Know The Course: Odyssey Swimming Triathlon Tips
2019 Splash & Dash Duathlon
Odyssey Open Water Swimming is a community of local swimming enthusiasts, adventurers, and triathletes. This year, Odyssey hosted its first duathlon (swim + run) event in Berkeley. The Odyssey team also has several triathletes and a triathlon coach (Megan Tobin). We asked our team to share tips for athletes looking to begin their journey as triathletes.
One of the tips shared by Jeff Collins was to “know the course.” Jeff’s right! Just as a NASCAR driver would prepare weeks in advance for a road course, which is not just left turns, or an Olympic skier would want to be confident with each slope on the course, so should you. You need to know and understand the triathlon course you will be trying to conquer as well as possible in advance of race day.
Believe it or not, there’s a lot to consider in terms of a triathlon course.
Questions you should know the answer to, according to Jeff, include:
Where is the run in and run out?
Where is the bike in and Bike out?
Is there anything special about the swim course -- currents, waves, or obstacles to be aware of?
Is the bike course flat or hilly?
Are there any sharp turns?
Both for safety and for performance, you should know the course that you will be spending your day on. We recommend attending one of the pre-race briefings the race organizers will hold. If you’re not able to do that, take a look at the course map that is usually posted, talk to people who have raced on this course before, or seek out race organizers to ask questions. Of course, if you have time to practice on the course itself prior to the event (many events will offer a training session on the course or part of the course), go for it!
If you need help preparing for your first triathlon, make sure to come out for a weekly Berkeley swim with Odyssey Open Water Swimming. We have weekly Berkeley swims that can range from .5-2 miles, and we have experienced swimmers and triathletes at many swims who can give you additional tips.
Learn more: Why You Need to Study a Triathlon Course Well Before Race Day (Active.com)