October 25, 2018

Preparing Yourself for a Triathlon in the Days Prior

Best Triathlon Trainers Washington, DC

Triathlon training can be intense, exciting and nerve-wracking, depending on if the competitor has ever participated in such a race before. In the days prior to the triathlon, a competitor may have questions about how to organize themselves so they do not forget anything. In the midst of nerves, it can be easy to forget even the simplest of things. Here are some suggestions from the best triathlon trainers Washington, DC offers at Team Z for how to prepare oneself for a triathlon race the days prior, the night before and the day of the race:

What should I do days before the race?

The days before the triathlon may be filled with anxiety and apprehension. A competitor may take the time to run through his or her checklist one more time, to make sure everything is in order. To help alleviate pre-triathlon nerves, you may want to do the following:

  • Gather a special needs bag that entails food, drink, energy supplies and lube
  • Practice a dry run of the race transitions to check that your gear has been organized correctly
  • Do a brief exam of your bike by checking brakes, tire pressures, etc.
  • If you want to wear a fitness monitor, see that the battery is fully charged so it does not turn off in the middle of the race
  • Label your gear with your name and phone number, including the inside of your shoes, tag of your wetsuit, helmet, other articles of clothing, etc.
  • Clip your toenails so they do not bother you as you run or bike
  • Check to see if the race organizers require competitors to add reflective tape to their gear or clothing
  • Make a very short checklist for morning of, to make sure you eat a good breakfast and don’t forget anything as you head out the door
  • Do not use the triathlon as your first time trying out new gear
  • Check the directions from race start, to race finish
  • Study the course so you can anticipate turns, downhills, steep uphills, flats
  • Make sure you know where the first aid stations are

What should I have to eat the morning of the triathlon?

For breakfast, eat the types of foods that you would normally, so your stomach does not have to work through breaking down items it has never had before. Examples of food to eat for breakfast include protein, some healthy fats, and carbohydrates. The three days before your event, you may want to prepare a diet that contains:

  • Chicken, fish or turkey
  • Avocados, nuts or olives
  • Fruits and veggies
  • Whole grains, beans

How important is sleep the night before?

Getting enough sleep the night prior to the triathlon can have a huge impact on how well the competitor performs. Because of this pressure, a competitor may find it difficult to fall asleep. Go to bed early, so you can give your body enough wind-down time to transition into sleep. Those who are not typically early risers may want to set multiple alarms, so they are not worried about sleeping through one alarm.