Understanding the Challenge
The message that it's not easy to complete a triathlon has probably sunk in by now, but there are some details worth noting that could help you prepare for the challenge ahead — or at least give you a better idea of what's coming. For starters, even if your debut triathlon is a sprint distance, you could be looking at a sustained period of exercise approaching two hours. If you are relatively new to athletic competition, two hours will almost certainly represent the longest event of your life.
Once you have finished, you may look back and wonder where the time went. While you were on the course, it might have seemed as though it was never going to end, that the finish line was getting farther away instead of closer as you struggled along. Just be aware that your first triathlon will contain some surprises, including how long it takes you to finish it.
You are also likely to experience more fatigue than you expected. You may have trained reasonably well in the three sports, but it's unlikely any of your workouts lasted as long as your first triathlon will. Be prepared for some surprises.
Breaking a Sweat
There may also be weather issues to consider, and it will be toughest when heat is the problem. The weather can be fickle, but most race organizers have information on their websites about the average high and low temperatures for race day. When high humidity is mixed in, the combination can be potentially lethal. There are many Internet sources of information for average temperatures in various locales. High heat and humidity could make your first triathlon a memorable occasion for a bad reason, exactly what you don't want.
When the temperature is 80°F and the humidity is 75 percent, the heat index — how hot it feels in the shade — is 84°F. Any time the temperature is in excess of 80°F, it is cause for concern. Exposure to direct sunlight can increase the heat index by up to fifteen degrees. Extended physical exertion in conditions like that can be extremely dangerous.
The bottom line is that you would be wise to avoid any race where the temperature projects to be 80°F or higher. Also, be aware that you probably will not be among the first to start, meaning that you may be finishing your run two, three, or even four hours after the first swimmers enter the water. So don't make your decision about your race based on the expected temperatures at 7
Goose Bumps
Just as heat can be a factor, so can cold. In some locations, April and May can be very chilly. Cold weather, at least to a point, is usually welcomed by runners in road races. It's the heat that really wipes out competitors in road races. A cold spell, however, can become a major issue for triathlon participants, particularly regarding the water.
Triathlon rules permit wetsuits — insulated rubber suits that cover your body from the neck to your ankles — when the water temperature is 78°F or lower. Wearing a wetsuit makes you more buoyant and keeps you from feeling like you're freezing in the water, but it can also be cumbersome. For more on wetsuits, see Chapter 8.
