Here's your triathlon transition checklist

Print this Transition Checklist

This is the latest version of my personal "triathlon transition checklist". You might want to print it out so that you have it at hand when you do your packing or want to reassure everything is perfect before the race starts especially if you tend to be very nervous. :-)You can use it for private purposes without limitations but if you plan to republish it please state "Courtesy of Triathlonadventures.com" legibly below this list.

Let's start.

1. Arrive early. We've got a lot of things to accomplish. You should already have your race package picked up when you start to arrange your triathlon transition spot at least one hour before the race starts.
2. Fix your bicycle properly. There will be hordes of unleashed triathletes flying through the transition area so make sure your bicycle cannot be overthrown easily. Shift into a very small gear so that you have no difficulties to pull out.
3. I prefer to put my cycling glasses and my helmet on top of my handle bar. The helmet should be open and prepared to put on.
4. You can also put your cycling/running shirt here in case you want to change clothes.
5. Attached to your bicycle is at least one sports water bottle for short distances and two for long and ultra distances. If you use a bottle attached to your handle bar, fix it now and fill it up.
6. Check if you have got backup inner tubes, a bicycle pump and the required tools to change the tube with you. Double-check in case you have two different sizes of bicycle wheels.
7. Bicycle shoes are either attached to your bike (in case you prefer to put them on while driving) or directly underneath. If you use socks, put them best inside of your shoes so that you don't have to look for them later.
8. No need for special cycling dress on short distances. I use my bathing suit combined with a running shirt for the cycling part on short distances. There are athletes who do the same on ironman distances.
9. If it's warm weather you can wear the top of your cycling dress (or triathlon top) below your triathlon wetsuit. Same thing goes for the bib number.
10. Without a wetsuit you should place top and bib on your handle bar, too.
11. Take a box with you where you can put your triathlon wetsuit after the swimming portion. Sign your name on your wetsuit with waterproof marker if you haven't yet done so. That avoids confusion after the race.
12. When you return from the cycling portion your running shoes should be ready as well as any additional apparel that you might need (e.g. cap, separate running shorts, sunglasses). Place them in a way that doesn't irritate you when emerging from the swimming portion. You need free access to the cycling apparel and the cycling accessories first.
13. If the triathlon transition area is split into two locations it can be a breeze if you prepare well and it can be a pain if you forget just to place one seemingly unimportant item into the right bag. Think and check twice!
14. For cold weather: Prepare a towel, jacket, windstopper or long sleeve shirt, arm/leg/knee warmers, cycling gloves. Rather bring too much apparel with you than too little.
15. You can use color ribbons as bracelets to give your mind something to focus on during long swimming portions and reduce stress and anxiety in the water.
16. You may also want to use fasteners for your running shoes. Ask your local dealer for them. There are several different types available.
17. Keep some plastic bags handy. One one hand you may use them as bags for your clothes especially if the transition area is split (one place for swim-bike another one for bike-run). On the other hand you can use them to get much easier into your wetsuit. Just put the bag over your hand (foot) before you dress your wetsuit. Don't forget to take the plastic bags off afterwards though or you might get disqualified. ;-)
18. Did you think of a number belt, safety pins to fix your race number and your timing chip?
19. What about a fuel belt? Do you need drinks or gels with you while running?
20. Do you use a heart rate monitor? Put it on.
21. Got to pee? Do it now.
22. Be on time for the briefing. Relax. :-)

That's quite a lot of stuff that you have to think about regarding a triathlon transition, right? I still find myself often too relaxed and not really thinking much about these points because I suppose that I have them internalized. But you would be amazed how often I still forget certain points. That's why I came up with this triathlon transition checklist. I hope you will find it useful.

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