Triathlon myth busters

Founder and head coach of Embark Triathlon Training, STeve – the ‘T’ for triathlon – is well versed in the various aspects of triathlon. He has seen it all and over-and-above all the valuable advice he has to offer triathletes of all experience levels, there are some triathlon myths that need busting. He offers his experience.

Myth: Wetsuits help keep you warm in cold water.

Wetsuits have three purposes: they help to keep you warm, they are faster than skin through the water, and they improve buoyancy. For this reason, check the rules of the event you’re entering because some triathlons won’t allow wetsuits.

Myth: You’re only allowed to swim crawl.

Crawl (or freestyle) is the fastest stroke and the favoured stroke for triathlon. But, you may swim any stroke you want. However, if you choose backstroke be aware that you won’t be able to see where you are going and this can be dangerous to you and other swimmers.

Myth: Wear two caps to help keep you warm.

Wearing two caps may help to keep you warm but it actually has a more practical purpose than that. Secure your goggles by wearing one cap, putting your goggles on, and then putting another cap over your goggles. This reduces the chance of them being kicked off.

Myth: You can wear a swimming hoodie and booties if the water is cold.

You may wear a cold water hoodie, but you may not wear booties.

Myth: To save time, you should fasten your helmet when you’re out of the transition area.

Your helmet has to be on and fastened before you touch your bicycle and you’re only allowed to unclip your helmet once you have put your bicycle back on the rack in T2 and are no longer touching it.

Myth: To save time, jump on your bike and start cycling in the transition area.

You’re only allowed to get onto your bike when you’re out of the transition area. You can only get off your bike after you have crossed the dismount line.

Myth: You have to wear cleats for the cycle leg and change into running shoes in T2.

You can complete the cycling leg in running shoes, but cleats do improve the strength of your pedal stroke. You can clip your cleats into your pedals and slip your feet into them once you are comfortably on the cycle leg.

Myth: Eating on the run helps to prevent fatigue.

It’s a good idea to eat during the cycle leg (known as the ‘rolling buffet’) because eating while you run can potentially cause discomfort. It’s also easy to tape gels and bars to the frame of your bike to use during the cycle leg.

Myth: Jelly legs between the cycle and running legs is just something you have to live with.

Brick training – where you practise running right after cycling to condition the muscles – can help to reduce the experience of jelly legs. The more you practise, the less you’ll get jelly legs.

Myth: Pour water over your head to keep cool.

Drinking water has a more effective cooling effect than pouring water over your head which can have the effect of washing off your sunscreen.

Myth: As long as you use sunscreen, you won’t burn.

It’s important to find a sunscreen that is designed for use during sporting events. It should be full spectrum sunscreen – that is, it protects against UVA and UVB – and sweat proof. Make sure that it has a high enough SPF for you as well. Remember that regardless of SPF, you need to apply sunscreen every two hours to remain well protected.

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