January 21, 2019
Triathlon Day Tips
Best Triathlon Trainers Virginia
You’ve been training hard for the triathlon for months and race day is finally here. You feel both excited and nervous. To ensure that the entire day goes as smoothly as possible, it is important to be prepared. Here are several triathlon day tips to follow:
Eat a Light Meal
While it’s important to fuel your body with food before the triathlon, you should be careful not to eat too much. If you eat a very big breakfast, it can actually slow you down and possibly give you stomach cramps. Have something light and easy on your stomach, like a bowl of oatmeal with berries. It will give you the energy you need for the race. In addition, eat your meal no later than an hour before the race. If you eat too close to the race, you could experience cramps.
Drink Plenty of Water
When you are running a race like the triathlon, staying hydrated is critical. Being even a little dehydrated can slow you down. Drink at least a glass or two of water before you leave the house that day and continue to stay hydrated as the day goes on. Decide if you prefer to race with a water bottle or stop at water stations throughout the race.
Give Yourself a Pep Talk
It is normal to feel nervous on race day. However, if you let your nerves get the best of you, it could impede your performance. Before you leave the house, you should give yourself a little pep talk. Remind yourself about how hard you have trained for this race and that you are as ready as you can be.
Arrive Early
It is a good idea to arrive at least an hour early to the race. This gives you time to become comfortable with your surroundings and know where the start and finish lines are. You will also have a chance to warm up properly for the race. Whether you run in place or do jumping jacks, warming up increases blood flow to your muscles and makes less prone to injuries.
Bring Friends or Family
Ask your friends and family members if they would like to accompany you to the race. If you know that you have others cheering you on, it can give you that extra motivation to go faster. You will be less likely to stop and give up if you know your loved ones are waiting for you at the finish line.
Use Other Athletes to Motivate You
When you are feeling tired during the race, use your fellow athletes as a motivator. Pick an athlete who is not too far ahead of you and try to catch up to that person.
If you follow these tips, you can have a successful race. If you need assistance training for the trace, consider hiring the best triathlon trainers Virginia offers at Team Z. A coach can help you accomplish your goals and keep you accountable.