Mediterranean triathlon: tips to debut in your first triathlon
We help you with a series of guidelines to make your triathlon debut as satisfying as possible and get hooked to continue competing
The three provincial capitals of the Valencian Community: Catellón, Valencia y Alicante they house one of the largest popular triathlon circuits in Spain. If you are thinking this year compete in any of the ITU distances of tests with drafting, Olympic distance, Sprint or Super Sprint the Mediterranean Triathlon circuit It offers the ideal options for it.
Recall, the Olympic distance is the "queen" of the triathlon with drafting, 1500 meters of swimming, 40 km of cycling and 10 km of running, distance where Javier Gómez Noya He has achieved most of his triumphs. If you prefer a shorter test is the sprint, 750m of swimming, 20km of cycling and 5 km of running on foot the distance where the reigning champion of the world Mario Mola. Or if on the contrary you still prefer a shorter and explosive test nothing better than the Super Sprint 350m of swimming, 10km of running and 2,5 cycling, a distance that has already been played in the world cups and is also used for relay events.
Choose the right distance.
The distance to debut in triathlon must be according to your technical and physical possibilities. If you have just started a few months in triathlon, we recommend the supersprint distance (350m for swimming, 10Km for cycling and 2,5Km for running). If you already have accumulated training of several months, choose the sprint distance (750 m of swimming, 20 km of bicycle and 5 km of running on foot). If you have experience in testing those distances and want to take a small jump, choose the Olympic distance (1500m for swimming, 40Km for cycling and 10Km for running).
Put yourself in the hands of a qualified trainer
Whatever distance you choose, put yourself in the hands of a person with knowledge and training in sports to help you achieve your goals. A tight planning adapted to your abilities will make it possible for you to arrive at the well-prepared test.
Check the regulation
You must know the sport and especially the competition in which you are going to participate, so the regulation is essential to have it revised.
The day of the competition is not experienced
Do not leave anything to premiere or improvise in the competition. If you have new glasses or shoes you must train with them before the competition. Also, if you have trained a way to get on and off the bike, do not try to improvise another one in the competition.
Train hydration and feeding guidelines
The above advice is also applicable to food and drink. You need to go well hydrated and nourished and even do it during the competition, so you should bring it learned and practiced in training And trust the brands you've already tried to avoid digestive problems.
Automate transitions
Practice a protocol for your transitions, will help you not waste time and do not forget to put everything in its place at the right time. Remember that you have two transitions to train.
Recognize the competition circuit
Try to make a reconnaissance of the circuit, mainly from the cycling sector, but also of the situation of the transition, information points, the race, the number of turns in each sector. This will help you feel more confident and avoid confusion during the competition.
Prepare all the material with time
The day before the competition or to travel to the place of competition, prepare all the necessary material to compete. You can make a list and cross out everything as you put it in the backpack.
Have breakfast or eat two hours before
On the day of the competition, perform the main meal at least two hours before your departure and prepare something light (bar, nuts) to take between 30 and 60 minutes before your departure.
Arrive with time
Get to the test with enough time to collect your bib, leave your equipment in the pits, put on the neoprene (if necessary) and warm up. We recommend that you be about an hour and a half early so that you can do all these things without being overwhelmed, but look at the organization's schedules.
Have fun
Finally and most importantly, have fun in your debut, you have strived every day and today is the day to enjoy, so go for it!
More information: https://www.mediterraneatriatlon.com
Laura García Cervantes
Dra. Science of Physical Activity and Sport
Technical Director Club Trikatlón Tres Cantos
Triathlon and Swimming Senior Trainer
Paratriathlon Specialist Trainer
Photos: @josecarlosmusa / @canofotosports