How bad is triathlon competitiveness?

Question

For the last year I have done two sprint triathlons and this year I wanted to go for the full triathlon. I signed up for the Chicago triathlon that will be taking place next month, and I've been hearing some horror stories about how the pros (during the swim) will kick or dunk you if you are in their way or be very mean. Does this really happen? I've only been in woman's-only sprint triathlons which were great (every one was so supportive). But this will be my first full triathlon that's also mixed gender. Is there anything I should know before hand to help me prepare for this triathlon?

Answer 1

Congratulations on your triathlons last year!  They're addictive, aren't they?

Yes, "women only" triathlons are generally mellower than open triathlons.  But honestly, you should be fine during the swim IF you seed yourself correctly.  

You'll probably be in a wave (same start time) with other women in your age group.  Every race I've ever participated in has had a pro wave, so you most likely won't even see those people.  However, in EVERY wave there are athletes who are out to win.  Age-groupers can be fierce competitors too!  The best thing to do is stay out of their way.  If you aren't a strong swimmer, start in the back of the wave towards the outside.  If you're an ok swimmer, you might consider moving up or to the center a little.  There's always some jostling during race starts, but know that most people don't want to crash into you.  Just relax, take a breath, and move on.  

If you are not a very fast swimmer, and there is a wave starting shortly after yours, you might get passed by some of their faster swimmers.  Again, they don't WANT to run into you.  The best way to stay clear of them is to swim towards the outside of the line.  So if the buoy you have to turn at is to your left, swim on the right side.  Does that make sense?  The faster swimmers are trying to cut a line straight to that buoy, so stay clear of it and you'll be fine.

Also remember that the swim is usually the shortest portion of the race.  Even if you lose 5 or more minutes making sure you're comfortable, you can make up quite a bit during the bike and the run.  Unless you're trying to win your age group, don't sweat  it!

Relax.  Enjoy.  Triathlons are supposed to be fun!!!

Good luck :)

Answer 2

I've done several open-water events, but never done a female-only race. I think it all depends on who is around you. Most people just want to get through the swim and on with their race. You might get clobbered sometimes, but it's almost never intentional. (There's always at least one real jerk out there.)

Don't set yourself up for "victimhood" thinking. During the race keep reminding yourself that people are simply trying to cover the course in the least amount of time -- they aren't going to waste time or energy "being mean" to you.

One thing my triathlon group did to prepare (besides a couple open-water sessions) was to do 25 yard sprints where several people (5 or 6) crowded together in one lane and took off together. Keep doing them until you feel comfortable swimming "in traffic."

I hope you have fun in your tri. It's always an adventure.

Answer 3

Hey :-)  First, good luck in your upcoming tri (if it hasn't already passed)!  There is a difference between standard triathlons (mix gender) and women only tri's.  However, that's not to say that women are always kind in the water either ;-).  Yes, there is a chance that you will be knocked around (someone doing the breast stroke may kick you; you may get hit on someone's down stroke during the freestyle; etc.).  Just be mentally prepared for these possibilities and remind yourself to remain calm, and that you can always "reset" yourself by lifting your head or stopping to tread water.  If you are nervous and/or swimming is not your strongest discipline, try starting near the back of the pack or off to the side where you are less likely to encounter a competitive/aggressive swimmer.  In addition, unless the triathlon is a mass start (everyone starts at the same time), you will (most likely) be placed in a same-gender/similar age "wave," so you shouldn't be in the water with the pro's :-).  Mental preparation is just as important as your physical preparation, so just know what could happen and how to react and remain calm.  Hope that helped! :-)