Alright, team – time for another chat about transitions. I know, I know: you’ve raced plenty, and you probably feel like you’ve got T1 and T2 down pat. But here’s the reality: even the most experienced athlete can get caught with a wetsuit stuck around their ankles or a missing helmet at the worst possible moment. It’s not because you don’t know better; it’s because you haven’t given transitions the same consistent practice you invest in swim, bike, and run.
Why Bother?
Transitions are “easy money” in a race. You’ve done all the hard work to build fitness—so why throw away precious seconds on a sloppy changeover? Even if you’re a self-proclaimed veteran, remember that muscle memory fades if you haven’t physically walked through the steps in a while. Think of it like any other technical skill: it needs regular reps, or it’s going to get rusty.
Common Slip-Ups
We’ve seen it all: helmets flung across the transition area, run shoes buried under towels, bikes racked in the wrong spot, and yes, the dreaded wetsuit around the ankles dance. These mistakes don’t happen because you lack knowledge; they happen because you’re rushing and haven’t repped it out often enough. It’s not about rocket science—it’s about consistency.
Practice = Perfect
Everyone loves to say, “practice makes perfect,” but very few actually do it for transitions. Don’t just talk about it—treat every opportunity like a mini race. At training, when we move from one discipline to the next, do it like you would on event day. Lay out your gear in the right order, rack your bike smoothly, and slip on your run shoes without fuss. If you’re wearing a wetsuit during open-water sessions, factor in 30 seconds at the end to practice peeling it off quickly. These little habits add up fast.
Gear & Mental Prep
Gear-wise, keep it simple. Place your helmet where you’ll grab it first, set your bike shoes at a consistent angle, and consider elastic laces to eliminate knot-tying. The best gear setup is one you can replicate in your sleep. Mentally, visualise each step. Even if you’ve done 20 races, nerves can turn a routine transition into a frantic shuffle. By rehearsing a calm, methodical process in your head, you’ll be less likely to panic and more likely to act on autopilot.
No One’s That ‘Pro’
Let’s squash any lingering notion that you’re somehow “beyond” transition drills. It’s not about being too cool or too experienced—it’s about racing smarter. Remember, on race day, seconds count. If you’re aiming to beat a personal best or inch ahead of a rival, you’ll kick yourself if sloppy transitions cost you the edge.
Race #4 is Coming
We have another event on the horizon. Let’s show up with transitions that look effortless. Treat your T1 and T2 practice like a key session, not an afterthought. By nailing the fundamentals now, we’ll roll into race day with the confidence and efficiency that sets seasoned athletes apart.
