Really good video with some valuable advice. Will definitely keep these tips in mind as I train for my first 70.3. I do however have one observation. Unless you are an elite athlete or trying to finish in the top spot, losing a minute or two in transition is not going to mean much in the big scheme of things. We are talking about a race that could be anything from 6 to 10hrs for the average athlete, so there’s no need to panic about losing a few seconds.
Agreed, I’d rather set myself up to be comfortable for the long ride than save a minute or 2 in transition as the comfort on the bike will make me faster and for a better overall race for me. But that’s me
Great advice Taren. I’d add a couple of ideas. First think about who you are and how good you are. If you aren’t a great swimmer( most of us) don’t stress too much about finding your bike after the swim. There won’t be too many bikes there. Instead think about finding your spot after the bike when transition is full of bikes. I’ve had far more trouble then. Also, even though you are right about being close to the bike exit for speed but this is where all the quick people will be. The space will be cramped and there’s a good chance your gear will be kicked over before you get there. Set up further away. You might sacrifice a few seconds but you’ll have a more relaxed time. Shoes on the bike? I suggest people try this out. I’ve timed myself both ways and now I put my shoes on in transition. It’s quicker for me than trying to get my wet feet into my shoes while I’m riding. I click in and go. Great tip about starting out slower and building up to target pace during longer races.
If you have trouble getting your feet into your shoes I would recommend a good dap of vaseline on the inside of the heal, as well as baby powering the inside of the shoe. Regardless if you are flying mounting or not.
Shaun, nice addition. As a first timer and out of curiosity, does it really matter losing a few seconds in a race that will probably take anywhere from 6 to 10hrs. This of course is assuming you are not an elite athlete or someone trying to finish in the top ten. Based on my limited knowledge it appears most people doing the Ironman are simply competing against themselves. It’s a race but really not a race for at least 2/3 of the participants. So I am wondering why there’s so much talk about losing seconds. It would make perfect sense if we were talking about Professional bike racing where a fraction of a second can be the difference between winning or losing.
Hey, I subscribed to your channel when you only had around 7,000 subs. I appreciate the content you put out, it’s all good stuff. Just purchased your book as I realized my swimming was in need of a revamp. Keep up the good work!
You're videos are great man. I'm a complete noob. Doing my first sprint this weekend. Your videos have been very helpful and funny. Now if I could just afford a decent bike. ha ha ha. Keep up the good work.
Great advice and will implement it. I would like to know about dealing with the socks and shoes in transition. Going from the water to putting her socks on for the ride and is there a fast way to go from cycle shoes to sneakers for the run. Thanks
7:20 since I won't have my glasses on going into T1, I count the racks plus I put a very bright towel on my bike. So I am looking for a bright yellow or pink blur :).
Good recommendations, in my opinion one cannot stress enough the importance of taking it somewhat easy over the last couple of yards in the water before reaching the shore. Chill and start thinking about how you will get best out of the water depending on the type of beach. Do you prefer to get up early and run/jump in the water towards the shore or do you feel more comfortable with swimming farther until the water gets really shallow? Also, think about what to do and not to do once your feet are on dry land. I.e. there is no need to completely take your goggles or swim cap off until you reach your bike. Just lift the goggles up and rest them on your forehead while running into transition. It seems obvious to do but I’ve seen many people running with cap and goggles in their hands. Try to keep your hands free. If you are wearing a wet suit try to open the zipper while running.
Question though about the first point about kicking like crazy during the last 100 meters. I've understood that the reason why it has been recommended to kick harder during the last 100 meters is to get the blood fully circulating through the legs so it counteracts the absolute displacement of blood to your head when you start running. I darn near passed out on my first Olympic triathlon during transition because of this very thing. Is the Deck-out training really good for counter-acting the blood rushing out of your head because you "train" your body to simply deal with it? I'm just trying to better understand the theory because a combination of both (well, lesser on the leg sprint kick at the end of the swim and more of the deck-out idea) might be a more optimal solution where you get the best of both worlds.
I know there could be countless exceptions, but one I would suggest after a swim in a colder temp is to change into something warmer. UBC does an event each year in the first week of March. Starts with a pool swim but then outside for the rest. Temp started below 0 C (32 F) by the end of my day it was maybe 5 C. I took a long 10 min transition but for the rest of the event I was comfortable which will impact your experience drastically.
lovin the content ,thanks for all the good advice ! One question i am going to be trying my first triathlon and i understand what you said about building the power up over time to reduce fatigue later on i think i may have a problem there as i m riding over natural hilly mountain terrain no roads so i may not have that luxury of maintaining low HR is there anything i can do to help with this ?
Triathlon bike shoes are velcro: leave the velcro open, jump on the bike, pedal with your feet on top of the shoes, then when you get a moment slip your feet into the shoes, reach down and do up the velcro. Done!
Yes, I thought this was a weird comment from him. It's actually a lot better to have designated places, imagine the carnage and upset about people trying for the 'best places' ..... The best you can do in the transition area is to rememebr where your bike is.... But yes, you cna never choose your place.
Hey Taren, great video! I am doing my first 70.3 this summer (Muskoka) and as it is a wetsuit legal race, I recently bought the Aquasphere Pursuit Tri Wetsuit from MEC. I chose my size according to the recommendation but when I put it on, it pinches me in my armpits as well as chokes me a little bit if I look down. I realize that when swimming I will not be looking down. I also need help pulling the back in to zip it up. Does this indicate that it is too small or is this normal? Thank you!
Jeremy Canham , I’m not Taren but here are my 2 cents worth. If your description is for the “dry” fit experience then the suit is likely the right size for you. These suits tend to give a little bit when in the water and the pinch and claustrophobic sensation goes away after being in the water for a minute or 2. Also, I noticed that my wetsuit became slightly larger AKA more comfortable after I had used it for a couple of open water swims. If you haven’t done so yet take your new wetsuit for a slow pace 30 minute test swim and see what happens. Hope this helps.
There's lots of video's on putting on suits to pull slack into the torso of the suit. When I put my suit on in a hurry I have the same issue's but if you take the time to pull fabric into the body (I actually get a friend or family member to help) it helps the suit feel a lot more roomy
Step 1, cut 2-4 inches off the legs. They're cone shaped and by cutting them higher you make the foot hole bigger and you're not going to lose body very much heat from 4 inches of exposed ankle. Depending on the suit and if you have trouble getting hands out you may want to do this to the arms but I personally don't. Step 2 pre-lube, using a wetsuit safe lube, use twice as much as seems necessary on your lower legs, arms, shoulders and neck. Step 3, as soon as you can stand up, lift your goggles so you can see. step 4 while you run to your bike unzip the suit, then pull your arms out one at a time (not both I've seen people get suck kinda like a straight jacket if you do this). step 5 pull the suit down to your hips. Step 6 when you get you your bike grab your suit and pull it as low as you can. Step 7 start stomping one foot then the other while doing that do up your helmet. By the time your helmet is on your suit will have slipped off your newly bigger foot holes. If its stuck (usually only ever gets stuck on one foot at most, reach down and use your hand to unhook it from your heals. Throw it into your transition spot/bag/tub depending on the race rules and you're off.
Really good video with some valuable advice. Will definitely keep these tips in mind as I train for my first 70.3. I do however have one observation. Unless you are an elite athlete or trying to finish in the top spot, losing a minute or two in transition is not going to mean much in the big scheme of things. We are talking about a race that could be anything from 6 to 10hrs for the average athlete, so there’s no need to panic about losing a few seconds.
Agreed, I’d rather set myself up to be comfortable for the long ride than save a minute or 2 in transition as the comfort on the bike will make me faster and for a better overall race for me. But that’s me
At a sprint or Olympic tri, 2 minutes is a lot. Did a super sprint once. This was madness.
Time saver tip of the day
Swim in your cycling shoes
You're welcome
Don't give people an idea ^_^
Funny thing is, when I did that, I never had any trouble finding my bike....it was glaringly still in the transition area
@@pavanatanaya hahahah
Great advice Taren. I’d add a couple of ideas. First think about who you are and how good you are. If you aren’t a great swimmer( most of us) don’t stress too much about finding your bike after the swim. There won’t be too many bikes there. Instead think about finding your spot after the bike when transition is full of bikes. I’ve had far more trouble then.
Also, even though you are right about being close to the bike exit for speed but this is where all the quick people will be. The space will be cramped and there’s a good chance your gear will be kicked over before you get there. Set up further away. You might sacrifice a few seconds but you’ll have a more relaxed time. Shoes on the bike? I suggest people try this out. I’ve timed myself both ways and now I put my shoes on in transition. It’s quicker for me than trying to get my wet feet into my shoes while I’m riding. I click in and go. Great tip about starting out slower and building up to target pace during longer races.
If you have trouble getting your feet into your shoes I would recommend a good dap of vaseline on the inside of the heal, as well as baby powering the inside of the shoe. Regardless if you are flying mounting or not.
Excellent added advice-provide more.
Shaun, nice addition. As a first timer and out of curiosity, does it really matter losing a few seconds in a race that will probably take anywhere from 6 to 10hrs. This of course is assuming you are not an elite athlete or someone trying to finish in the top ten. Based on my limited knowledge it appears most people doing the Ironman are simply competing against themselves. It’s a race but really not a race for at least 2/3 of the participants. So I am wondering why there’s so much talk about losing seconds. It would make perfect sense if we were talking about Professional bike racing where a fraction of a second can be the difference between winning or losing.
running around a wet pool deck some places my frown upon, but i’ll still try lol
Hey, I subscribed to your channel when you only had around 7,000 subs. I appreciate the content you put out, it’s all good stuff. Just purchased your book as I realized my swimming was in need of a revamp. Keep up the good work!
You're videos are great man. I'm a complete noob. Doing my first sprint this weekend. Your videos have been very helpful and funny. Now if I could just afford a decent bike. ha ha ha. Keep up the good work.
Great advice and will implement it. I would like to know about dealing with the socks and shoes in transition. Going from the water to putting her socks on for the ride and is there a fast way to go from cycle shoes to sneakers for the run. Thanks
7:20 since I won't have my glasses on going into T1, I count the racks plus I put a very bright towel on my bike. So I am looking for a bright yellow or pink blur :).
Also, thank you for the patient advice starting out on the bike!
Good recommendations, in my opinion one cannot stress enough the importance of taking it somewhat easy over the last couple of yards in the water before reaching the shore. Chill and start thinking about how you will get best out of the water depending on the type of beach. Do you prefer to get up early and run/jump in the water towards the shore or do you feel more comfortable with swimming farther until the water gets really shallow? Also, think about what to do and not to do once your feet are on dry land. I.e. there is no need to completely take your goggles or swim cap off until you reach your bike. Just lift the goggles up and rest them on your forehead while running into transition. It seems obvious to do but I’ve seen many people running with cap and goggles in their hands. Try to keep your hands free. If you are wearing a wet suit try to open the zipper while running.
8:48 you dropped the bike next to yours on the rack... not good dude
@@phxrsx Other side of the rack, not much he could do at that point, “a little too late to do the right thing now” as the song goes...
Good job, really liked this one! I’ll use all those tips 💯
Question though about the first point about kicking like crazy during the last 100 meters. I've understood that the reason why it has been recommended to kick harder during the last 100 meters is to get the blood fully circulating through the legs so it counteracts the absolute displacement of blood to your head when you start running. I darn near passed out on my first Olympic triathlon during transition because of this very thing.
Is the Deck-out training really good for counter-acting the blood rushing out of your head because you "train" your body to simply deal with it? I'm just trying to better understand the theory because a combination of both (well, lesser on the leg sprint kick at the end of the swim and more of the deck-out idea) might be a more optimal solution where you get the best of both worlds.
I know there could be countless exceptions, but one I would suggest after a swim in a colder temp is to change into something warmer. UBC does an event each year in the first week of March. Starts with a pool swim but then outside for the rest. Temp started below 0 C (32 F) by the end of my day it was maybe 5 C. I took a long 10 min transition but for the rest of the event I was comfortable which will impact your experience drastically.
Tarek - excellent advice ! Thank you
Awesome!! Helpful!!!
9:42 how did that tri top water sail sound :D ? Love these videos :).
Good timing.. Of to IM Thailand the weekend
Loved this video! Thank you!!!!
Thank you! Great info!
How much practice with the shoes on the bike before you try it in a race?
lovin the content ,thanks for all the good advice ! One question i am going to be trying my first triathlon and i understand what you said about building the power up over time to reduce fatigue later on i think i may have a problem there as i m riding over natural hilly mountain terrain no roads so i may not have that luxury of maintaining low HR is there anything i can do to help with this ?
How do you put on the shoes when they are on the bike already?
Heidi Herd TH-cam “flying mount” it’s not a hard skill to learn. Took my an hour in an afternoon
Triathlon bike shoes are velcro: leave the velcro open, jump on the bike, pedal with your feet on top of the shoes, then when you get a moment slip your feet into the shoes, reach down and do up the velcro. Done!
This is not capturing the needs of many women who race. I can assure you we'd be DQ'd if we only wore shorts in the water.
Step 3: lol in which triathlon you have the choice ??
We always have a number with a given place
Yes, I thought this was a weird comment from him. It's actually a lot better to have designated places, imagine the carnage and upset about people trying for the 'best places' ..... The best you can do in the transition area is to rememebr where your bike is.... But yes, you cna never choose your place.
Hey Taren, great video! I am doing my first 70.3 this summer (Muskoka) and as it is a wetsuit legal race, I recently bought the Aquasphere Pursuit Tri Wetsuit from MEC. I chose my size according to the recommendation but when I put it on, it pinches me in my armpits as well as chokes me a little bit if I look down. I realize that when swimming I will not be looking down. I also need help pulling the back in to zip it up. Does this indicate that it is too small or is this normal? Thank you!
Jeremy Canham , I’m not Taren but here are my 2 cents worth. If your description is for the “dry” fit experience then the suit is likely the right size for you. These suits tend to give a little bit when in the water and the pinch and claustrophobic sensation goes away after being in the water for a minute or 2. Also, I noticed that my wetsuit became slightly larger AKA more comfortable after I had used it for a couple of open water swims. If you haven’t done so yet take your new wetsuit for a slow pace 30 minute test swim and see what happens. Hope this helps.
See you in Muskoka :)
@@seirvedsirob Thank you very much! I have not worn it in the water yet. Thank you for your input - I will definitely give it a try!
@@CossetteJeremy See ya!
There's lots of video's on putting on suits to pull slack into the torso of the suit. When I put my suit on in a hurry I have the same issue's but if you take the time to pull fabric into the body (I actually get a friend or family member to help) it helps the suit feel a lot more roomy
Hi Taren! You forgot the part, where to put on the BIB-Nr. in T1. I did this mistake once and had to run back to get my BIB-Nr. on. Fail.... ;-)
How to get a wetsuit off quickly. That is something I would like to know.
Step 1, cut 2-4 inches off the legs. They're cone shaped and by cutting them higher you make the foot hole bigger and you're not going to lose body very much heat from 4 inches of exposed ankle. Depending on the suit and if you have trouble getting hands out you may want to do this to the arms but I personally don't. Step 2 pre-lube, using a wetsuit safe lube, use twice as much as seems necessary on your lower legs, arms, shoulders and neck. Step 3, as soon as you can stand up, lift your goggles so you can see. step 4 while you run to your bike unzip the suit, then pull your arms out one at a time (not both I've seen people get suck kinda like a straight jacket if you do this). step 5 pull the suit down to your hips. Step 6 when you get you your bike grab your suit and pull it as low as you can. Step 7 start stomping one foot then the other while doing that do up your helmet. By the time your helmet is on your suit will have slipped off your newly bigger foot holes. If its stuck (usually only ever gets stuck on one foot at most, reach down and use your hand to unhook it from your heals. Throw it into your transition spot/bag/tub depending on the race rules and you're off.
Show us how to rubber band our bike shoes so they don’t flop as we leave transitions...
what about those of us who wear socks????
You don’t swim with your nutrition in your kit do you, that seems outrageous even if it’s under wetsuit
But ... socks?! 😉