Getting in to Triathlon? Here are our top tips…

Training for your first triathlon can be exciting, but the thought of race day can be overwhelming.
We’ve put together a few tips for our active feet triathlon season first-timers that will have you
crossing the line comfortably, with a hunger for the next race.
1. Socks v No socks?

If you’ve ever tried putting socks on wet feet you would have realised it’s not easy! Add to that
numbness from the cold swim and it can become seemingly impossible. Many people find that if they
want socks on for the run, it can be easiest to do this AFTER the ride. Like each of our other tips,
the key is to get plenty of practice during your training to determine what will work best for YOU.
Wearing no socks will certainly shave some time off your transition; however the downside during the
run is the increased potential for blisters. Tip: Putting a bit of Vaseline around the arch section
of the sock liner will help reduce the friction that causes blisters commonly in this area.
2. Elastic laces, your triathlon MUST HAVE!

The simple, yet ingenious idea of elastic or ‘no tie’ laces will also have you saving precious time
transition. The key with these ‘must haves’ is to limit them to your race days or your brick sessions
(when practicing running off the bike). Using them regularly for all your training will compromise
the fit and support of your shoe.
3. What’s all the fuss about ‘racing shoes’?

Racing shoes are a light weight version of a running shoe. Unfortunately though, in order to reduce
the weight of the shoe the cushioning and support systems are compromised. For those who are injury
free and wanting a light ride for the run leg then racing shoes are the way to go. Our best advice for
triathlon first-timers would be to complete the run leg in your training shoes until you are confident
your body will be able to adapt to a lighter, less structured shoe. This is something that will
again require lots of attention during your training runs.
4. Anti-chaffing tricks

With a combined moisture build-up of sweat plus water from the swim triathletes are likely to experience
chaffing at some stage. If you haven’t had the opportunity to do a triathlon practice run then I
suggest you plan for the worst. Our best solution is Body Glide anti-chafe balm which should be applied
preventatively to high risk areas like arches, inner arms, inner thighs and for men, nipples. Other
popular remedies include bepanthen or Vaseline. A top tip to reduce time wasting in the transition area
is to stick a blob of Vaseline to the bike rack that can be easily scooped up in a smooth and swift
transition and applied during the run.
And our top tips extend further then just race day, be certain to plan your rest aswell making sure you
get ample QUALITY sleep in the nights leading up to your races, and don’t forget to make sensible footwear
choices the day before. Try not to spend the day before your triathlon walking around in your thongs or
barefeet, unless that is normal for you, your calves and arches will have to work overtime if you are not
conditioned to this. We hope this advice will help you cross the finishing line strongly and safely,
and kick start your triathlon career!