Race Tips

A primer of the most commonly violated race rules.

Have a plan for handling your triathlon nerves so you can avoid feeling overwhelmed on race day.

Head into the triathlon season with a sharper mental edge.

Covering 140.6 miles of swim, bike and run is an impressive feat for most—but to do so in under 8 hours? That’s just plain superhuman.

When it comes to endurance sports, mental preparation is what separates the winners from everyone else.

Coach Lance Watson advises you to see what you happens when you race purely with your mind and spirit.

Your first race will surely give you butterflies and get you psyched for the upcoming season.

It’s all about pacing. If you pace the swim and bike right, you’ll set yourself up for a better run and a stronger finish.

Apply these lessons to your race prep, then channel your inner Olympic medalist on race day.

Completely shutting down the legs and trying to power through the water with just arm strokes is simply inefficient.

What can you do if you need to perform under pressure? Focus on managing the stress response by doing these six things.

New research serves as a reminder of why you shouldn't go out too hard.

Race like a savvy triathlete by avoiding these mistakes in transition.

Mental strategies for pushing through the toughest moments.

Advice from two-time Olympian Laura Bennett about preparing to race at a high elevation.

These quick tweaks to your race routine will shave seconds off of your finish time.

With the advent of more advanced online tools, it’s easier than ever to scope out the competition.

Anyone who has raced in Kona knows that it is unlike any other Ironman.

There are two parts to rolling a hill: the technique and the effort.

The importance of eliminating pre-race distractions, plus how to visualize race-day success.

Ride faster in your next Olympic-distance triathlon using a long-course mindset.

Tips for surviving in the weatherman’s worst.

Researchers found that much of performance loss in the heat may be actually mitigated through acclimating.

Make sure you do these four things before you sign up for your next triathlon.

Poor heat acclimation and hydration strategies can ruin even the best training preparation.

Harnessing the good and blocking the bad can make all the difference during training and racing.

Strategize for your specific course without leaving your house.

Why do I have to wear a shirt during U.S. Ironman events when I can race topless in non-Ironman events?

Want to gain an edge without draining your wallet? Apply these small details to your training and racing.

Why you should have a set strategy for race morning—plus, a sample schedule for the hours leading up to the race start.

Oops—you inadvertently went off course at a triathlon. Here's what to do when you realize your mistake and the possible ramifications.

Ironman head referee Jimmy Riccitello answers your questions about the rules of the sport.

The right way to approach a pre-race run routine.

"You will find that you race much better in an Ironman carrying a little too much than a little too less. You can bet on it."

My "A" race went poorly. Do you have any basic guidelines for seeking out a "redemption race"?

Two sports psychologists share tools and techniques every triathlete should employ.

Linsey Corbin, Ben Hoffman, Terenzo Bozzone and Timothy O’Donnell share their best triathlon tip.

The marathon is where many Ironman dreams die.

Racing in hot temps? Follow this approach for maximum performance gains.

Three common issues that derail triathletes in racing—and how to correct them.

Confused by all the fancy new swimwear options and what’s legal to use in a race and when? Jimmy Riccitello goes over the basic rules.

Do you tend to freak out before a big race? These three expert tips can help you annihilate race-day anxiety.

Traveling to a race far from home, particularly if you have to fly there, can be an overwhelming affair.

The first six steps to develop speed after distance-focused training.

Despite clear evidence that a shorter taper is most beneficial, many Ironman training plans today include a full three-week taper.

The key is to taper smart and remember that no matter what you do, you’re not going to gain any fitness in the last week.

We went to Abu Dhabi to check out TriYAS by Activelife, a sprint and Olympic-distance race.

Unauthorized Assistance is a rule that is often misunderstood and could cause a well-meaning athlete to unwittingly be penalized.

Australian pro Justin Granger has raced a significant portion of his career in Asia–where conditions tend toward hot, humid, hilly and adventurous.

Three quick tips for thriving in steamy temps.

Step up from the Olympic to half-iron distance with these pro tips from coach Siri Lindley.

Some of the biggest sports performance killers have everything to do with how well equipped you are to deal with psychological challenges.

How top pros keep themselves cool on the Big Island.

Australia's Pete Jacobs traditionally does only two run workouts in the week leading up to Ironman Hawaii.

Great advice from the sport's top athletes on competing in a 70.3 one month before an Ironman.

Power down descents ahead of your competition with these six confidence-boosting tips.

Crossing the finish line is always better than quitting, Tim DeBoom writes.

These major triathlons were all affected by extreme weather last year.

These tips from the sport's speed experts will help you save seconds without clearing out your bank account.

Paula Newby-Fraser narrates a video aimed at helping you feel healthy, ready and prepared for the open-water swim portion of a triathlon.

Pros Michael and Amanda Lovato share their tried and true tips for beating the heat, before, during and after a race.

The difference between a good race and a bad race is all about how you manage the (inevitable) pain.

Pro Linsey Corbin reveals how she finally nabbed the top spot at Ironman Arizona last fall.

When it comes to Ironman, lighter is not necessarily better.

Thousands of triathletes, media, vendors, college students, volunteers, fans and families will descend upon the Wildflower Festival.

These eight tips will help you make the most of the Wildflower Festival weekend. Load up the car and hit the road!

Ironman head referee and triathlon coach Jimmy Riccitello shares tips on how to steer clear of the dreaded drafting penalty.

Advice on how to best pace your next triathlon.

The elation is over, the fatigue has begun to settle and the endorphins have run their course. Macca's four-step plan to staying positive.

There’s a subtle reason why the best manage to stay on top: the mind.

Athletes who are successful in the long-term don’t train linearly.

Hope to race in Kona one day? Crush the course with these tips from the world’s fastest age grouper.

Andy Potts used to struggle with panic attacks (yes, it happens to even the best swimmer in our sport) before the swim.

Six-time Ironman world champion (and coach) Mark Allen shares the training tweaks that have transformed pro Angela Naeth into a champion.

An Xterra newbie shares things he learned that will save you from some of the first-timer pitfalls when you’re ready to make the leap.

Racing two long-distance triathlons in a single season is attainable—here’s how.

Scotland native and reigning Xterra world champ Lesley Paterson shares her keys to success on the mountain bike.

These top athletes didn’t have the world championships they wanted; learn from their missteps to avoid a disappointing result.

Chris "Macca" McCormack shares what he learned from being the “old guy” on the short course.

My girlfriend is doing her first Ironman in a few weeks and I want to support her at the race. What can I do to be helpful?

To help strategize for this unique event, we enlisted the help of former LeadmanTri winners Jordan Rapp and Angela Naeth.

Plus, the fast-running American shares his favorite workouts and training music.

‘Tis the season for rising temps at races. Avoid these common mistakes when racing in the heat.

This week we bring you Kelly Williamson from T1 of Ironman 70.3 Texas.

Every week we’ll bring you a video of a different pro in transition so you can pick up tips and apply them to your own race.

Every week we'll bring you a video of a different pro in transition so you can pick up tips and apply them to your own race.

Every week we'll bring you a video of a different pro in transition so you can pick up tips and apply them to your own race.

Limited on time? Here are a few tips to help you pick the best race to fit your strengths and schedule.

Save seconds by setting your bike like a pro.