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Original poster

Weird question about the triathlon

66 replies

scaffoldingtheworld · 31/07/2021 08:15

I’ve been watching this week. They swim, then cycle and then run.

They get off their bikes and put trainers on but how do their feet survive without being able to dry their feet and put socks on and tie their trainers properly? Is it just the case that their feet get used to it?

OP posts:
SnitchyBitch · 31/07/2021 08:17

I was just thinking the same! I’d have to pre-talc everything.

MyOtherProfile · 31/07/2021 08:20

Do they not have a little break between? Time to dry their feet and have a little drink? I've never watched it so maybe I'm obviously wrong!

blobby10 · 31/07/2021 08:20

I think they have self tying laces - elasticated things so they can just slip the trainers on. But I too would need socks! But perhaps elite athletes can put up with blisters and things! Im always amazed they can put their feet in their cycling shoes whilst on the bike

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celtiethree · 31/07/2021 08:21

Feet dry off a lot on the run through transition (unless it’s raining), the wet doesn’t really bother you on the bike and they dry off more before the run. You can also put talc in your shoes to help absorb some of the moisture. The bike shoes have Velcro tabs that you pull tight once you are clipped in. The running shoes have elastic laces that you tighten with just one pull as you put them on (or you might just have them tight enough without even that final pull).

celtiethree · 31/07/2021 08:25

Also - the triathlon cycling shoes are pre clipped in
Inti the the bike pedals and held parallel by using elastic bands that you slip round other parts of the bike - you jump on and slip your feet in, as you start cycling the elastic breaks and off you go.

eurochick · 31/07/2021 08:25

@MyOtherProfile

Do they not have a little break between? Time to dry their feet and have a little drink? I've never watched it so maybe I'm obviously wrong!
Grin
Griefmonster · 31/07/2021 08:31

I imagine they have very technical kit to accommodate the transition. Maybe shoes have an internal 'sock' with absorbent material and breathable shoe so the water evaporates.

AnotherMarvellousThing · 31/07/2021 08:35

@MyOtherProfile

Do they not have a little break between? Time to dry their feet and have a little drink? I've never watched it so maybe I'm obviously wrong!
No, the transitions between the disciplines are part of the race, and something you have to practice. Triathletes plan out and practice every second. They cycle the last bit with their bare feet out of and on top of the bike shoes, rack or hand the bike and helmet to a race volunteer, pull on elastic-laced shoes, grab race number and start running.

Personally, I think the swim/bike transition looks tougher. And obviously you’ve had wet feet from the water, and then run barefoot across sand or grass to your bike.

SCMocha · 31/07/2021 08:50

i wondered if they ever run towards the wrong bike or the wrong shoes or something! I mean in the Olympics they have whole teams standing there making sure it is all right, but at lesser events there must be some potential for mistakes?

Annoy · 31/07/2021 08:52

@celtiethree

Also - the triathlon cycling shoes are pre clipped in Inti the the bike pedals and held parallel by using elastic bands that you slip round other parts of the bike - you jump on and slip your feet in, as you start cycling the elastic breaks and off you go.
Who picks up all the elastic?
celtiethree · 31/07/2021 08:54

Grinyes in amateur events you often see people running up and down looking for their slot!!! But to be fair we can be talking about 100s of bikes in many rows. Also in these events some who are in it for the experience rather than medals do sit down and dry off their feet and put on socks!

SCMocha · 31/07/2021 09:22

:D I can imagine the embarrassment if you actually took the wrong bike and got on it before you realised it was wrong!

I can't imagine running without socks though. Cycling maybe. But the friction with running, oww

MyOtherProfile · 31/07/2021 11:39

Well this has been a learning curve for me 😂

mnahmnah · 31/07/2021 11:41

I was wondering why they don’t do the swimming last. Then they just have to kick off their shoes and aren’t wet doing the other bits

iloverock · 31/07/2021 11:48

@mnahmnah

I was wondering why they don’t do the swimming last. Then they just have to kick off their shoes and aren’t wet doing the other bits
Because it would be dangerous to swim after the distances that they run and bike. Far easier to drown. And most triathletes run bare foot so they don't have to worry about putting socks on. Every second counts in transition.
celtiethree · 31/07/2021 11:49

There is super league triathlon where they do mix up the order but the races have very short distances. For regular racing there is often a wet suit involved which would be difficult to put on when hot and sweaty, but I think the main reason is the danger of putting exhausted athletes into open water and the risk of drowning.

SweatyBetty20 · 31/07/2021 11:58

I have heard of people soaking their feet in surgical spirit to toughen them up. On the odd occasion I did them I put socks on, but then I’m never going to compete in the Olympics!

RedMarauder · 31/07/2021 12:00

Who picks up all the elastic?

All sports events like running, cycling, duathlons and triathlons have a team (or even teams) of people who go around after the event to do the clean up.

I actually live where there are lots of these events put on when there isn't a pandemic. In the past I have participated in them, and have volunteered to hand out drinks or just stand and marshal in the past.

Oh and in the team triathlon I did team members where allowed to help each other with the transitions. As the two other people in my team did triathlons anyway all I had to do was stand in particular places so they could clearly see their kit.

horseymum · 31/07/2021 12:05

In amateur events you have a number on your leg, helmet and bike and they all need to match, I think the stewards check as you are going past! You put your stuff on a towel so can kind of dry your feet as you put your helmet on. The talc in your shoes helps. Transition is really planned and practiced, my kids are in a club and exercises on this bit, they love it.

ImInStealthMode · 31/07/2021 12:06

We have a pro-triathlon take place near me every year and it's fascinating to watch, I'm in awe of them.

I watched a sprint event that was swim-bike-run-swim-bike-run-swim-bike-run and some competitors did the last runs barefoot to save the transition time.

NeverDropYourMooncup · 31/07/2021 12:17

@horseymum

In amateur events you have a number on your leg, helmet and bike and they all need to match, I think the stewards check as you are going past! You put your stuff on a towel so can kind of dry your feet as you put your helmet on. The talc in your shoes helps. Transition is really planned and practiced, my kids are in a club and exercises on this bit, they love it.
Which is probably why my kids didn't ever get into Triathlon; expected to put on your shoes in under 45 minutes and then get moving without a tantrum? No fecking chance.
RedMarauder · 31/07/2021 12:20

@NeverDropYourMooncup some of the people who I know do triathlons are in their 50s. (Louise Minchin, BBC breakfast presenter, also does them and she's 52)

So your kids are still young enough....

Glittertwins · 31/07/2021 12:35

If wetsuits are worn, they'll be pulling the zip down and peeling it off as soon as they exit the water. Bike shoes are either clipped into the bike or by the side - DH prefers to have them to the side rather than run through transition totally barefoot/look down to fasten when on the bike so he gets a faster get away.Talc liberally applied in the shoes and all around the heels. Bike shoes are clip across fastening. Same with running shoes - heavily talc'd and they have elastic bungee laces for speed. Socks take too long and a quick transition is all part of the race too.

garlictwist · 31/07/2021 12:36

I always wonder what they do about a bra. I know they've got the skin tight suit thing on, but if I started running in that my boobs would know about it.

I also think a far more humane triathlon would be bike, run, swim. Cycling is cold, especially when wet, so get that out of the way. The run to warm up. And swim to cool down, shampoo your hair after, bob's your uncle.

dappledsunshine · 31/07/2021 12:38

The run to warm up. And swim to cool down, shampoo your hair after, bob's your uncle

😂😂