Transition area Idea to help deal with the wet ground

 

So I was looking over this photo I took a few weeks back when we were practicing transitions and it occurred to me how very wet the ground is going to be even if we get lucky and it’s sunny come race time and how that towel is just going to be a mess.

Then I remember we had this. It’s the rubber yoga mat that came with our Wii Fit and doubled over it’s the perfect size to put on the ground and put the towel on top or just keep the towel in a plastic bag if it’s raining. Just an idea in case you have one around the house as well.

Setting Up Transition Area

REMEMBER – Parents ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE TRANSITION AREA. Your child will have to set up their gear by themselves. There will be official race volunteers available if a child needs help.

Your Location

• Coach your child to get familiar with the transition area  and remember where their spot is. Remind them to find landmarks they can refer to later.

Set Up Your Gear for T1 and T2

• Space is limited. Bring only what is necessary.
• Lay your items on an open towel so you can stand on it and wipe your feet clean and dry while putting on your helmet.
• Open the straps on your bike helmet.
• Clothing and socks don't go well onto wet bodies, so roll your socks down to the toes to put them on easier. Do the same with sleeves or other clothing you might put on.
• Set the socks in your shoes. Don’t leave them loose to get lost.
• Attach the race number to the bike frame, helmet and the clothing you'll be wearing for the bike and/or run. Don't fold or cut it.
• Hang your helmet straps unclipped on your bike.
• If you’re going to wear them put your sunglasses into the helmet with arms open so you can put the glasses on first, then the helmet.
• Have a water bottle for rinsing your feet after the swim; you may want some sips during the transition, too.
• If using a hydration belt, have the bottles filled and any energy food loaded.
• If the weather if questionable, cover the gear with plastic.

Tip: Use a 5-gallon bucket as your transition bag—you can turn it upside down and use it as a stool for changing shoes.

Setting Up the Bike

• Make sure your bike is racked so it comes off easily. You can rack your bike so the front is pointed out by hanging it from it’s seat. It allows quicker exits and better visibility. This method is shown below. Note how close together bikes might be. Transition areas are crowded.

 

• If using gloves, attach them to the handlebar with their hook-and-loop straps.
• Make sure water bottles are filled with water or a nutrition drink and pull the spout open so it's ready to use.
• Put the bike in a low gear for starting out.

Extras

• An indelible marker (for writing your race number on your arm and leg).
• A few band-aids and a travel-size antiseptic.
• Waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more (use SPF 50 if you're sun sensitive).
• Lip balm.
• Tape for putting race number on bike.
• Duct tape—it can always come in handy.
• Safety pins for your number if you don't use a race belt.
• Toilet paper—with lots of people using portable toilets, the toilet paper tends to run out.

Preparing Yourself

• Put the timing chip on your left leg—on the right leg it could catch on the bike gears.
• Stay warm and hydrated.
• Transition areas can get hectic during a race so make sure you know the flow of swim in, bike out, bike in and run out.
• Put on the swim cap and goggles and adjust them to fit.

Parking Map

Last night they released the parking map for Sunday’s event. You can download a copy here. We recommend printing a copy and bringing it with you.

Level 1 Parking will provide the unrestricted ability to come and go, but it will be offsite and require a short shuttle bus ride.  Level 2 Parking requires a little longer walk, and it also provides the ability to come and go as you please.  Level 3 Parking is closest to the Dolphin Green, but it may require a wait to come or go (depending on time and race activities).

Morning of the Race

 

Morning of the Race

• Junior Level The transition area will open at 6:00am and everyone must have their gear set-up and organized before the transition area closes at 7:00am.  There will be a short, mandatory race debriefing at 7:15am, and the first race will begin at 7:30am.
• Senior Level (If your child turns 11 in 2013 or above): The transition area will open at 9:30am and everyone must have their gear set-up and organized before the transition area closes at 10:30am.  There will be a short, mandatory race debriefing at 10:45am, and the first race will begin at 11:00am.
• Eating: Eat something. As with the previous night's meal, eat the same foods your body is used to eating, and eat at least 2 hours before the race so the food can digest. Oatmeal, pasta, baked potatoes, pancakes and muffins are good choices. A beverage high in carbohydrates is a good alternative if you have problems with eating and digesting foods before a race.
• Clothing: Right now the weather is predicted to be in the 60s on Sunday morning, so dress in layers. Swimsuit, light shirt, sweatshirt, sweatpants and hat.
• Arrival: Get there about an hour before the race. It can be fun talking to the other athletes and getting settled in.
• Check in: Take your number with you to the officials and get marked.

 

JUNIOR SESSION (triathlon ages 5 to 10)
Transition Area Open 6:00am to 7:00am
Sunrise Service 6:30am
Mandatory Pre-Race Meeting 7:15am
Junior XClass Race Starts 7:30am
8 Year-Old & Under Race Starts 7:45am
9 & 10 Year Old Race Starts 8:45am
Junior Awards Ceremony 10:00am

SENIOR SESSION (triathlon ages 11-15)
Transition Area Open 9:30am to 10:30am
Mandatory Pre-Race Meeting 10:45am
Senior XClass Race Starts 11:00am
11 & 12 Year-Old Race Starts 11:15am
13 - 15 Year Old Race Starts 12:15pm
Senior Awards Ceremony 2:00pm

The Night Before

 

Remember the transitions areas will open for setup at 4:00 Saturday afternoon and YOU MUST PICK UP YOUR RACE PACKET on Saturday.

It’s also an excellent time to let your kids review the course and get comfortable with where they will be going the next day.

When you get back home:

Organize your gear: Lay everything out and go through your checklist. Then put related items—swim, bike, run and special needs—in a separate bag for easier sorting.

• Swim/morning bag. What you need for the swim is in this one; put any extra clothing you will wear in the morning in it, too.
• Bike gear bag.
• Run gear bag.

Put all of these bags into your transition bag.

Eat normally: Don't start eating new things; stick with the foods you usually eat. Try to have some protein (chicken, fish, turkey), a little healthy fat (avocados, nuts, olives) and a lot of carbohydrates (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans). Note: It's best to eat this way for 3 days before your event.

Get some sleep: Go to bed early. If you're nervous about waking up in the morning, set multiple alarms (alarm clock, watch, cell phone, wake-up call) for a more relaxed and peaceful sleep.

Parents should plan on some sort of shaded umbrella or canopy since it will get warm there.  Also, plan on chairs and blankets to enjoy the wait.  Snacks and plenty of water and or other drinks is recommended.  Bring a book or game to occupy yourself as well.  These events are not always on time and there is usually waiting going on at some point.

DON"T FORGET SUNSCREEN.  Put it on before you leave and don't forget to reapply.  Don't forget the sunscreen so put it in someone's bag :)

Pre Race Tips

• Practice a dry run of each race transition to check your gear organization.
• Make sure your bike is tuned and in good shape.
• Consider putting new tubes on your bike tires if they're old.
• Label all of your gear with an indelible marker. Write your name and phone number on the inside of your running and biking shoes, on the tag inside your wetsuit, inside your helmet, etc.
• Make a race-day checklist. Start with REI's triathlon checklist and personalize it for yourself.
• Two nights before, try to get a good night of sleep—that's when you're most likely to get quality sleep.
• Make sure your toenails are clipped.
• Make sure you know the directions to the race start.
• Study the course so you know what to expect. Where are the turns, uphills, downhills or flats? How many aid stations? Where are they located?

Reminder: Race Packets Must Be Picked Up Saturday

As a reminder your race packets must be picked up on Saturday and you also have the opportunity to set up your bike in the transition area - it is highly recommended by parents that have participated in previous years that you do so. (The bikes will be guarded all night)

Here is the schedule for Saturday

May 4:
Packet Pick-Up 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Transition Area Open 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Pre-Race Pep Rally 5:30pm to 6:30pm
Race Expo Open 4:00pm to 7:00pm

In addition, there will be a very special part of the evening where at least a couple of our Celebrity Big Kids will talk about achieving your dreams – whatever they are. This will be an incredible opportunity to learn from and to be motivated by some of the true leaders in our community.