The first event of the indoor season is now over with four more to go. I have a list of the indoor events I’m aware of at michigantri. I know of some athletes who look down on the indoor events but there are just as many who look to them as a way to keep the mental edge and a fun way to break up off season training.
Is an indoor tri the same or even close to the normal events we do spring through fall? Of course not. However they can be viewed as three back to back reverse time trials with minimal time allotted for transitions. It is a great way for seasoned athletes to get a feel for where they are at this time of year. For those new to multisport, the indoor offers a very safe and well monitored swim without the issues of a wave start in open water. Bikes are usually close in terms of being able to adjust to near your sizing and most are at least equally calibrated, with of course some exceptions. The run gives you the opportunity to either race head to head with those in your heat at the clubs which use their tracks for that discipline, or fairly accurate treadmills.
Couple hints in no particular order:
-Just like all other events, double check your gear before leaving home and arrive early.
-Always bring your own water/fluid bottle. Most events supply water or sports drink but it never hurts to come prepared.
-Also similar to a normal event, take some time to survey get the route you need to take from pool to bikes, and bikes to track/treadmills. Again…no different than reviewing a normal transition area and venue. At Muskegon, three different floors in the building are used for that event in late January.
-Some clubs have a bike set up near registration so you can work out your settings before doing it on the fly during the event. Most events have 5 minute transitions and run like clockwork so each wave starts on time whether you are ready or not. Sometimes if you are there early and wait by the bikes, you can also slip on one to quickly get your settings figured out while the athletes from the next wave are making their way there from the pool.
-It is okay to move quickly, particularly from the pool to the bike. 5 minutes is nothing, especially if you are in the middle of your lane when the swim portion is complete. Practice what you plan to do for apparel changes, if any, in advance.
-Bring your own small sweat towel for the event and your own for post event showering. Some facilities offer towels and some don’t.
-Bring either a combination lock or keyed lock for the locker room. Some clubs like Bronson Athletic Club have built in keyed locks so you get a key card at the desk and then enter your own combination which you need to remember. You to bring your own lock top most clubs.
-Most facilities use stationary bikes which are not equipped with clipless pedals so your running shoes are what you will use for the bike and the run.
-Have fun with it.
