18 Tips to Improve Your Blacksmithing Experience
The most fundamental reason we engage in a sport is to derive joy from it. Triathlon is a grueling sport both physically and mentally, but by paying attention to some small details during training or competition, your experience can be significantly enhanced.
How to enhance your swimming experience?
In fact, even before getting into the water, you can make the swimming segment less painful through many details.
1. A well-maintained wetsuit can make you feel incredibly smooth when wearing it, while a damaged, scarred wetsuit will make you cautious, fearing that any mishandling might worsen the damage. Therefore, try to avoid using your nails to touch your wetsuit.
2. Before heading out in the morning, put a pair of disposable socks in your bag and bring them to the transition area. Wearing the socks will make it easier for your feet to slide into the wetsuit, and they can also provide enough protection and warmth for your feet on the way to the transition area.
3. Speaking of wetsuits, the most important aspect is the size, and it must be worn correctly. Ensure that the sleeves are pulled up to the shoulders as much as possible. If they are too low, every arm stroke will be affected by the tension of the neoprene, consuming more energy and muscle strength.
4. Low water temperatures or pre-race nerves can cause 'breathing distress' once you get into the water. Therefore, if possible, do a thorough warm-up before getting into the water. If the water temperature is too low, try to open the wetsuit collar and let some cold water in before the race. This can help you adapt to the water temperature in advance and relieve the pressure of the wetsuit on your chest.
5. Many beginners are terrified by the water fight during the mass start of their first race. If your swimming level is as poor as mine (taking more than 30 minutes for 1500 meters), I suggest you avoid swimming close to the buoy line, as that narrow route is chosen by most experts. A bit further out is a wide open water area for you to swim freely. If you don't swim too crookedly, this route might only be about 10 meters longer than the 'optimal route,' but you will hardly be disturbed by other competitors. Why not take it?
How to enhance your cycling experience?
In the cycling segment, equipment is a crucial part and also the most prone to issues.
6. Learn basic bike repair skills to be prepared on race day. If you get a headache just looking at a bunch of bike parts, at least learn the most basic tire changing, brake adjustment, and gear tuning. These skills can be easily learned at your local bike shop. Those using tubular tires should at least learn how to install them and use sealant before and after the race.
7. Give your bike a thorough check before the race. Check items include tires, tire pressure, key screws (handlebars, seat post), and brakes to ensure your bike is in optimal condition.
8. A comfortable saddle makes for a pleasant ride. When choosing parts like saddles, don't just consider their appearance; comfort is often more important. An unsuitable saddle can not only take away the joy of riding but also ruin your race.
9. After getting the right frame and desired components, it's necessary to do a bike fitting to ensure every part's size, length, and angle are suitable for you.
10. In an Ironman race, the long 180KM cycling segment can be tedious. Putting some chewing gum in your storage bag might help you relax your mind, body, and breath.
How to enhance your running experience?
Indeed, running requires a pair of suitable shoes and healthy feet. But besides these, to perform well in the final running segment, you need to maintain a steady pace and strong will from start to finish.
11. Many athletes, whether professional or amateur, like to stick photos of their loved ones on their bike's stem or top tube, or tattoo motivational words on their arms to encourage themselves to reach the finish line. Do you want to try it too?
12. Unlike professionals, for amateur athletes, exerting too much effort during the cycling stage means losing a lot of time in the running segment. So, it's best to control your cycling pace at your usual training intensity during the race. Also, don't forget to replenish energy and water regularly; you'll need them in the upcoming running segment.
13. Most runners' toenails are quite shocking. After long periods of pressure, many people's feet develop 'black toenails.' Therefore, when buying shoes, consider the impact of foot swelling on size during exercise. Also, develop a good habit of regularly trimming your toenails.
14. Although you will be exhausted in the final running segment, always keep a smile on your face. This can not only directly boost your mood but also inspire the audience to give you more responses. 'Fake it till you make it!' This belief will motivate you to persist until the finish line.
15. Chasing the opponent in front of you can automatically give you an extra energy boost. Always aim at the opponent ahead, overtake them! Then gradually approach and surpass the next opponent!
How to recover faster after the race?
True post-race recovery is far more than just compression leg sleeves, protein powder, and foam rollers. Mental recovery after the race is equally important.
16. Don't be too upset about your poor performance in the race. Give yourself a day to blame yourself and analyze, but after a night's sleep, you must put it behind you.
17. Learn to share your race experience. Post your race photos and results on WeChat Moments or Weibo, along with some race reflections. This allows more friends who care about you to know more and also gives you a chance to analyze the race, affirm your highlights, and identify areas for improvement.
18. Acknowledge your efforts and reward yourself for your hard work. Never be stingy with your body. After the race, gather with teammates and friends at a restaurant to enjoy some meat skewers and beer. The joy of life is far more than the happiness brought by results.