Triathlon Glossary

Your primary goal race of the season — the one you peak and taper for.

Extensions on a bike's handlebars that allow a more aerodynamic riding position. Common on time trial and triathlon bikes.

An amateur triathlete who competes in age-based categories (e.g., M30-34). The vast majority of triathletes are age groupers.

A secondary race used for practice, fitness testing, or qualification — not your primary goal race.

Sudden fatigue and loss of energy caused by glycogen depletion, usually during long-distance events. Also called 'hitting the wall'.

A training session combining two disciplines back-to-back, most commonly bike then run. Simulates race conditions and adapts your body to the transition.

The number of revolutions per minute (RPM) — for cycling (pedal strokes) or running (steps). Optimal cycling cadence is typically 80-100 RPM.

Pedals that mechanically attach to special cycling shoes via cleats, allowing more efficient power transfer. Also called clipless pedals.

Critical Swim Speed — a sustainable pace used to set training zones for swimming. Calculated from a time trial test.

Did Not Start — when an athlete registers for a race but does not begin.

Did Not Finish — when an athlete starts a race but withdraws before completing the course.

Riding or swimming closely behind another athlete to reduce wind/water resistance. Drafting on the bike is illegal in most triathlons.

Specific technique exercises (especially in swimming) designed to improve form, efficiency, and speed.

A multisport race with run-bike-run format (no swimming). A popular alternative for non-swimmers.

Functional Threshold Power — the maximum average power (in watts) you can sustain for one hour on the bike. Used to set training zones.

Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, cramping, bloating) common during long-distance racing, often caused by poor nutrition strategy.

A triathlon distance of 1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21.1km run. The '70.3' refers to the total miles.

A range of heartbeats per minute used to control training intensity. Typically divided into 5 zones from easy to maximum effort.

The longest standard triathlon distance: 3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42.2km run. Also a brand name (IRONMAN) for a series of events.

Structured workouts alternating between high-intensity efforts and recovery periods. Key for building speed and fitness.

General term for triathlon equipment and clothing. 'Tri kit' specifically refers to a one-piece outfit worn for all three disciplines.

Completing the second half of a race or workout faster than the first half. A sign of good pacing strategy.

Standard triathlon distance: 1.5km swim, 40km bike, 10km run. Also called standard or international distance.

Swimming in natural bodies of water (lakes, rivers, sea) as opposed to a pool. Requires different skills including sighting and navigation.

Personal Best — your fastest time for a given distance or event.

Rate of Perceived Exertion — a subjective 1-10 scale for measuring workout intensity based on how hard it feels.

Lifting your head while swimming to check direction in open water. Good sighting technique minimises extra distance.

The shortest common triathlon distance: 750m swim, 20km bike, 5km run. Ideal for beginners.

A shorter triathlon format: approximately 400m swim, 10km bike, 2.5km run. Great for absolute beginners.

The first transition — from swim to bike. Includes removing wetsuit, putting on helmet and cycling shoes.

The second transition — from bike to run. Includes racking bike, swapping cycling shoes for running shoes.

A period of reduced training volume (1-3 weeks) before a key race, allowing the body to fully recover while maintaining fitness.

The designated area where athletes rack bikes and store equipment between disciplines. Set up before the race starts.

A one-piece outfit (or two-piece top/shorts) designed to be worn for all three disciplines without changing.

A device that holds a bicycle stationary for indoor cycling training. Also called a bike trainer.

A measure of power output on the bike. Training with power provides objective intensity data independent of conditions.

A neoprene suit worn for open water swimming, providing buoyancy and warmth. Required in some races when water temperature is below a threshold.

Structuring workouts around specific intensity zones (heart rate, power, or pace) to target different energy systems.