Attention triathletes: Know how to streamline transitions

If you’re preparing for your first triathlon or you’re a seasoned triathlete, how can you streamline transitions?  Team Amino Vital Athlete Beth Andrew shares her tips for mastering race transitions. Race transitions are the part of the race we spend the least time practicing. In every event, whether you're a newbie or veteran racer, you'll want to remember a few key points to streamline your transition. Less is More - I think Coco Chanel is credited with saying, “When accessorizing, always take off the last thing you put on.” When prepping for transition, you can usually do without the last thing you put on. Think about what you can truly live without on the bike or run. Bike gloves? The t-shirt over your tri top? Socks? What accessory can you remove from your transition? Top-to-Toe & Toe-to-Top - In the water and on the road, I am constantly checking my technique and form from toe-to-top and top-to-toe. Now I take that into transition. I undress from top-to-toe and dress from toe-to-top. When I get out of the water, I take off my cap and goggles and throw them in a bag. I put items on in this order: socks, shoes, headband and helmet. Then, it’s time to get back on my bike and go! In T2, I drop my helmet and headband in my transition bag and remove my bike shoes. I put on my running shoes, grab my race belt and go! I like to Move it, Move it - The more you can do while on the move is better. I've learned I can stuff my sunglasses in my bike's bento box and put them on after the first mile of the ride. Many athletes attach their shoes to their bike and slip into them as they're pedaling. When I grab my race belt in T2, I know that my run number, extra headband or a visor, Amino Vital Fast Charge and watch are attached or in the pocket! I'm able to change on the run. Thanks for the tips, Beth. You heard her…get out there and practice transitions before your next triathlon!