I'm entering my first triathlon this spring and I would like know how much time I am likely to spend in the transition zones.
I am aiming to do a sprint triathlon and I have looked at the results for last year to try and gauge where I might finish. I know roughly what I can do for each event (adding on time for tiredness) but I have little idea of how long I might spend in the two transitions.
Is it typically about 2 minutes at each changeover, or is it much more. I appreciate that every event will be different and I can imagine some events the transition probably feels like an event in its own right - but what is usual?
One further question: how are the times measured for each event? Does the swim time end when you leave the pool or when you mount the bike, or somewhere in between? Similarly, in the cycle to run transition, where does the cycle time end?
I guess I'll find out soon enough - May - providing I get a place in the Tadcaster triathlon - but it would be good know in advance.
Any replies gratefully received.
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T1 - 1min or less
T2 - 30seconds
but you can work up to that.
plus time to get to/from your spot.
timing depends on the event.
logistically i think it is easier for them to just note times at the bike entry/exit and finish. meaning swim time often includes T1 and run time often includes T2.
i usually try and keep the splits on my watch too but i usually forget to start it :-)
I spend ages in transition as didn’t have a tri suit last year (maybe 6 mins in total) that includes the run-in/run-out though as said its sometimes obsorbed into swim or run times.
I spend a total of 11 mins in transition at London Tri but then the run-in/out was about 500m.
If its your first Tri, go out to enjoy it and use as a info finding exercise. You can concentrate on your transition times as you improve.
I’ve since been advised that there should be no real need for socks if you’re running 5k or less. I will definitely practice before I tackle the much bigger Eton Sprint in early summer.
Maybe next time - try 'L' and 'R' on your shoes ?
;-)
Quickest way is to swim in your tri suit and leave the socks (if you need them) until T2 when your feet will be drier.
If you clip your shoes to the bike then T1 is just getting your helmet on, number belt and grab your bike. T2 is helmet off and change shoes. Having elastic laces will save you lots of time.
I can't do the shoes clipped to the bike thing yet so waste time faffing about with them. My London T1 time was 4:00 mins, Sherborne T1 4:08. London T2 2:20, Sherborne T2 1:58. My fastest T2 time was at Sevenoaks where I left the shoes clipped to the bike, I barely stood still for more than a few seconds. They don't time transition so I didn't get a time for it.
I plan to do my triathlons in a tri suit. So that should cut down any thrashing around with change of clothing. My helmet is one of those with the plastic fasteners so I don't have to spend time threading the straps through a buckle like on my old one, and my cycling shoes have a quick ratchet fastening mechanism.
I don't mind running without socks but I don't think I would try cycling without them. Anwyay I have some of those trainer socks which I can usually put on in a second even with wet feet.
I think I will take Mr Ollier's advice and practise transitions in my garden. There's even a pond in it which I could perhaps incorporate in some way.
Just practice and make sure you place everything where you want it. what works for one does not always work for others it is what feels right for you.
1. Roll your socks up pre-race. Like put them on, then roll them down off your foot. Makes 'em easier to put on w/wet feet.
2. baby powder in bike shoes eases wet socked feet in.
3. get those elastic shoestring things for your run shoes...no tie time wasted.
4. Depending on how proficient you are with the bike shoes, try practicing slipping them off as you roll up to T2, that way you dont have to mess with uncleating, unfastening, etc.
Well that's my 4 quid from this side of the pond.
Practising transition is a big help in sorting out exactly where/how to lay out your gear and in what order to put it on.
Don't forget to use a number belt, or a plain piece of elastic if you haven't got a belt - the number has to be on your back on the bike and on your front during the run, so you waste a lot of time turning it round if the number is pinned on to clothing. If you're wearing glasses or sunglasses, put your helmet upside down and the glasses inside. Elementary tips, but they work.
Roger