Last Minute Tips For Newcastle’s Iron Men & Women: 2012 Foreshore Triathlon This Weekend

by Jenna Smith on January 30, 2012

A New Year just dawned upon us, meaning most of us probably had a resolution to start off with a ‘New You’. Well, for those where healthy living & fitness was part of their resolutions, here is the perfect chance to start off the New Year on a positive note -  the Newcastle Triathlon Club is once again hosting its annual Newcastle Foreshore Triathlon this weekend, 5 February 2012!

The triathlon course will begin at 7am with a 400m swim from Queens Wharf to Custom House, followed by the cycling leg of 16km where entrants will do five laps between Customs House and Newcastle Beach, and finishing up with a run of 4km from Customs House to Nobby’s Lighthouse and back through to Camp Shortland. A chance to challenge yourself in this new year, plus a wander through Newcastle’s picturesque Foreshore? Take it on! There will be a maximum of 300 entrants for the Newcastle Foreshore Triathlon and there are seven categories based on age, or if you are really up for the challenge, an Opens category. Cost of entry is $75 individually, or $120 for a team plus $10 per person if you are not a Triathlon Australia member. Trophies will be awarded for first, second and third places, but if you register before the Triathlon date you will get a commemorative race shirt - so no one walks away empty handed!

With the big event is less than a week away, we asked three time age group World Champion in Sprint Distance Triathlon, Jane Mountford, the last minute tips & tricks that she swears by to optimise performance & ensure that everyone - from beginners to seasoned pros - will get well past that finish line.

• In the lead up to the triathlon, practice transitions thoroughly so on race day you can do these quickly & calmly without losing time panicking.
• To get your legs used to running off the bike, try a few short runs (just 5 mins or so) after jumping off a session on the bike.
• In the training period before race day, try on & train in the gear you plan to wear on the day - elastic laces are also a helpful way to get your shoes on quickly (they are different though, so train in them before).
• On the night before the big race, avoid alcohol at all costs & keep yourself well & truly hydrated. Compliment this with a healthy dinner of familiar foods - do not eat anything that could upset your stomach.
• Also check twice the night before that you have all your equipment ready - you do not want to forget your shoes or lucky charm!
• On the Sunday morning before you leave home for the Foreshore, have an early light brekky, ensuring plenty of time for this to digest before you have to race.
• Make a note of where your bike is in transition - you can count the number of racks from swim entry & also bike entry, or even use a brightly coloured or easily recognisable towel.
• Your towel can also be used to lay out your run & bike equipment so it is easy to locate during the race.
• To avoid the dreaded wetsuit chafe, put some oil on your neck & ankles (this will also help you to pull it off quicker during the race).
• Just before you head to the starting point - before racking your bike, ensure it’s in an easy gear & also keep an ear out for the race briefing & any additional info you may have missed.
• During the Triathlon, check where all the buoys are before entering the swim & picking a landmark on the horizon to keep you on course.
• Do not start off too hard on any leg of the race - as much as you may want to get a headstart, allow yourself to adjust to the new discipline & not use up your energy too quickly.
• Throughout the bike course, make sure you ride in a straight line & keep left & if you need to overtake another competitor stick to the rules & make sure you let them know what you are doing!

Last, but most definitely not least, Jane urges all triathletes to smile & enjoy the experience of the Newcastle Foreshore Triathlon!

There you have it, whether you are brand new to the Triathlon scene, or a little more seasoned, these tips & tricks are sure to help you out (they are from a World Champion after all….).

If you are interested in entering the Newcastle Foreshore Triathlon, or are looking for some more information, visit the Newcastle Triathlon Club’s website.

Good luck to all entrants!