The Challenge
The Challenge is to complete a 750m swim, a 20k cycle, and a 5k run. A challenging distance in each one of these sports performed one after the other making a Triathlon which really puts your stamina to the test.A typical triathlon is three events. Starting with a swim, then a bike ride and finishing with a run. It is usually done in this order for safety reasons. Swimming isn't something to be doing when the body is tired.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the event:
1) What are typical events in a triathlon?
A Swim, a Cycle & a Run
2) What are the standard distances of a Sprint Triathlon?
750m Swim, 20km Cycle, 5km Run
3) What equipment should I plan to take?
SWIM - Swimsuit, Goggles, Towels (sit on in transition area, dry off, wipe feet), Bucket (with water to wash sand off feet), Wetsuit, Swim cap, Sunscreen, Vaseline (normally used for the crotch, nipples & underarms)
CYCLE - Helmet, Bike shoes, Socks, Bike shorts, Bike Jersey/Singlet, Gloves (not neccessarily required in a short race), Cycling glasses, Water bottle, Spare tires/tubes, Tool kit, Frame pump,
RUN - Running shoes, Socks, Shorts, Singlet, Hat, Sunglasses
MISC.- Watch, Race number, Race information, Writing instrument, Identification/passport, Money/credit card, First aid kit, Fluid replacement drink, Energy food, Warm cloths (tights, jacket, helmet cover, etc.)
4) Why do so many triathletes get upset about wetsuit usage
in races?
(Wetsuits are permitted but not essential for the King of Greystones event)
The basic issue with wetsuits is that in addition to making
open water swims safer by providing the wearer with added
warmth and flotation they also provide a speed advantage.
The speed advantage comes from the added flotation that puts
a swimmer's body in a higher and more "correct" position. This is the position that a good swimmer swims with
anyway by using proper technique.Therefore, wetsuits speed-up
a poor swimmer with poor body position much more than they
speed-up a swimmer that already uses good body position.
5) Why is the swim leg of a triathlon relatively shorter
in time than the biking or running legs?
This question has been debated endlessly over the years. Triathletes
that excel in swimming want a longer swim and triathletes
that are poorer swimmers tend to be happy with the status
quo. The basic reason for short swim legs is that swimming,
especially in open water, is the biggest limiter to people
participating in triathlon. Also, in many parts of the world,
trying to map out a long swim course is very difficult (think
about a 4+ kilometer swim in your average lake).
6) What's a "brick"?
A "brick" workout, in the triathlon community, is
a bike ride followed immediately by a run. It seems nobody
really remembers how it got its name but a couple guesses
are:" Bike-Run-ICK! " That's how your legs feel
for the first part of the run.
7) What is the race format?
The race starts at the shot of a gun as athletes begin their
swim. Races can start off a dock with the athletes diving
in. They can start with the participants already in the water
behind the "start line." Races can also start on
the beach with triathletes running in to the lake, ocean,
etc. The swim is usually very crowded with a lot of pushing
and kicking to get ahead.At the end of the swim, the athletes
exit the water and start on the first transition, T1. They
run to the bike racks, put on runners, and hop on their bike.
Biking is the best time in the race to refuel on sports drinks
and energy bars/gels.After the bike segment is complete, the
triathlete comes back into the transition area for T2. They
drop their bike off and leave for the last leg of the race,
the run. Next comes crossing the finish line!
8) Is there a cut-off time for the swim?
For coast rescue purposes, there will be a cut-off time for the swim of 50 mins. However, when brought ashore you will be allowed to continue on the race.