First of all, congratulations! Deciding to enter your very first proper triathlon is a big step, and you should be proud of yourself. You’re about to discover a whole new world of intense competition and camaraderie. And while — as you’ll soon find out — racing can be hard, I think you’ll also find out that it can be very rewarding, just so long as you don’t overreach and keep your goals at a personal level. For example, when lots and lots of people pass you, don’t think “Oh no! These people are beating me!” Instead, think, “These people are not competing against me; they are competing with me. My objective is simply to finish this race in under twelve hours, or thirteen if it comes to that.”
You’ll be amazed how much better you feel!
But I don’t want to spend this whole letter giving you a pep-talk, Graham. No. I’m writing this letter to give you practical, useful advice you can use on your race right now.
At the Starting Line
Since you’re not used to big races — and especially since you’ve never raced without pool ropes— you’re going to be a little bit overwhelmed at the starting line. There is a huge crowd there, and you may feel intimidated. But don’t worry; you’ll be fine. Just follow these tips:
- Start from the appropriate place in line. Assess yourself honestly — do you belong at the front of the line where everyone’s going to be jockeying for position, or would it be more prudent to place yourself further back, where there’s more of a ride-and-let-ride mentality?
- Don’t surge forward off the line. It’s an easy water start. Don’t go attacking right off the line. You might punch someone and make that person very, very angry. And don’t wear an iPod at the starting line either you may electrocute yourself.
- Careful of the Cannon. They usually like to start the race off by firing a cannon. If it catches you unawares, you would not be the first person to shit yourself before the race even starts, that comes later in the race.
Long Distance
This isn’t a sprint race, Graham and it will take a while. You may get bored so. So pay attention! Stay loose. And don’t, for crying out loud, go crosschaining your bike. (Crosschaining is when you have both your front and rear cogs in the largest gears, or when you have both in the smallest gears. And it’s not a good idea.)
Passing Etiquette
Next, you need to be aware that from time to time, people will certainly want to pass you. I know you might not be used to this. With more than a thousand people on the course, this may happen more often than you might expect!
When those people want to get by, they will generally yell “On your left!” or “On your right!”
Graham, I cannot overstress the importance of what those riders mean.
When someone says, “On your left!” that does not mean you should move left. No, it does not. It means the person wants to go by on your left side. Please try to remember that, Graham.
And, by the way, in the interest of good sportsmanship, you should let people by when they want to go by. Remember: you’re not racing against these people. You’re just racing against the clock. It’s just that a whole bunch of other people are there at the same time, also racing the clock.
Endurance Racing Tips
Graham, I have to admit that I’m a little bit surprised that you chose Challenge Barcelona as your first-ever Ironman distance race. Did you realize that a lot of people take close to — or even more than — twelve hours to finish this?
This is not just one of those 45-minute rides you’re used to doing on the road, Graham! Here are a few tips to make the day go by a little more swiftly:
- Use some chamois lube. I recommend Dave Zabriskie’s Nuts. (In fact, I believe almost everyone likes Dave Zabriskie’s Nuts.) You’ll find that your ass — no doubt not used to the punishment of long hours in the saddle can bring — will be glad you did.
- Use a Camelbak: You want to stay hydrated, and you may not be proficient at grabbing a bottle while riding a bike. Also, a Camelbak can be very helpful if you’re going to be out between aid stations for a very long time, which may be the case: in one case there is 20 miles before you get to an aid station!
- Don’t get discouraged. Sometime during this race you’re going to get tired, and people are going to start passing you, left and right. Don’t let this get you down! Just remember, you’re in this for the long haul. Try singing yourself a merry tune to lift your spirits.
- Carry Wet wipes. At some point you are going to have to go in a public place. Remember that Graham. Don't be embarrassed. Be prepared, have something to wipe with otherwise you will chaff.
Graham, I think this is going to be a tough race for you, but totally worth it. Just remember: you’re better than you think you are, and you can do more than you think you can. Free your mind and your ass will follow.
Kind Regards,
Jens
No comments:
Post a Comment