Steelhead Race Report: T1

To read the previous part of the series please follow this link.

T1 is first transition when a triathlete moves from the swimming leg to cycling leg.

Getting out of the water of Lake Michigan I unzipped my wetsuit, pulled my arms out of the suit and pushed the top down to my waist so that I could still run to the transition area. I felt a little dizzy which I’ve been told is a common phenomenon of long open water swims. (I’ll have to try earplugs which I’ve been told helps with the dizziness.)

Once I reached the beach there was a long run to the transition area. I would guess that it was about 400 meters on a cement path. I was glad to get out of the water and get my wetsuit off as it was getting hot in one of these things. There was a fair amount of onlookers cheering us on which always helps. I didn’t spot my family. They usually root for me, which motivates me to keep going.

The race entry number identifies each transition area. Prior to the race, we were allowed to set up our transition area as we saw fit. Each transition area spot has the same distance to travel so that no one has an advantage over each other. I set up my area with the biking equipment near the front, the running equipment behind it and with just enough space at the end to place my swimming gear.

Once I reached my spot, I took a large gulp of Gatorade and went to work trying to transition from the swim to the bike. I stepped on the towel and pulled the wetsuit down past my shins so that I was able to step on the wetsuit while pulling each leg out. This seemed to work somewhat, but I should have practiced this a few time more so to get better at it. I finally was able to take the wetsuit off, and threw it towards the back of the area.

Prior to the race, I’ve been milling over the idea of getting a trisuit, which is an article of clothing that can be worn throughout the race, under the wetsuit, during the bike and run. They do save some time during the transition as you don’t need to change your clothes, but I decided to go with the cycling jersey and running tank top instead. The shorts I use are a pair of Zoot tri shorts, which can and are worn throughout the race.

Standing on the towel, I dried my feet and put on my cycling jersey followed by my socks. I then put on my glasses on which where in my helmet in the transition area. I slipped into my bike shoes. (Many racers have their shoes on their pedals already, I’ve yet to master being able to put your shoes on while riding a bike.) Lastly, I put on my helmet and ran towards the transition exit. (You can’t ride your bike in the transition area.) Prior to starting the ride a race official checks to make sure that your helmet is secure and then they let you proceed with your race.

I was disappointed to learn that we were not allowed to ride or run with a radio or mp3 player. I’ve been training with this and even choose a good variety of music to keep me pumped up during the race. This was going to be a long 5 – 6 hours with no music to keep me going.

I jumped on my bike and headed out on the bike course.