Triathlon Lingo Demystified: Decoding the Strange Jargon of the Sport

Triathlon is a sport that comes with its own unique vocabulary, a lexicon that can seem like a foreign language to newcomers. From T1 to brick workouts, the triathlon lingo can be overwhelming. But fear not! In this article, we’re here to demystify the strange lingo of triathlon, helping you navigate the terminology like a seasoned athlete.

Swim, Bike, Run – The Holy Trinity:

Let’s start with the basics. Triathlon is a multisport event that consists of three disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running. Each leg requires specific skills and training, making it a well-rounded test of endurance and athleticism.

Transition Areas – T1 and T2:

Transitions are the heart of triathlon. T1 is the transition between swimming and cycling, while T2 is the transition between cycling and running. These areas are where athletes change gear and prepare for the next leg. Practice makes perfect when it comes to smooth transitions.

Brick Workouts – The Two-in-One Challenge:

A brick workout involves training in two disciplines back-to-back, simulating the race-day feeling. For example, a bike-run brick workout helps your legs adjust to the feeling of running after cycling.

Drafting – The Art of Slipstreaming:

Drafting is when an athlete positions themselves closely behind another competitor during the cycling leg to take advantage of reduced wind resistance. This is prohibited in most triathlons to ensure a fair competition.

Open Water Swim – The Natural Challenge:

In open water swims, athletes tackle lakes, rivers, or oceans instead of pools. This unique challenge requires navigating currents, sighting, and sometimes dealing with unexpected marine life.

BIB – Your Racing Identity:

The BIB is the number you wear during the race. It helps identify you, your race category, and can be used for tracking your performance.

Sighting – Staying on Course in Open Water:

Sighting involves lifting your head slightly out of the water during a swim to see where you’re headed. It’s essential for staying on course and avoiding unnecessary detours.

Bonking – The Dreaded Wall:

Bonking, also known as hitting the wall, is when your energy levels plummet due to glycogen depletion. It’s a feeling every endurance athlete dreads and usually occurs when proper fueling is neglected.

Negative Split – Pacing Strategy:

A negative split occurs when an athlete completes the second half of a leg faster than the first. It’s a strategic pacing technique that can lead to more consistent performance.

PR – Personal Record:

A PR, or personal record, is the best time an athlete has achieved in a particular race distance. Achieving a PR is a major accomplishment and a testament to your hard work and progress.

Brick Bunny – An Enthusiastic Newcomer:

A brick bunny is a term affectionately used for newcomers to the sport who might be overwhelmed by the terminology but are enthusiastic to learn and improve.

DNF – Did Not Finish:

A DNF indicates that an athlete did not complete the race for various reasons. While it’s disappointing, it’s also a valuable learning experience.

DNS – Did Not Start:

A DNS indicates that an athlete registered for the race but did not actually participate. Sometimes this happens due to injury, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances.

AG – Age Group:

Age group refers to the category in which athletes compete based on their age. Each age group has its own winners, and podium finishes can vary greatly between age groups.

Jelly Legs – Post-Bike Run Sensation:

After the cycling leg, transitioning to the run can result in wobbly legs due to the sudden change in muscle usage.

With these explanations, you’re well-equipped to dive into the world of triathlon with confidence. As you immerse yourself in the sport, you’ll find that the triathlon lingo becomes second nature, and you’ll be chatting like a triathlon veteran in no time.