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What do you need for your first triathlon? Be well prepared at the start with the tips from Claudia Striekwold.

What do you need for your first triathlon? Be well prepared at the start of your first competition with the tips from Claudia Striekwold.

Race day is coming!!

On race day you want to be well prepared at the start. What do you need for that first match? There are a lot of lists that you can use as a checklist on competition day. This way you avoid forgetting essential things, as it is quite a logistical undertaking. A large triathlon backpack is therefore an unnecessary luxury.

I always try to visualize my race in advance from start to finish. Concerns supplies, logistics (in/out transition zones), courses, weather conditions and nutrition. Of course you sometimes encounter unexpected things (flat tire, change of course, cancellation of swimming section, stomach/intestinal problems, etc.). Try to remain calm and respond to what seems best to you at that moment. Here are my tips:

• If possible, see if you can explore (part of) the route in advance. This way you know where, for example, the water, difficult bends, height differences, etc. Check the route maps for where the aid stations are if you want to use them.
• Be there well in time before your start to prepare your things, this will prevent stress. In some (larger) races, the bike is “checked in” the day before the race and you can add your nutrition etc. on the race day.
• Bring a brightly colored towel so that you can easily find your place in the transition area.
• Clothing; A nice triathlon suit . The difference with running/cycling clothing? It dries quickly (already wear it under your wetsuit), it contains only a thin chamois so that it does not bother you when walking and it is made of aerodynamic material. The choice is huge, a trisuit (in one piece), with/or without sleeves, 2 separate parts as in a top and shorts (think of long-distance triathlon and toilet use). With or without pockets for your sports nutrition. Zipper at the front or back. Try on different things, and make sure it's comfortable.
• You wear your starting number on a starting number band , which in most cases you wear with the bicycle part. You wear the band on your back during the cycling part and turn the number on your stomach while walking. You can also take extra food (gels, gummy bars ) with you in the loops of your band.
• During my competitions I like to use sports nutrition, such as energy drinks and energy gels. Do you want to use sports nutrition during the race? Then try this out in your training. Before your race, consider what and how much you need, and at what times you will take it (sports drinks, bars, gels, recovery). I train and race with 226ERS , who have a super wide range and have different flavors and substances of sports nutrition for every type of training/race.

My first timer tips;

• Swimming; Putting on the wetsuit takes time. Use some oil to quickly remove it after swimming. Make sure you have had your last visit to the toilet before wearing it completely. If swimming is not your best part, choose a smart position (not at the front) so that you do not end up in the crowd. Keep outside of the buoys. Take a bottle of water with you to take another sip (and a gel?) in the starting area and to rinse your glasses before putting them on. A pair of old slippers / hotel slippers are ideal if you have to walk to the swimming start and have to wait on cold ground.
• Misuse; You can open/partially remove the wetsuit as soon as you are on shore. Keep calm and practice the substitution beforehand. Choose the order that is convenient for you: putting on your helmet, putting on your shoes and putting on your starting number band. Choose triathlon cycling shoes for a quick change.
• To run; choose quick elastic laces , so you don't have to tie your laces during your change. Saves again!

Good luck! Greetings, Claudia

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