Training Tips: Some things to know about triathlons
What
is a triathlon?
A triathlon is a race that combines swimming, cycling
and running. Adults have been competing in triathlons
for over 30 years. So far, more than 40,000 kids in the
United States have competed in triathlons - including
some athletes that have gone on to compete in the
Olympics!
What do
I have to do?
You will swim, bike and run on routes in and around
Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort in New Braunfels. Kids
7-10 years will swim one hundred meters, bike three
kilometers and run one kilometer. Kids 11-14 will
race twice these distances. You may also want to form a
relay team so that you and your friends will only do one
of the three categories.
How far is that?
For a 7 to 10 year old, the triathlon swimming distance is 100 meters (about 91 yards).
The cycling distance is 3 kilometers (slightly less than 2 miles).
The running distance is 1 kilometer (a little more than one half mile).
Double these distance for 11 to 14 year-old triathletes.
Talk like a triathlete
Drafting - Running, swimming or biking directly behind someone to gain an advantage by saving energy. Weaker athletes use this idea to maintain a faster pace.
Transition Area - The center of the triathlon course, the place where the athlete changes from swimmer to biker to runner.
T1 - The swim-to-bike transition
T2 - The bike-to-run transition
Round up your equipment
Swim suit - A regular suit will work for your first race. If you get serious about racing, there are special triathlon suits that are skin-tight so they are easy to wear under your biking and running clothes.
Goggles - Protective eyewear used for swimming.
Bike - Any kind of bike will work for the first couple of triathlons.
Helmet - Helmets are required for all USAT-sanctioned events. Helmets need to be ANSI-certified to be approved for racing.
Running shoes - Comfortable, good-fitting athletic shoes and socks (optional).
USAT membership card and ID - $5.00 one-day membership fee.