220Triathlon Edição 334

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FEBRUARY 2017 I I 61
BEGINNERS’ GUIDE
“If you’re of a delicate constitution, make a mental note of where
on the course you can nip away for a comfort break”
human motion. If finishing last is a genuine fear, then
you’re probably more of a completer than competer at this
stage. So write down your reasons for taking part. You’ll
soon realise it’s a personal challenge, and as such, the only
opponents you have to beat are your own demons.
21NOT KNOWING HOWMUCH TO
EAT OR DRINK DURING THE RACE
You can practise with sports nutrition products, (either
liquid, solid or something gloopy) in training. Or perhaps
be really cutting edge and try real food. This should give
you a sense of what you like to taste, and what your gut
can handle when exercising.
Come race day, you won’t go far wrong by drinking when
thirsty and eating when hungry. For shorter races err on
the side of caution. Whether it’s fat or carbohydrate, our
muscles are experts at using the body’s natural energy
reserves to keep us going.
22GETTING A PUNCTURE OR
SUFFERING A MECHANICAL
Bike woes can be avoidable or plain unlucky. The thought
of being marooned on the side of the road as the
competition flies past is enough to give triathletes
sleepless nights. It’s all part of racing and the sooner you
accept that, the happier a racer you’ll be. But you can also
prepare well. That means making sure your bike is properly
serviced, with brakes and gears all in working order.
Practise changing a puncture, and make sure you have
the requisite kit to change one – and inflate a new inner
tube. A puncture should not equal a DNF, it just gives you a
post-race tale of overcoming adversity, and an excuse for
why your key rival pipped you.
23CRAMP DURING THE RUN
There’s no proven cause of cramp but if you’ve
never experienced it when running previously, there’s
no reason why it’ll happen on race day. If it does, stretch
it out and ease yourself back into the race. Getting out
of the saddle on the bike occasionally could also help
loosen you up for the run.
24 TOILET TROUBLES
While the queues for the mobile toilets are
longer than those for a free trolley dash around Harrods,
most find once the race starts any call of nature tends
to subside. Of course, when everything is jiggling about
you can feel the need to go – particularly on the run. If
you’re of a delicate constitution, make a mental note of
where on the course you can nip away for a comfort
break, and perhaps stash a little loo paper in the spare
pocket of your tri-suit. Q 220
“For me, it was stepping into the
unknown. There’s just so much
equipment to remember! But
having a checklist handy when
packing for a race and on race day
really helps. Also knowing that
I had a very obvious weakness
– my swim – made me a little
apprehensive. But I read up loads,
which also helped ease my fears.”
Ben Dijkstra, Youth
Olympic Champ
MY FIRST
RACE