In the sport of Triathlon, it is referred to as the staging area where you keep your stuff for the race itself.
All aspects of the event come through the transition area, you need to set your small slice of heaven up as efficiently as possible to alleviate any delays on your overall time.
Once the clock starts, it doesn't stop until you cross the finish line, so a quick transition is crucial to a fast time.
1.
Pick out your spot! The morning of the race you will need to get your area set up for the race itself.
Most transition areas are a pre-determined fenced off area that only the athletes can access.
Once inside you will find long bars setup that act as bicycle racks, welcome to the club! The first thing to do is pick out your spot, most races don't have assigned seating, meaning it's first come first serve.
The big thing I look at is the proximity to the swim exit and the bike exit.
You have to make a decision whether to run barefoot across pavement, or if you want to run with your bike to the exit.
Personally, I opt for running barefoot, in most cases you cannot ride your bike inside the transition area, so if you are far away this could impact your overall time.
2.
Setup your area! This section is open to all kinds of personal preference, but I'll give you my take, and you can formulate your own plan of action.
I usually bring my bag of supplies in with me, here is a rundown of everything I have at my disposal
- Bike Helmet (can't race without it)
- Towel
- Running Shoes
- Socks
- Water Bottles
- Fuel (i.
e.
granola bars, banana or other easy to carry food)
Some people place it on the rack by the seat, others use the handlebars, it's really up to you, however you can get it and go the quickest way possible.
Generally you will have an area about 2 feet wide x 5 feet long to set up in, be cognisant of the other athletes and don't just sprawl all over the place, keep it neat! I usually lay down a towel next to my bike, this allows for drying off your feet, or wiping off sand or dirt from running from the swim area.
Believe me you don't want that in your shoes during the bike and run!! Some people attach their bike shoes to the pedals before the race (if you use clipless pedals).
I don't do that, as I find it difficult to put them on while trying to ride.
It definitely takes practice, and again, is a personal preference.
If you don't attach them, then lay them next to your bike, make sure they are easily accessible and are ready to put on.
You don't want to have to untie or undo straps on your shoes, so get them ready to slip on quickly.
If you decided to wear socks, have them laying across the tops of your shoes for easy access.
Your running shoes will sit directly next to your bike shoes, again, nice and neat, unlaced and loose ready to slip on.
Lay your bike helmet upside down on your handlebars or shoes, with the straps visibly hanging out on the sides.
I suggest putting your helmet on first thing out of the swim so it doesn't get left behind.
If you elect to wear a shirt, have it laying across your bike for easy access.
Any food, water, energy bars need to be laid out also, make sure you have everything you need.
I would suggest just wearing the same pair of shorts or swimsuit throughout the race, it takes too much time to change and race organizers usually frown on nudity in the transition area! Tuck any remaining stuff in your duffle bag or whatever you brought in and put it under your bike out of the way.
You will be assigned a number on race day, and most likely get a sticker of some sort to place on your bike.
This ensures no one will walk out with your high dollar machine while you're not around.
I have raced for 15 years and have never had a situation with theft, Triathletes are usually a great bunch of people.
Remember, speed is the name of the game, whatever setup allows you to quickly move from one discipline to the next as quickly as possible is the ultimate goal.
Hopefully this info helps alleviate some butterflies before race day.
Good Luck with your race and most of all have fun!