(Click on a question to get the answer)

• I assume we can enter any of the races without having done the previous ones?

• Do we have to wear a specific t-shirt??

• Please advise me on the range of swimmers in this series...…. are you expecting only very competent swimmers or mid to low range are ok as well?

• Could you please tell me what swimming styles are allowed in the triathlon? I am not a strong freestyle swimmer but my backstroke and breaststroke styles are ok. Would it be ok to swim these styles for the events?

• I am really struggling with the swim in the 50m pool. If we have trouble, will we be able to stop to catch our breath between lengths if we need to?

• Do all swimmers take off at once or are the starts done in waves?

• As for gear, I assume compulsories are swimming cap, goggles and bike helmet?

• In a triathlon, do you wear togs that you can bike and run in? I presume you want to minimise the clothes you take off/put on at the transitions.

• As this is the first tri we are doing, not sure about how we go about getting changed from togs to bike gear, can we change in the changing rooms or is it an outdoor thing? What do most women do that have to wear a bra due to having breast fed babies?

• Any hints on how to make the day fun?

• Is the transition area first in first served, and are they the bike racks which you hook either your seat or handlebars on?

• Are there any rules in the transition area?

• Is there only one briefing, on the day of the race?

• How is the timing done, electronically? Are the times accurate?

• Is the run for the Triathlon on grass or sealed path as I have only been training on grass?

• Can I use a mountain bike on the cycle?

• What does it mean by triathlon walk/run and duathlon walk/run?

Answers

Q: I assume we can enter any of the races without having done the previous ones? 

A: Yes you can enter any event without having done the previous ones. We structure the series so you can treat each event individually or you can compete for a series placing in each age group by doing all three events. 

Q: Do we have to wear a specific t-shirt?? 

A: No you do not have to wear the event t-shirt. You can wear whatever you want.

Q: Please advise me on the range of swimmers in this series...…. are you expecting only very competent swimmers or mid to low range are ok as well? 

A: Many of the women who do the PhysioMed Triathlons are not competent swimmers and find swimming is their weakest discipline. Do not be put off thinking you are not a good swimmer and will be left behind. These triathlons encourage women who have not competed before to give it a go.

Q: Could you please tell me what swimming styles are allowed in the triathlon? I am not a strong freestyle swimmer but my backstroke and breaststroke styles are ok. Would it be ok to swim these styles for the events?

A: Yes you may complete the swim in whichever stroke you feel most comfortable with – it doesn’t have to be freestyle.

Q: I am really struggling with the swim in the 50m pool. If we have trouble, will we be able to stop to catch our breath between lengths if we need to? 

A: You may stop at any time to catch your breath – either turn over on your back for a rest, change your stroke to breast stroke or stop at the each end of the pool for a rest.

Q: Do all swimmers take off at once or are the starts done in waves? 

A: We will start the swim in waves with 10 starting in each wave. As one group starts the swim then the next group will get in the water and start a minute later.

Q: As for gear, I assume compulsories are swimming cap, goggles and bike helmet? 

A: Bike helmets approved to Snell, ANSI or NZ safety standards are compulsory. Goggles are your choice but personally I wouldn’t swim without them. 

Q: In a triathlon, do you wear togs that you can bike and run in? I presume you want to minimise the clothes you take off/put on at the transitions. 

A: : It is beneficial to wear minimum clothing but it depends on what the weather on the day and how comfortable you feel. Some ladies bike and run in their swim suit but most wear a pair of lycra shorts that are like bike shorts but do not have the padding, They have a small pad for comfort that you can run/walk in. You can either wear your swim suit underneath them or shorts and a good sports bra. (Visit Shoe Clinic and see the range of Shock Absorber Bras – the best I have worn, Barbara). Depending on the weather, you can either bike in your shorts or swimsuit, if it is cool, put an outer layer of a thermal top and/or jacket in transition. It is far better to take a few moments in transition rather than get chilled on your cycle leg. Do have a practice training in the clothes you think you will use on the day; some swimsuits and shorts are just not comfortable to bike and run in.

Q: As this is the first tri we are doing, not sure about how we go about getting changed from togs to bike gear, can we change in the changing rooms or is it an outdoor thing? What do most women do that have to wear a bra due to having breast fed babies? 

A: Wear your togs for the swim with a bra underneath. When you exit the swim you run/walk to your bike in transition. There you put on any other clothing you want to wear on the bike over your togs, e.g. thermal top, jacket, fitting shorts. Or if weather is ok and you are comfortable, cycle and run in your togs and bra. Take a couple of moments in transition to make sure you are warm.

Q: Any hints on how to make the day fun? 

A: For a fun day......make sure you have checked your bike well, have it serviced at least two weeks before the event (see Greg at Fleet Cycles!) and ride it to make sure your gears, brakes etc are working well. Make a check list of what you want to take on the day....see the suggestions on the web site........try not to stress out in the morning, put on your ipod, get organised in transition and go for a walk, sit in the car and have some food or do whatever it takes to remain calm.......make sure you supporters have packed a picnic lunch for you!

Q: Is the transition area first in first served, and are they the bike racks which you hook either your seat or handlebars on? 

A: The transition is set up so that no one gets an unfair advantage. The rows will have coloured markers at each end for you to remember where you put your bike. It is best to hook your bike on under the seat. There will be an area without bike racks for bikes with their own stand to be placed. 

Q: Are there any rules in the transition area? 

A: Rules are minimal but you may not get any outside help from spectators etc. It is an individual event so you must do the transitions on your own. Also we have to keep the area clear so it doesn’t get too congested and for security reasons. Other than that just good courtesy so you don’t hinder other competitors and do not get on your bike until you are out on the road.

Is there only one briefing, on the day of the race? 

A: There is only one briefing, which is 30 minutes before the start of the event and which everyone must attend. There is also event information on the entry form and on the website which you must read before the event.

Q: How is the timing done, electronically? Are the times accurate? 

A: The timing is done electronically and a manual back up. The computer program we use has been written especially for triathlon and multisport and we have been using it for over 10 years now. It is extremely accurate.

Q: Is the run for the Triathlon on grass or sealed path as I have only been training on grass? 

A: In the events at QEII the run is a mixture of grass, sealed paths and a fine shingle path.

Q: Can I use a mountain bike on the cycle? 

A: You do not need to have the most expensive racing bike available. You can use a mountain bike, touring bike or a racing bike. The most important points are that it is the right size for you and it has been well serviced for your safety.

Q: What does it mean by triathlon walk/run and duathlon walk/run?

A: The difference between the run/walk categories for both the Triathlon and Duathlon is fairly straightforward. If you enter the run category (eg. Triathlon run) you can run or walk (or both) on the last stage. But if you enter the walk category (eg. Duathlon walk) you can only walk on the last stage (whether that is a race walk or slow stroll is up to you, but you can't break into a run ---- although we won't have walk judges out there to make sure you have one foot in contact with the ground at all times!!). We introduced the walk option as some people find running too difficult or are unable to run due to leg problems etc., and so it gives those people a chance to compete with others on a similar level, and not feel they can't compete because they are unable to run.