Triathlon Transition Tips From 7 Tri Experts

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Triathlon Transition Tip No.5: Anticipate the Change
Lynda Wallenfels

"Bike shoes in the pedals. Coasting down the course at 15 mph while you put your feet in your shoes will move you far ahead of your buddy sitting on his butt in T1 doing the same task.

"Set your bike up in the transition area with your shoes attached to the pedals and rubber bands looped between the heels and frame, holding the shoes horizontal. On leaving T1, pedal with your feet on top of your shoes.

"Once you are cruising at speed, coast and slip your feet into your shoes. Keep your eyes ahead on the road, not down on your feet. On the return, slip your feet out of your shoes before you reach T2. Learn this skill first on an indoor trainer before taking it out on the open road."

More: Triathlon Transition Tips from Lynda Wallenfels

Triathlon Transition Tip No.6: Dress Like It's the 80s
Andrew Kalley

"Don't Wear Socks. There is no need for socks. Socks are traditionally worn to help reduce rubbing in your running or cycling shoes.

"However, in a race, getting a sock on an already clammy or wet foot could take some serious time. Rub BodyGlide, petroleum jelly or another anti-chafing product into your shoes before the race begins. This will help minimize chafing, blistering and hot spots, and will make sliding into your shoes that much easier.

"Who needs socks anyway?"

More: Triathlon Transition Tips from Andrew Kalley

Triathlon Transition Tip No.7: Simplify Your Space
Joanna Zieger

"There is no ideal way to arrange your space in the transition area. The best you can do is to make sure that each item is easily accessible so that you can move through quickly without forgetting anything.

"I set out a towel next to my bike with my running paraphernalia on it. I place my race belt and hat underneath my running shoes so they are easy to grab after I put on my shoes. Since I do not wear socks for the run, I smear Vaseline onto the insides of my shoes to help reduce friction.

"I clip my cycling shoes into the pedals, and place my helmet on the aerobars with the sunglasses in the helmet. If you prefer putting on your cycling shoes prior to mounting your bike, set the shoes on the towel in front of your running gear. I loosen the straps to my cycling shoes as much as possible for easy foot entry. "

More: Triathlon Transition Tips from Joanna Zeiger

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