A triathlon is a continuous timed race combining the three disciplines of swimming, cycling and running in that order – a swim, followed by a cycle ride, followed by a run. Between each, you have the 'transition', triathlon’s so-called fourth discipline.Your time to change from being a swimmer to cyclist and cyclist to runner is included in your overall time and a good transition routine shaves minutes off your time. The good news is that you can practice and get faster in transition without having to be any fitter, so practice in advance! The first transition between swim and bike is known as T1 and the final transition between cycle and run is known as T2.
TriClub Doha is also active in other multisport events: Duathlon (run/bike/run), aquathlon (run/swim/run or swim/run), aquabike (swim/bike)
Triathlon and aquathlon swims can take place in swimming pools or in the sea, lakes and rivers. These open water swims may require triathletes to wear a wetsuit but in Qatar, most events are deemed 'wetsuit-optional' or 'non-wetsuit'. World Triathlon rules dictate the temperature at which a wetsuit is required according to distance, water and air temperature. Therefore you could have an event where swimming 400m without a wetsuit is allowed but swimming 1500m is not. For most events in cooler countries a wetsuit is recommended, even if not required as it will give you the advantage of buoyance as well as warmth.
Triathlon isn't always a fixed distance but there are some commonly understood standards. Distances below are expressed as swim/bike/run. Many events offer multiple distance competitions. For example, TriClub Doha's Eductation City Triathlons have super-sprint and sprint distances, in addition to beginners and kids distances.
- Super sprint = 400m/10km/2.5km
- Sprint distance = 750m/20km/5km
- Olympic or standard distance = 1500m/40km/10km
- Half ironman or Ironman 70.3 = :1900m/90km/21km
- T100 = 2000m/80km/18km
- Ironman distance = 3800m/180km/42km
Novice triathletes come in many shapes, sizes, and fitness levels. You may have embarked upon your triathlon challenge as part of a change of direction in your life, you may have migrated to your first time triathlon from another high endurance sport, or a beginner’s triathlon may simply be the next step for you. Whatever your reasons, you are ultimately the best judge of whether a sprint triathlon, Olympic, middle distance or a long distance triathlon will suit you best.