My first duathlon...

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by mountaine
Hey there...

A little advice, please??? I'm competing in my first duathlon in about 4 weeks-training's been going great, but I'm worried that I'm going to totally flub up the transition or commit some major faux pas on the bike (I used to just run, been riding for a couple years) since I've never done this racing thing w/ a bike before. Thanx!

- some transtion links:
http://www.trinewbies.com/2GetStartArt4p1.htm
http://www.clubs.psu.edu/up/triclub/tritrans.htm
http://www.realrunner.com/ukandeurope/triathlon/transition.htm

As for the bike portion, it realy depends on the distance, what do you ride (road, tri) etc.

For the first, I'd go to have fun... better taking the time in transitions, observe the competition and enjoy the race going rather conservative.

Thanks for the websites- they're very helpful!!

Any advice on avoiding pissing people off? I've heard that transition areas can get kinda messy...

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by mountaine
Thanks for the websites- they're very helpful!!

Any advice on avoiding pissing people off? I've heard that transition areas can get kinda messy...

Particulary in DUATHLONs, the transition area in pretty clean - no wetsuits (or other swim gear) thown all over the place... only running shoes! 🙂
It's always a good idea to keep your stuff compact (small towel) avoiding the eventual kicking/spreading around by others.

A good way to avoid the high traffic in transition is to come FIRST! :p
(or in the first/last wave after the first run)

Oh, and don't forget to practice the transition!
For a better visualisation, te night before the race, I always lay out my transition area in the living room and go through each step slowly... optimizing the whole process to the least amount of movement.

Good luck!

Here are a few tips ..
1. Don't start your run too fast, pace yourself and avoid being in front of the start line .. it's kind of depressing getting passed by a lot of people.
2. The morning of the race, visualise the entry and exit point of the transition, remember that during the race you will be tired and not always focused.
3. Keep your area clean and standard (always the same way from one race to the other ..so you could do this you eyes closed)
4. Last but not least .. you don't have a sponsor, right .. then Have fun ...have fun and have more fun ... your not a pro ..you probably train because you like being in shape .. at least that what I tell myself .. cheers