You’re out of the water and into T1 (transition 1 – swim to bike) at Ironman Coeur d’Alene. First you have to run up the beach, across the sidewalk and hundreds of spectators, and onto the grass of City Park.
The first thing you will do is get your wetsuit peeled off by two or three of the many helpful volunteers. Then it’s off to find your T1 bag with all your bike gear. From there you will run into one of two huge tents (one for men, one for women). Here you can change out of your swim gear and into your bike gear. If you’re like me, then you will simply be putting on bike shoes, helmet, sunglasses, Pearl Izumi Sun Sleeves, etc. I swim in the same outfit that I bike and run in, that is, a triathlon suit.
After you leave the changing tent (other end of the tent), there will be more helpful volunteers to apply sunscreen all over your body. Don’t pass this up as you will be out in the sun for hours.
Jumping ahead. After the bike ride, you will hit the same transition area. Bike valets will take you bike and rack it in your space. How cool is that? Then it’s back into the same tent as before, now with your run gear bag. Once again, leaving the tent you will be met with volunteers ready to apply one final coat of sunscreen.
Did I mention all the wonderful volunteers? They really do make the race.
Enjoy the long bike ride and later the cool run.
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I live in Orlando, Florida and participate in marathons and triathlons.
