Guide To Triathlon Terms
Starting any new sport comes with its own challenges, but understanding the terms can sound like a new language. Here are the terms you will likely hear. Use them and sound like a pro.
Sprint – this is the shortest distance triathlon. Swim consists of a 400-500 meters, Bike 12-16 miles, Run 5 km (3.12 miles)
Olympic – Swim about a mile (.93 miles/1.5 km), Bike roughly 25 miles (40 km), Run 6.2 miles (10 km)
Half Ironman (70.3 *miles)– Swim 1.2 miles (1.9 km), Bike 56 miles (90.1 km), Run 13.1 miles (21.1 km)
Ironman (140.6 *miles) – Swim 2.4 miles (3.9 km), Bike 112 miles (180.2 km), Run 26.2 miles (42.2 km)
Ironman® is a trademarked organization and race. The term “iron distance” is not associated with the Ironman® brand. However, iron distance races may be associated with USAT or USA Triathlon.
Swim Terms
Beach Start – Some races start on a beach. The timer starts as soon as the racer crosses the start line. Usually these starts are done in age group “waves”.
Open Water Swim (OWS) is done in a lake, ocean, river, or bay. Not a pool swim.
Rolling Start – Racers self-seed (place themselves) in line based on their predicted finish time. This type of start may also be used for a “floating” start, where the racers start in the water by treading water until the race “sound” goes off.
Swim Wave – Swim start may be in waves by gender and age group rather than a mass start where everyone starts in the water at the same time.
Washing Machine – reference to an open water swim start
Bike Terms
Bonk – Sudden loss of energy resulting in fatigue. Occurs when glycogen stores in the muscles and liver deplete. AKA: hitting a wall
Cadence – also known as RPM (revolutions per minute) / pace
Century – A 100-mile bike ride
Clipless Pedals – The term is used because the foot is not in a strap or a toe clip. The bottom of the bike shoe has an attachment (cleat) for the pedal so they rider has a more efficient pedal stroke.
Triathlon Bike – Made specifically with aerodynamics in mind. The bike is designed to be light weight with aero bars to help the rider maintain a comfortable aerodynamic posture. The handlebars will usually have a place for forearms and elbows to rest. The frame tubing is also different than most road bikes.
Run Terms
Brick – This term typically means you stack a bike with a run. It can also be a swim to bike workout. These workouts train your body to the transitions needed during a triathlon.
Fartlek – A Swedish term meaning “speed Play”, which is a variable mixture of running at slow, medium and fast paces.
Marathon – 26.2 miles. According to Greek legend, in 490 B.C., a Greek soldier name Philippides ran the distance of about 25 miles from the site of the battle of Marathon to Athens.
Negative Split – Running the second half of a race faster than the first half.
General Triathlon Terms
Body Marking – Area of transition where the triathlete gets marked with their race number and age. Athlete may also use removable tattoo numbers purchased separately.
DNS – Did not start
DNF – Did not finish
DNR – Did not race
DQ – Disqualified
PR – Personal Record (AKA Personal Best)
RPE – rate of perceived exertion
RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation
Taper – Cutting back mileage (or taper) before a big race. It helps muscles rest so that they are ready for peak performance on race day.
Transition – This is the place where athletes transition between the different sports.
- T1: Swim to Bike
- T2: Bike to Run
USAT – USA Triathlon – This is the national governing body for multi-sport, including aquathons, duathlon and triathlon.
WTC – World Triathlon Corporation
