The Ultimate Guide to Triathlon Jargon: Speaking the Language of Triathletes

Welcome to the world of triathlons! Suppose you’ve recently signed up for your first triathlon or are curious about the sport. In that case, you might feel like you’ve stumbled into a foreign country where everyone speaks a language you don’t understand. Fear not! This guide will help you decode the triathlon jargon so you can talk the talk while you swim, bike, and run the walk.

1. Brick Workout
No, it’s not a construction job. A brick workout refers to back-to-back training sessions of two disciplines, typically biking and running. The transition between these two can feel like your legs have turned into bricks, hence the name.

2. Bonking
Bonking is less fun than it sounds. It’s the triathlete’s term for hitting the wall – when your body runs out of glycogen stores, and you feel like you can’t go on. Also known as “the dreaded bonk,” it’s something every triathlete tries to avoid with proper nutrition and pacing.

3. T1 and T2
These aren’t characters from a sci-fi movie. T1 (Transition 1) is the first transition between the swim and bike, while T2 (Transition 2) is between the bike and run. These transitions are often referred to as the fourth discipline in triathlon, and mastering them can save valuable time.

4. Aerobars
Aerobars are handlebars that allow you to adopt a more aerodynamic position on your bike, reducing wind resistance and improving speed. They make you look like you’re riding a futuristic jet-powered bicycle, and they’re a must-have for serious triathletes.

5. Drafting
Drafting is not something you do with a pen and paper. In triathlon, it refers to swimming or cycling close behind another competitor to reduce wind or water resistance. It’s like tailgating but in a race. Note: Drafting is allowed in swimming but often illegal in cycling during most non-draft triathlons.

6. Age Grouper
This person competes in their age category rather than as an elite athlete. Age groupers are the heart and soul of triathlon, proving that dedication and hard work matter more than age.

7. DNF and DNS
These abbreviations are “Did Not Finish” and “Did Not Start.” These are the dreaded acronyms you hope never to see next to your name on race day.

8. Body Marking
No, it’s not a new tattoo trend. Body marking involves writing your race number and sometimes your age on your arms and legs with a marker. It’s a rite of passage in triathlons and helps officials and photographers identify you during the race.

9. Cadence
Cadence is the number of pedal revolutions per minute (RPM) in cycling or strides per minute in running. Keeping an optimal cadence helps with efficiency and endurance.

10. Fueling
This isn’t just eating; it’s a strategic intake of nutrients and hydration during the race. Mastering your fueling strategy is critical to avoiding bonking and finishing strong. Think of it as a gourmet buffet but for athletes on the go.

11. Wetsuit Stripper
Before you get any ideas, a wetsuit stripper is a volunteer who helps you remove your wetsuit quickly after the swim portion. They make the transition smoother and faster – and yes, it’s as funny to watch as it sounds.

12. Peloton
The peloton is a group of cyclists riding together in a triathlon, not just a brand of exercise bikes. You’ll want to avoid getting too close in non-drafting races, but in draft-legal races, the peloton can be your best friend.

13. Sighting
During the swim, sighting is lifting your head periodically to ensure you swim in a straight line towards the next buoy or the swim exit. It’s like checking your GPS but in the water.

14. Negative Split
This is when you complete the second half of your race or training session faster than the first. It’s a sign of intelligent pacing and strong finishing.

15. VO2 Max
VO2 Max measures the maximum volume of oxygen your body can utilize during intense exercise. It’s often seen as a benchmark of cardiovascular fitness and endurance capacity. A higher VO2 Max means you can perform at a higher intensity for longer.

16. Lactate Threshold
Your lactate threshold is the exercise intensity at which lactate (a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism) accumulates in the bloodstream. Training to increase your lactate threshold can improve your endurance and help you sustain higher intensities without fatigue.

17. Taper Week
Taper week is the period before a race where training volume is significantly reduced to allow your body to recover and peak in performance. Think of it as the calm before the storm, where you’re priming your body to be at its best on race day.

18. Trisuit
A tri suit is a one-piece garment designed for triathletes. It allows seamless transitions between swimming, biking, and running. It’s made of quick-drying fabric and provides the necessary comfort and aerodynamics for all three disciplines. It’s like a superhero suit but for triathletes.

Conclusion
Now that you’re armed with triathlon lingo, you can confidently mingle with seasoned triathletes and impress your friends with your newfound knowledge. Remember, every triathlete was once a newbie, and learning the language is just part of the journey. So dive in, pedal hard, and run like the wind. You’re now fluent in triathlon!

Happy racing, and may your transitions be swift and your bonks be non-existent! 🏊‍♂️🚴‍♀️🏃‍♂️