It is very important for young athletes to have race-day success. Preparation is obviously a key factor in that success. Some of the best pre-race strategy advice is to eat well, sleep, and train hard.
Parents will play a big role in the success of their youth. But, having your athlete help with age-appropriate tasks is important. One of the responsibilities for the young athlete is to pack their own items for the race. Making their own list from the race-day checklist is a good place to start so they don't forget anything on race day. Having parents double check the items packed might be necessary for younger youth.
One of the most important things for a parent to know is how and when to get to the race venue. Getting lost on race day or showing up late is no way for your athlete to start their day! You’ll want to give your athlete plenty of time once you get to the venue. Most people arrive an hour early for the race, but if you need more time, make that determination before race day.
If your athlete hasn't registered or needs to pick up their race packet then do that first. Once they have their race packet they'll have their bib number – which they'll need for body markings. Body markings are numbers (bib number and age) written on their arms and legs with a marker that will be next to impossible to wash off their body for a few days (or maybe that’s just the excuse many of us use to show off our “badge of honor” for completing the race!). The body markings help officials, photographers and safety personnel know who your youth is at any given time during the race.
Youth should then move to setting up their transition area as this will likely be one of their biggest time-consuming pre-race activities. It's important for the athlete to practiced laying out their transition area before race day so they know what works best for them. It's also a good idea for them to practice transitioning between the sports during their training. The time spent in transition is counted toward their final finish time and is a place where they can save seconds, if not minutes, in their overall time. You’ll hear of people putting socks gently inside their shoes and opened up in order to just slip their foot right in. There are many tips and tricks that work but youth should figure out what works best for them so they can be as quick as possible during transition. If they are part of a large race they may want to be able to easily identify their transition area. Having a bright-colored towel is an easy way to solve this problem. Setting up a transition area also includes pumping tires and putting water bottles on the bike – those are things they won't want to forget!
While in transition, youth will want to familiarize themselves with the area. Do they know where the start line is located? Which way do they leave the transition area on their bike? Where do they return? Where do they leave for the run? And, where is the finish line? Help your youth know the route so they aren't surprised or, worse yet, headed out the wrong way and losing precious time during the race.
Be sure your youth sips on water during their morning activities but not overfilling themselves. Then, be sure they visit the bathroom line with plenty of time before the race because this could possibly be a time-consuming activity.
Now your youth will be prepared to race and have fun! Completing a triathlon can be one of the most exhilarating and rewarding things your youth has ever done and, with proper preparation, their race day will only be better.
For more information, tips and tricks about race day strategies, attend one of our local youth triathlon partner races and participate in our Race4Success program.
Local youth triathlon partners:
Reston BeAmyazing
Brambleton Kids Triathlon
Kids Tri Too
Kids Can Du
