30 Must-Know Triathlon Terms, Phrases and Slang

Get set to conquer the triathlon universe, where endurance is king and jargon reigns supreme!

From the adrenaline-pumping ‘Bonk’ to the stealthy ‘Drafting’ tactics, these 30 essential terms will empower your tri-vocabulary, transforming you from a novice to a formidable triathlete.

Ready to take the plunge? On your marks, get set, jargonize!

Must-Know Triathlon Terms, Phrases and Slang:

1. Aero bars
2. Bonk
3. Brick
4. Drafting
5. Ironman
6. Olympic distance
7. PR (Personal Record)
8. Splits
9. T1 (Transition 1)
10. T2 (Transition 2)
11. Time trial
12. Transition area
13. Ultraman
14. Wetsuit
15. Zone training
16. Catch (Swimming)
17. Pull buoy
18. Aero helmet
19. Clipless pedals
20. Draft-legal
21. Endurance
22. Fartlek
23. Gel
24. Heart rate monitor
25. Interval training
26. Lactate threshold
27. Open water
28. Pace line
29. Road bike
30. Tri suit

#1 Aero Bars

A handlebar extension found on triathlon and time-trial bicycles, allowing the rider to assume a more aerodynamic position by resting their forearms and reducing wind resistance.

#2 Bonk

A term colloquially used in endurance sports, referring to hitting a wall or a severe drop in energy and performance due to glycogen depletion, often resulting in sudden fatigue and loss of strength.

#3 Brick

A workout that combines two disciplines practiced back-to-back, typically cycling followed immediately by running, to simulate the transition during a triathlon and condition the body for the shift in muscle usage.

#4 Drafting

Riding closely behind another competitor to conserve energy by taking advantage of the reduced wind resistance created by the leading athlete, which is a technique commonly used in the cycling leg of a triathlon.

#5 Ironman

A series of long-distance triathlon races organized by the World Triathlon Corporation, consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a marathon 26.2-mile run, completed in that order without a break.

#6 Olympic Distance

A standard triathlon race distance also known as “international distance,” comprising a 1.5-kilometer (0.93-mile) swim, a 40-kilometer (24.8-mile) bicycle ride, and a 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) run.

#7 PR (Personal Record)

In triathlon, a PR, or Personal Record, refers to an athlete’s fastest time achieved in a triathlon or any of its individual segments (swimming, biking, running) during official competitions. Achieving a PR is a significant milestone for triathletes, indicating personal improvement and achievement.

#8 Splits

Splits refer to the individual times recorded from each segment of the triathlon—swim, bike, and run—as well as transitions (T1 and T2). Tracking splits helps athletes gauge their performance across different parts of the race and manage their pace strategically.

#9 T1 (Transition 1)

The first transition in a triathlon, where athletes switch from swimming to cycling. Efficiency here can save valuable time, making it a crucial phase in the race for competitors.

#10 T2 (Transition 2)

The second transition phase in a triathlon, occurring after the bike portion and before the run. This transition requires athletes to quickly change gear and mindset to end the race on a strong note.

#11 Time trial

A race format where cyclists or triathletes start individually at set intervals, racing against the clock rather than in a direct head-to-head competition. It emphasizes steady pacing and aerodynamics over tactical group riding.

#12 Transition area

A designated zone in triathlons where athletes store their gear for transitions between swimming, cycling, and running. Good organization and speed in the transition area can shave off crucial seconds from an athlete’s overall time.

#13 Ultraman

An extreme long-distance triathlon consisting of a 10 km swim, 421.1 km bike ride, and an 84.3 km run, completed over three days. This event tests the ultimate limits of human endurance and mental fortitude.

#14 Wetsuit

A garment typically made of neoprene, which provides thermal insulation and buoyancy for triathletes during the swim portion. Wetsuits are designed to improve swimming speed by reducing drag in the water.

#15 Zone training

Zone training is a method used in triathlon training that involves dividing workout intensity into different zones, each characterized by specific heart rate ranges or perceived exertion levels. This technique allows athletes to train more effectively by targeting different endurance and strength aspects, leading to better race-day performance.

#16 Catch (Swimming)

In swimming, the “catch” is part of the stroke where the swimmer’s hand and forearm make initial contact with the water and start pulling through. An effective catch is crucial for efficient swimming, as it helps maximize the water pulled backward, propelling the swimmer forward more powerfully.

#17 Pull buoy

A flotation device used during swim training, placed between the legs to immobilize them, which allows swimmers to focus on arm technique and upper body strength. It’s essential for isolating the upper body’s contribution to propulsion in water.

#18 Aero helmet

An aerodynamically designed helmet that reduces wind resistance, often featuring an elongated tail. It’s a vital piece of gear for triathletes seeking to gain time advantages in the cycling segment of races.

#19 Clipless pedals

A pedal system that mechanically attaches a rider’s shoes to the bike, improving efficiency in power transfer. Popular among triathletes for their security and the ability to pull on the upstroke, contributing to a smoother pedal rotation.

#20 Draft-legal

A type of triathlon race where athletes are allowed to ride in the slipstream of competitors, reducing air resistance and saving energy during the cycling segment. It requires strategic positioning and can lead to faster bike splits.

#21 Endurance

The ability to sustain a physical activity over a long period, which is critical for triathlon performance. Endurance is built through consistent training and involves both cardiovascular and muscular stamina.

#22 Fartlek

A training technique originating from Sweden, featuring varied intensity intervals mixed within a continuous run. It helps improve speed and endurance by mimicking the irregular pace of competition, allowing athletes to push harder for shorter bursts.

#23 Gel

In triathlon, a gel refers to a type of energy gel, which is a carbohydrate-rich, gelatinous food designed to provide quick energy during long-distance races. These gels are easy to consume and digest, making them a popular choice for athletes to maintain energy levels, especially during the bike and run segments.

#24 Heart Rate Monitor

An electronic device worn by athletes to measure beats per minute, allowing for precise tracking of cardiovascular performance. It’s crucial for monitoring intensity levels and managing effort during training and competition.

#25 Interval Training

A method of training that involves alternating periods of high-intensity effort with less intense recovery periods. It’s highly effective for improving speed, cardiovascular fitness, and endurance in triathletes.

#26 Lactate Threshold

The exercise intensity at which the blood concentration of lactate and/or lactic acid begins to exponentially rise. Triathletes train to increase this threshold, enabling them to perform at a higher intensity for longer durations.

#27 Open Water

Refers to any body of natural water such as lakes, oceans, or rivers where triathlon swimming segments take place. Open water swimming presents challenges distinct from pool swimming, such as navigating and sighting.

#28 Pace Line

A formation in cycling where each rider takes a turn at the front before dropping to the back to draft off the others, allowing for more efficient energy usage. It’s common in team time trials, though not typically legal in individual triathlon races.

#29 Road Bike

A type of bicycle designed for speed and efficiency on paved roads, featuring a lightweight frame, narrow tires, and multiple gears. Road bikes are commonly used in the cycling leg of triathlons for their speed and handling.

#30 Tri Suit

A tri suit is a multi-functional garment worn throughout the swim, bike, and run portions of a triathlon. Designed to be aerodynamic, quick-drying, and comfortable, tri suits help reduce drag in the water and provide muscle compression and cushioning on the bike and run.

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