Monday, November 7, 2016

Useful Information On Triathlon Training

By Scott Bailey


In triathlon, competitors complete multiple-stage competitions in a continuous and consecutive manner. It is an endurance sport testing how fast one can move while enduring the hardship involved in the races. Running, biking, and swimming are the three activities that make up the competition. Time spent while transitioning from one activity to another is also counted towards the final time taken. The root of the term is in the Greek language. When the term is translated to English, it means three sports which is a consistent definition with the sport.

A transition area is usually established to allow triathletes to change their gear for the various segments of the race. It is in the transition area that triathletes switch from swimming to cycling and cycling to running. This area acts as a storage or holding area for accessories such as performance apparel and bicycles, which triathletes need to complete the next phase of the competition. To be better equipped to handle the race, triathlon training is usually endurance-oriented.

The first transition involves transitioning from swim to bike. This transition is called T1. The second transition involves transitioning from bike to run, and is referred to as T2. The overall time for the competitors include the time they spend in both T1 and T2. Since the number of participants can vary widely, transition areas vary in size a lot. Also, these areas are used as social headquarters before races begin.

Triathlon began somewhere in the 1920s. However, its modern variant began in California in San Diego. The event held in California happened on 25, Sept, 1974 and entailed people biking, swimming, and running. Credit for conception, and directing of the event is given to Don Shanahan and Johnstone Jack. Both Johnstone and Shanahan were members of Track Club of San Diego.

The International Triathlon Union, ITU was created in 1989 as the global body for governing the sport. At that time, the main goal was to ensure triathlon was accepted into the Olympic Games. ITU wound later become the sanctioning and organizing body for World Cup and World Triathlon Series races yearly. Participants can compete at various levels include elite pro-triathletes, age-group athletes, and junior pro-athletes.

Several days in advance are given for people who intend to participate in an event to sign up. After signing up, participants are given colored swim caps, timing bands, and race numbers. Timing bands are for use in electronically timed races only. Any applicable information that participants may need to know such as applicable rules and the course to follow is communicated beforehand.

In major events, it may be a requirement for athletes to have their bikes checked-in at the transition areas in advance. Security is maintained in the transition area after bikes have been checked-in. Several different techniques have been devised for starting races. One of the methods is mass starts where competitors start competing at the same time when the start signal is given.

Wave start events involve athletes starting the competition in small groups. After every few minutes, a wave of athletes is give a start signal. Wave starts are more common in short races than in long ones.




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