So many friends and family members have asked me so many questions about triathlons that I thought it might be informative to write a sort of FAQ post about tris!
I think the question that I get asked the most is about the distance involved in the triathlon. Basically, there are four major categories of triathlons and the distances are fairly standard within each of those categories (although there can be a little variation). First are the Sprint Distance triathlons. The next longest are the Olympic distance (also known as Short Course) triathlons. Then come the Long Course triathlons (aka Half-Ironman or 70.3), and of course the granddaddy of them all is the Ironman (sometimes called the Full tri). Here's the breakdown on distances, with approximate mile equivalents in parentheses where applicable:
Race Swim Distance Bike Distance Run Distance
Sprint 750-800m (1/2 mile) 20km (12.5 miles) 5k (3.1 miles)
Olympic 1.5km (1 mile) 40km (25 miles) 10k (6.2 miles)
Long Course 1.2 miles 56 miles 13.1 miles (half-marathon)
Ironman 2.4 miles 112 miles 26.2 miles (marathon)
Races are typically started in waves, usually divided by age group. The entire wave starts at the same time, which can result in a lot of getting kicked, hit, and swallowing water until the group spaces out a bit! Races are usually chip-timed, which means that you wear an electronic chip around your ankle and at various points in the race, you cross a mat which picks up the signal from your chip to give you your split times. Most races give you splits for your swim time, your first transition (T1), your bike time, your second transition (T2), your run time, and your final overall time.
On race day, you get to the race site nice and early to set up your transition area. It's good to be early so that you get a good spot! You also get body-marked, which means that you get your race number written in permanent marker on your upper arms and thighs and your age on the back of your calf. The age on the calf is so that people coming up behind you know whether you're in the same age group as them.
Transition is where you change over between disciplines. So, after the swim, you run into transition to the area that you set up earlier. You strip off your wetsuit (if you wore one), swim cap, and goggles. Then you put on your bike helmet, sunglasses, and shoes and socks. If you're really talented (which I am not), then you DON'T put on your shoes. You have them already clipped into your pedals and you put them on AFTER you start riding! You grab your bike and walk/run it out of transition. Usually there is a mount/dismount line just outside of transition and you are not allowed to get on your bike until you are past the line. After the bike ride, you dismount at the line, and walk/run your bike back into transition and your transition area. You rack your bike, change into your running shoes, take off your bike helmet, and put on your race number for the run (either on a race belt or a shirt that you have it pinned to). Off you go to the run, and that's it!
It sounds kind of crazy (and I know some of you think I AM crazy for falling in love with this sport), but it's SO much fun and SO addictive. One of the best things about triathlon is that when you start feeling that you just can't keep doing whatever it is you're doing at the moment, you know that you get to stop pretty soon and do something else! It's the same thing for training. Unlike single sport disciplines, you don't have to do the same thing pretty much everyday. You get to change up your workouts constantly. It really helps keep you from getting bored. Not to mention that the feeling of accomplishment when you cross that finish line is just amazing. Oh yeah, and the level of physical fitness that you get from doing this isn't so bad, either!
I hope that this helped answer some questions (and that I answered them correctly!). If you have anything to add or want to know more, leave a comment and I'll do my best!