Whether you’re a triathlon newbie wondering how to “put it all together” or an experienced triathlete looking to check the progress of your training, indoor triathlons are a fun way to stay motivated during the cooler months! So what is an indoor triathlon, and how is it different from the “regular” or outdoor triathlon? A regular triathlon follows your standard concept of a race: you cover a fixed distance, and whoever finishes first wins. The health clubs in which indoor triathlons are typically held cannot accommodate a 1K, let alone a 5K. So they follow a different format: the interval of time is fixed, and whoever gets the farthest during that time interval wins. The San Diego Indoor Triathlon Series uses the following format: Format: 10 minutes pool swim 10 minutes transition 20 minutes of biking on a Spinner bike 5 minutes transition 15 minute treadmill run Your distance for each segment is calculated by a volunteer or automatically noted by equipment's computer. At the end of your race, distances for each segment are added up and the athlete(s) with the most miles traveled is the WINNER.

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Hosted in Conjunction with

Net Profits to Benefit

Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 22, 2014 at

Fit Athletic Club in Carmel Mountain Ranch

Click on the Fit logo for specific race location and information.

Volunteers Needed: The first 5 dedicated volunteer for each location will receive a special gift (TBD).
If you are able to help out and need more information contact SDIndoorTriSeries@gmail.com,
with your name and phone number. We'll be in touch to discuss details (it’s easy and fun stuff).

Whether you’re a triathlon newbie wondering how to “put it all together” or an experienced triathlete looking to check the progress of your training, indoor triathlons are a fun way to stay motivated during the cooler months!

So what is an indoor triathlon, and how is it different from the “regular” or outdoor triathlon?

A regular triathlon follows your standard concept of a race: you cover a fixed distance, and whoever finishes first wins. The health clubs in which indoor triathlons are typically held cannot accommodate a 1K, let alone a 5K. So they follow a different format: the interval of time is fixed, and whoever gets the farthest during that time interval wins. The San Diego Indoor Triathlon Series uses the following format:

Format:

•10 minutes pool swim
•10 minutes transition
•20 minutes of biking on a Spinner bike
• 5 minutes transition
•15 minute treadmill run

Your distance for each segment is calculated by a volunteer or automatically noted by equipment's computer. At the end of your race, distances for each segment are added up and the athlete(s) with the most miles traveled is the WINNER.

Results

5th Annual Series

2012-2013

Results

4th Annual Series

2011-2012

Results

3rd Annual Series

2010-2011

Results

2nd Annual Series

2009-2010

Results

1st Annual Series

2008-2009

Results

Race 1

Race 2

Race 3

Race 4

Indoor Triathlons: The Basics

Indoor Triathlons: Full Explanation

Okay, okay—enough silly stuff: let’s get down to business.

This year series consists of four races hosted by great local heath clubs. If you want to see an indoor triathlon first hand before deciding to compete, they always need volunteers!

RACE DAY

Arrive at the club and sign in at least 30 to 45 minutes early. Lay out your things (in your locker) for T1, and then report to the pool 20 minutes before the start of your assigned wave.

THE SWIM

The conventional wisdom for approaching an indoor tri swim is the same as that of an outdoor race: your swim performance isn’t going to win the race for you, but you can waste too much energy here and suffer in the other events as a result. If you are an accomplished lap swimmer, you can go for it, but otherwise I recommend that you swim with some effort while still remaining relaxed. Concentrate on form and think about being in a “real” open-water triathlon swim. If you start getting seriously winded, relax a bit — this too will be good practice for your outdoor race. Don’t worry about flip turns unless you have mastered these; just concentrate on making a strong, streamlined push off the wall. Typically the health club pools have slightly narrower lanes than your average lap-swimming pool, and you may have to share a lane with another competitor. If you’re feeling ambitious and/or competitive, you could play with a little drafting off a swimmer in your lane or another lane.

(Newbies, this means “Transition 1,” the time you spend between swimming and biking.) Indoor triathlons are short but intense events. Throughout T1, try to breathe and bring your heart rate back down so you have energy for the bike. Consume some fluids. You will have time to quickly rinse off the chlorine if it bothers you, and it’s worth taking a few extra seconds to actually dry yourself off (it’ll be easier to pull on your clothes if you do!). Pull yourself together and head to the bike area to set seat/handle bar height and adjust pedal straps.

THE BIKE

Without question, this is the most important event in the race. Take a look at the results of past indoor triathlons: the winners are always the folks who managed the greatest bike mileage. Wear bike shorts if you can.

Spinner bikes with cyclometers will be used to monitor distance traveled. The computer will also display speed. LifeCycle Stationary bikes may be used instead of spinner bikes depending on hosting athletic club.

There are only a few rules; No special shoes/clip in shoes, no "free" spinning and feet must be on pedals at all time. Adjustable toe baskets will be provided on all the bike.

You only have five minutes between the bike and the run. Your options are to get out of your bike shorts and into something more comfortable or to just head straight to the run. Since the locker room can be far away, I recommend toughing out the run in your bike shorts and using the shorter T2 interval to relax, stretch, and drink more water.

THE RUN

Your run portion will be on a treadmill (one location may have a short oval track). The treadmill has a lot of advantages—you can punch in the level that will help you reach your goal pace/mileage and just hang on!

That’s it, you’re done!

Couple of rules: Participant must stay on rolling tread the whole time. If you need to stop or slow down adjust the speed. No straddling the rolling tread. No holding onto the treadmill rails.

Be sure to thank the volunteers!

RESULTS

Are usually published within two days of the race. Awards will be handed out to at conclusion of each race. The overall male and female will receive a "winner's" swim cap.

Courtesy of Aubrey Spath, Chicago Tri Club Member. Modified to meet the needs of the SD Indoor Triathlon Series.

No Excuses: Fun & Competition for All Levels

But, I’m not a “hard-core” triathlete.

Not to worry! These events do draw a few hard-core types but primarily are made up of new or improving triathletes (about 50%), and members of the club where the event is being hosted (the other 50%), to whom the event was likely promoted as a fitness challenge more so than a “triathlon.” You get all shapes, ages, and experience levels.

But, the only workout I’ve done all winter is 12-ounce curls.

Well, what are you waiting for? The whole indoor tri lasts only 45 minutes (plus transitions)—you know you can do it! And maybe being a little more out of breath than you’d like, and feeling your body complain during the run, will kick your butt into gear. Plus, you competitive types know you can’t stand that the person on the next treadmill is running faster than you.

Rules:

•No devices to aid swimming.
•No clip-in cleat/shoes on bikes (all bikes will have adjustable toe straps/baskets).
•Feet must be on treadmill while it is moving. No excessive holding onto hand rails.