Tuesday, 09 March 2010 13:27
what makes triathlon cool?
Being challenged by one sport is not enough for triathletes. They take on three - on the same day - with just a quick transition between the three. Traditionally, triathlon (swim/bike/run) happens in the warm months, and duathlon (run/bike/run) in winter. Winter triathlons allow the tri-animals on the warmer eastern board of South Africa to race throughout the year.
equipment
A wetsuit is necessary for some cold water races, especially in the Cape, and its buoyancy improves swim performance too. On the bike, tri-bars allow better use of major muscle groups, and encourage an aerodynamic position. Light running shoes, and comfortable shorts and vest to both run and bike in are essential.
training for novices
Twice a day for the dedicated. Brick training (back-to-back sessions of two disciplines) simulates changeovers. Learning to find a rhythm on the run leg after your bike session is important to develop. Join a local club, which in turn is registered to Triathlon SA. Only registered athletes are considered for provincial or national representation.
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safety
As triathlon incorporates swimming, cycling and running it goes without saying that you should follow the safety guidelines for these three sports. Never train alone during open water swimming, always wear a helmet while cycling and make sure you are visible. The same goes for running, make sure you are visible and let someone know the route you are taking.
fuel yourself
Don't use new products on race day - test at least five times before events. Train with what you're going to race with.
pro tips
Former SA triathlon champ and current BSG Energade Traithlon series champ Andrea Steyn, gives her top 10 tips for after a race.
1. Always do a cooldown!
2. Eat/drink something small as soon as you can (banana, rec drink)
3. Put on something warm
4. Eat a proper meal within two hours
5. Get a rub down/massage and compression gear
6. Take a short nap
7. Ice bath
8. Stretching
9. Make sure you have all your equipment
10. Celebrate your performance!!
contacts & events
The Olympic or Standard triathlon distance is 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run. Popular examples are seen at selected races at the Compendium Multisport Series in KZN, and the Troisport Joburg Tri Series in Gauteng. There are less events offering these distances compared to the Sprint or Half standard distance of 800m/20km/5km. This has been the biggest and fastest-growing segment of triathlon, as shown by the success of the BSG/Energade Triathlon Series. The new kid on the block is the 70.3 Ironman franchise, named after the total distance in miles of 1.9km swim, 90km bike and 21.1km run. South Africa's Spec-Savers 70.3 Ironman in East London is poised to become the biggest 70.3 event in the world in 2010. The ultimate challenge for most triathletes is the Ironman distance, which doubles the distance of 70.3 to a 3.8km swim, 180km bike and a full marathon run (42.2km) at the end. The 2010 version of the Spec-Savers Ironman South Africa is the first with an entry cut-off, with huge interest from overseas athletes expected.
Off-road triathlons like the Duesouth XTERRA Series are gaining in popularity as city slickers look to the countryside for weekend getaways. You'll need a reasonable mountain bike, and do some running in parks to prepare for the bumpy bits.
Contact: Triathlon SA www.triathlonsa.co.za
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