How to manage your Split Transition Preparation is key 

One reason that split-transition races can be more stressful than single-transition races is because athletes worry that they might forget an important piece of equipment, or put an item in the wrong place or bag. This can be prevented with a simple organisational strategy. Before the race, set up all your gear on the floor, a bed, or a large towel—just like you would for a single transition triathlon. Then, separate the gear into appropriate bags: for morning clothes, for bike, and for run.

“I recommend using a master list I use when packing for a triathlon,” says Race Director Richard “For Challenge Roth which has a split transition I made a T1 and T2 list. They gave us the separate bags, and I went through the lists and physically checked off each item to make sure I had everything.”

Checklists like this, as well as being extra thoughtful about how you pack your transition bags themselves can help ease any additional stress. Roll up your socks and put them inside your shoes. Pin your bib number on your race belt. Unlatch the strap of your helmet so it’s ready to go. Set up your gear so that when you open the bag it’s in order of what you want first on top, and then work your way down, If you plan to wear a hat for the run, put your sunglasses, gels and bars, and race belt inside the hat to create a package you can run with out of transition to save extra time.

If you plan to carry gels, salt, and other nutrition on the run, you can put those items into a large Ziploc bag that then goes inside your T2 bag. During the race, grab the nutrition bag and start running out of transition, putting items into the pockets of your tri suit as you go.

The trick to a speedy transition is this: don’t do anything standing still that you could do safely while you’re on the move.