TRY Training
It’s a good idea to do some training before the TRYathlon. Our sponsors have put together some TRY Training plans and tips to get you prepared for your TRYathlon.
In the weeks leading up to the event it’s recommended you do regular, small activities to build your fitness and confidence. Even if you can’t start a full four weeks out, just get started when you can. Your training plan should include swimming, biking and running as well as practicing transitioning from each activity.
PARENTS
Your goal should be to help make training as much fun as possible and to build your child’s fitness level to the point they can cover the distance of the swim, bike and run comfortably. That way they will be far more confident and prepared to complete the TRYathlon and will enjoy it so much more.
If your child is not a confident swimmer, cyclist or runner then make sure you spend some time with them in the pool, on the bike or running together. If possible get them some lessons so they are confident about completing the TRYathlon.
Get Ready to TRYTRY Trainer Programmes
Check out the Weet-Bix TRY Trainer Programmes to help you get ready for your TRYathlon. There are 3 training plans to choose from which you can follow exactly or use as a guide.
Beginner: recommended for 7-9 year olds
Intermediate: recommended for 10-12 year olds
Advanced: recommended for 13 years and above
Training Tips
1. Set a goal
It’s a good idea to set a goal before you start a big or new challenge, like the TRYathlon. Your goal maybe to complete the entire TRYathlon without stopping. Whatever your goal is, write it down and work out the steps that are going to get you there.
Toyota Ambassador and Olympian Dame Valerie Adams top three tips are:
- Set Goals
- Have fun doing what you’re doing
- Be Prepared to work for it
2. Warming Up & Cooling down
Don’t forget to stretch your muscles before you begin to exercise to help prepare your body and prevent injury. Start with a short warm-up first, such as walking or jogging in place or event some dancing to your favourite song. When you finish training for the day, cool down and stretch again to help your muscles recover.
3. Get used to your gear
It is a good idea to practice in the clothes and gear you will use on the day. Especially if you are not use to biking or running in your togs. Make sure you can tie your shoe laces and buckle up your helmet too.
4. Get familiar with the course
Try and visit where the TRYathlon will take place so you become familiar with the course. Practice swimming at the beach or pool you will be swimming in. Run around the park or follow the bike course.
5. Always put safety first
The highest priority should always be your safety no matter what the activity. A safe bike, a good pair of running shoes, and always wearing a helmet that fits is important. During training, supervision is important – especially if you are swimming. Using parks and fields and areas apart from traffic are the safest places to practice.
If you are out training in the sun then don’t forget to wear a hat and apply sunscreen. It’s a good idea not to train in the heat of the day. So in the morning or after school is a good idea.
6. Pacing
It is important to learn how to pace yourself. The TRYathlon is not a sprint! Pacing means use all of your energy at the beginning so you can finish strong without having to stop because you are too tired. A good way to practice this is to run 1 kilometre with a parent and start off slowly and then every 250 meters slowly build up and finish strongly. By learning how to pace, you’ll have a much better day.
7. Don’t Over Train
It’s important not to over-train your body because you can become tired, injuries might even occur and you won’t be at your best. It’s important to schedule rest days. During a week’s training you should try to swim, bike, and run at least once each week.
8. Sleep
Getting enough sleep is one important thing you need to do, especially if you are doing more physical activity that you are used to.
Sleep gives your body time to recover, conserve energy, and repair and build up the muscles worked during exercise.
It will also give you more time to dream about crossing the finish line, with everyone cheering you on, and receiving your medal from one of New Zealand’s top sporting stars!
9. Have Fun!
Have fun while you train. Turn your training into a game or plan to train with friends or your family – it’s a lot more fun when everyone is involved and will help keep you motivated.
If you can’t train for a reason then come up with some creative ways to get your training in, like running around the house for 5 minutes. Remember that even playing or running around with friends, or going biking together as a family still counts.
If your child needs assistance during any leg of the course, please contact us via email at least one week before the event and we will discuss options with you.
We can arrange for a parent or guardian to have access to all areas of the course to provide assistance. You can contact our Inclusions Manager at evelyn@smcevents.co.nz
Distances are approximate and are as follows;
6 year olds (Splash & Dash): 50m swim / 1.5km run
7 year olds 50m: swim/ 4km cycle/ 1.5km run
8 – 10 year olds: 75-100m swim/ 4km cycle/ 1.5km run
11 – 15 year olds: 150–200m swim/ 8km cycle/ 1.5 km run
The Swim
The swim leg will take place either in the ocean or a public pool. Each venue is a little bit different, so we recommend you check the Location page to check the depth of the swim at your child’s event and to download a swim map. There are always lots of lifeguards on hand to help if your children need assistance.
For pool swims, some of the lifeguards will be based in the pool for the entire event. Others will be located around the edge of the pool to assist with entering and exiting the water. Flutter boards are also available if required.
All ocean swims are conducted parallel to the beach, so your child will never be far from land. Some of these lifeguards will stand on the shore and some of these lifeguards will be based in the water for the entire event.
We will always have a lifeguard on hand for our TRYathletes should they require assistance.
Team Swimmers
On the morning of the event, you will need to head to the blue CHECK IN tents at Transition to be scanned in.
You will need to have your Weet-Bix TRYathlon t-shirt (with bib number attached), shorts, closed in shoes, towel and drink bottle in your Weet-Bix TRY drawstring bag (with your bib number written on it). This bag will be left with your team cyclist (not left in Transition) for them to give to you when you TAG them after the swim leg. Once you have TAGGED your team cyclist, you will have time to get dry and changed under the blue Teams Bay tents while your team mate is out on the cycle leg. Once ready in your running gear, you will wait for your cyclist to come and TAG you and then you will complete the run together.
The Cycle
The cycle leg will take place in parks, on footpaths and roads with traffic management plans in place. We recommend you check the Location page for your event to download a copy of the cycle map.
Each participant taking part as an individual or team cyclist, including children from the same family, will need to have their own bike and helmet to complete the TRYathlon. Sharing bikes can compromise safety and security.
If you require assistance with equipment, you can apply for support from the Weet-Bix Foundation here.
For health and safety reasons, closed in shoes must be worn during the cycle and run legs of the TRYathlon.
Team Cyclist
On the morning of the event, you will need to head to the blue CHECK IN tents at transition to be scanned in and then leave your bike and helmet in transition. When you are ready to leave transition, you should be wearing your Weet-Bix TRYathlon t-shirt (with bib number attached) and your closed in shoes – that way you are all ready to go and just need to put your helmet on before you start cycling. Your team swimmer will give you their drawstring bag to hold on to while they are swimming. When they TAG you after their swim, you will need to give them their drawstring bag so that they can get changed while you are out cycling.
The Run
The run leg will take place in parks, on footpaths and roads with traffic management plans in place. We recommend you check the Location page for your event to download a copy of the run map.
For health and safety reasons, closed in shoes must be worn during the cycle and run legs of the TRYathlon.
Safety is the top priority for each and every Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon event and for this reason, the following event rules must be adhered to:
- The Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon is about participation and Fair Play. By entering the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon event, you agree to abide by the principles of Fair Play; respect for the rules, courtesy, just and equitable treatment for all participants, spectators and event volunteers alike.
- We also encourage all spectators, present on the day, to encourage and cheer for all participants present, and to equally abide by the principals of Fair Play. Thank you for your support.
- Participants and spectators must follow TRYathlon Marshals’ instructions. They will be the ones in the HELP TEAM shirts encouraging you and directing you around the course.
- Spectators must keep clear of all parts of the Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon course. This includes the Transition Area, which, once the TRYathlon starts, will not be open again until after prize giving has concluded.
- Your helmet must be on correctly, and done up securely before you leave Transition.
- Closed in shoes must be worn for the bike and run legs of the event. You must ensure that your shoelaces are done up before you leave Transition.
- Take care on corners and slopes particularly if conditions are wet.
- Road closures are in place, keep left if not overtaking – remember that your bike course is like a normal road, and normal road rules apply.
- Your Official Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon T-shirt must be worn during the ride and run.
- Familiarise yourself with the course – and view the maps on Information boards located in the event arena.
- Do NOT move other participant’s bikes or gear in the transition area at any time.
To view our full Terms and Conditions, click here.