Ironmans WON ALL OF THEM!
Mirinda Carfrae- aka Rinny- Little 5 foot tall speed demon.
Has won Kona and holds the marathon course record at Kona.
Chris McCormick- aka Macca- Has won Kona. Well known Aussie
triathlete.
Craig Alexander- another well known Aussie triathlete has
won Kona MULTIPLE times and 70.3 World Championships
Winners of Kona last year: Leanda Cave and Pete Jacobs
These are the resources I have used since I started triathlon:
Triathlete Training Bible
Triathlete
Magazine has great pointers training plans etc
Next time- gear suggestions, transition layouts, and race day basics.....
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