Sport Manawatu Triathlons

• Tararua Kids Triathlon - Satruday February 25, 2012. Click here for a registration form.
• Go Active Kids TRYathlon Horowhenua - February 26, 2012
• Kids Triathlon Feilding - March 28, 2012

Quick links

• Why do a Triathlon?
• Equipment Checklist
• Transition Tips
• Preparation
• Training Guide
• Triathlon Events in Manawatu

Why do a Triathlon?

For starters, it's fun! For kids, a triathlon is another day to do three things they love   to do with their mates (run, bike, and swim). The only difference in a triathlon is that there's a start line and a finish line.

Equipment Checklist

• Swimming togs/shorts and towel (goggles, and swim cap are optional, but can be helpful)

• Bike and bike helmet (bike gloves and sunglasses are optional, but can also be helpful)

• Closed-in running shoes and socks

• Any medication you might need (e.g. inhaler)

• Sunscreen, Sunhat/cap

• Water bottle (either on bike in bottle holder, or at transition area)

• A jacket for afterwards to keep you warm

• Some healthy snacks to replace energy after the race. e.g. nuts, fruit, sandwiches and plenty of water

• Bring all of your gear in one large box or something similar. Some kids bring along a large plastic container with a lid, to keep everything in one spot. It makes things so much easier!

Transition Tips

The transition area is where you go in between each section of the race, so this is where you keep your bike, helmet, goggles and other gear.

Know what you're going to leave with your bike in the Transition Area

• Bike
• Helmet
• Sun hat/cap
• Closed-in running shoes
• Socks
• Drink bottle (preferably on your bike)
• Cap and goggles
• Any medication you might need during the race (e.g. inhaler)
• A large box or something similar to store all your gear
• Something noticeable so you can easily find your bike, such as a colourful flag

Preparation

• Check all your gear to make sure its in good working order
• Try on your swimming cap and goggles to see they fit
• Make sure your bike tyres are fully pumped, that pedals and brakes are in good working order, the bike seat is at the correct height and there are no loose wires or anything else flopping around. If possible, get a safety check at your local bike shop
• Visit the event location beforehand and have a look around to become familiar with it, including the pool. You'll feel more confident on the day if you know what the layout is like

The Day Before

• Keep hydrated - make sure you have an adequate intake of fluids the day before the race. Water is always best!
• Get a good nights sleep - nothing helps like a good rest before a big race!
• Ensure all your equipment is packed into your box or bag
• If you are in a team, make sure you know where you will meet and when

Butterflies?

• It's okay to be nervous. Even Hamish Carter gets nervous before a big race! Just keep in mind that everyone else there on the day is there to have fun and make the most of it, just like you are!

Know where you'll meet up with your family and friends afterwards

• If you have a special spot organised so you can meet your friends and family after the event, it makes it much easier to find them. Organise a spot once you get to the venue. Write a friend's or family member's mobile number on your arm or go and see the event organisers if you need help.

On The Day

• Fuel up - It's important to make sure you have a good breakfast on the morning of the event and include some carbohydrates to keep your energy up. Some ideas - cheese and tomato on toast, muesli with yoghurt banana and milk.
• Drink some water
• Bring along all your gear
• Bring along some supporters to cheer you along (family and friends)
• Arrive early and check in at the registration desk
• Apply sunscreen
• Set your bike, helmet and other gear up in the transition area. Place the helmet on the bike with the strap undone and sunglasses inside helmet.  Make sure your bike is in an easy gear (to avoid a difficult and slow start)
• Have a look at the event layout on the day and make sure you know where to go. There will be marshalls in high-visibility vests helping out, so if you are not sure, just ask
• Join in with the group warm up exercises
• Try and relax and have fun. No matter what the result, its important to enjoy yourself!

Training Guide

If you're keen to do some preparation for a triathlon event, check out this traning guide. Click here to download a pdf document.

Triathlon Events in Manawatu

• Manawatu Triathlon Club Kids Triathlon `I tried the Tri` Series 2012
• Go Active Kids TRYathlon Horowhenua - Sunday February 26, 2012
• Tararua  Kids Triathlon  - Saturday February 25, 2012
• Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon - Wednesday, March 21, 2012
• Kids TRYathlon Feilding/Manawatu - date to be confirmed
• Manawatu Triathlon Club
• Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon

Go Active Kids TRYathlon Horowhenua - Sunday February 26, 2012

This awesome triathlon has been running since 2005 and is all about having fun. It's a great beginner/intermediate event. There are no placings and no prizes for coming first, but the kids will have a blast and every child receives a FREE Goody Bag and a certificate of achievement!   There's also loads of friendly, helpful support on the day from our triathlon team and of course, the wonderul parents!

Print off the Registration Form and register at Levin Aquatic Centre!

Important - Get your Bike Safety Check done at Southend Cycles. They will give you a safety sticker for your bike, which must visible be on your bike on race day. Make sure your bike tyres are fully pumped, that pedals and brakes are in good working order, the bike seat is at the right height and there are no loose wires or anything else flopping around.

The Go Active Kids TRYathlon will run in the following order:

Run

We recommend you warm up before starting your race. We will do a warm-up session for all children before the start of the first race, but if your race starts a bit later, its a good idea to keep your muscles warm.

The entire run for all age groups will be done on the large grass area inside the Velodrome. Runners will set off in heats.

If you'd like to build up your running skills, you can practice two or three nights a week by running around the local park, at your school or even in your back yard! Get Mum and Dad running with you for some extra fun.

Bike

The Bike section will be done inside the Velodrome area. Younger children (5-7 yrs) will cycle on the grass area where the ground is even. Older children (8-12) will cycle on the Velodrome cycle track. Please note, the cycle track has a steep gradient in some parts, so children need to be confident on their bikes and be able to keep their balance.

If you'd like to gain confidence on your cycle and practice in the Velodrome, contact Levin Cycling Club and attend one of their early evening sessions during the summer.   Email Lisa for more information

Swim

The Swim will take place inside the Levin Aquatic Centre and lifeguards will be on duty to ensure your child's safety at all times. Younger swimmers and less confident swimmers can use the smaller Play Pool, while more confident swimmers can walk or swim in the Main Pool.

If you'd like to practice your swimming skills before race day, head down to Levin Aquatics.

Health and Safety

The transition areas are located in the safest possible place and our friendly volunteers will be along the whole event route. A qualified First Aid service will also be at the event, along with several qualified 'First-Aiders'. Make sure your child is well hydrated and wears sunscreen.

It's a good idea to get your bike checked over at the local bike shop before race day, ensure running shoes and other equipment are all in good order and your kids are well hydrated before the event.