Top tips from Team Macmillan triathletes

Kit

• Ensure your trainers fit properly - go to a specialist shoe shop if experiencing pain or blisters.
• Make sure you have everything you need for each transition and you can put it on easily.
• Practice taking off your wetsuit especially when it is wet.
• Train in your Macmillan t-shirt - not only does it spread the Macmillan word, it also ‘breaks it in’ - you might find the label rubs so you can do something about it before race day.

Before race day

• Go for a gentle walk (1-3 miles) the day before the race.
• Try to give up alcohol for the week before the race. Definitely do not have a big night out the day before.
• Don’t eat anything unusual during the previous 2-3 days and particularly the night before.
• Prepare all your kit the night before, including pinning your race number on your tri belt or top.

On race day

• Eat whatever you normally eat on the morning of the race.
• If your start time isn’t until late in the day make sure you have lunch.
• Snack on healthy snacks such as bananas and energy bars to keep you going.
• Drink water for the first few hours when you get up then nothing for the last hour (to allow you to empty your bladder). Take a bottle of water with you to the start and remember to have bottles of water on your bike as it is likely there are no water station on this section.
• Rub vaseline everywhere where clothes are likely to rub/chafe to avoid soreness (remember nipples!).
• Only use energy drinks and gels if you have used them in training.
• It’s tempting to set of each section too quickly, ensure you pace yourself so that you’ve reserved some energy for the end of the race - work out the time that you hope to complete the course in, then work out your mileage/km time in minutes for each section. Wear a watch and stick to this plan. 
• Watch out for discarded water bottles on the course - you could easily slip up on one.
• Enjoy the atmosphere – it’s great fun with lots of people taking part who wouldn’t usually be keen runners.
• Take plenty of warm clothes and food to put in your bag for the end. 

The most important tip of all - enjoy the day and be proud of what you’re doing for Macmillan Cancer Support.

 

Preparing for your triathlon event  |

We've got loads more tips, advice and training plans to prepare you for your triathlon challenge.

 

Join Team Macmillan  |

Not signed up yet? What are you waiting for? Join Team Macmillan today.