Multisport Training Manners

By Nancy McElwain, M.S., J.D

Although some triathletes prefer to train solo, more likely than not, you will be working out with a training partner or with a group to prepare for your goal event. The camaraderie of working out with a group makes the miles fly by. The accountability to show up for a planned group workout helps to keep us on a regular training schedule. Just hearing the phrase “where were you?” from a training partner after you have missed a group workout is powerful medicine to keep you coming back.

Emily Post, the etiquette guru, has offered us no guidance about proper protocol while working out with our Lycra-clad friends. Just to make sure, I borrowed my mother's ninth edition (1957) of Emily Post's Etiquette . The closest topic was a chapter called “Balls and Dances.” So, here are a few suggestions to take your multisport etiquette to the next level.

In General

• Be on time for group rides, runs, and swims. The group may wait for you, but do you really want to hold everyone else up?
• Don't turn workouts into races. Workout with your fellow triathletes, compete at the races. Why work out with someone if you are constantly pulling ahead?
• Smile and make positive comments. The good spirit will make the whole workout more enjoyable. Who wants to listen to whining and complaining?
• After the workout, thank your buddies. End on a positive note.

Swimming

• In general, swim lanes are meant to be shared. There is no unalienable right to your own swim lane (not even in America), so share it.
• Do not get into a lane and start swimming if someone is already in the lane. Kindly ask permission to swim and decide together if you will split the lane or circle swim.
• If there are only two swimmers in a lane there is no need to circle swim, but with more than two swimmers, you will need to circle swim in a counterclockwise direction. (Clockwise if in Canada – I learned that the hard way.)
• Before you pass another swimmer, first check to see if someone is coming from the opposite direction (this is great sighting practice for open water swimming), then tap their toes and accelerate around them.
• Replace your suits promptly when they start showing wear. Once suits reach “disintegration phase” they fall apart quickly and can cause embarrassment.

Biking

• Always ride as straight a line as possible when riding in a group. Cyclists call this “holding a line.” This is a bit like learning a smooth and flowing dance step, and according to Post, “a man who does not know how to dance is inexcusably inconsiderate if he cuts in on good dancers.”
• Point out road hazards (potholes, gravel, road kill) and signal your intentions to turn when riding with a group.
• Comment when cars are up and back, when you are stopping, and when you are braking. Try to accomplish this using a loud, matter-of-fact voice rather than a startling scream.
• Do not spit or snot in the middle of the pack. Find the right opportunity to pull slightly away from the pack to take care of this. (Certainly not a topic covered by Post)
• Keep your bike in good mechanical shape so that you do not cause others to wait for break downs that could have been avoided.

Running

• If training on an outdoor running track, slower runners should keep to the outside lanes. Let the speedsters have the inside lanes.
• Dogs are great companions on the trails, but keep them away from other runners and mountain bikers. You don't want your dog to take somebody out for the season.

Of course, these rules do not cover every situation an etiquette-minded triathlete may encounter. For instance, we have not even touched upon the subtle nuances of multisport fashion (maybe that will be the topic of a future column). As to implementing these rules, I do not recommend periodized training. There is no reason to gradually increase the volume or intensity of your multisport etiquette. Jump right in and immediately apply all of the rules.

Everyone will benefit from more cordial, enjoyable workouts!

Nancy McElwain has a master's degree in Exercise Physiology and is a USAT Level II certified coach. She owns Train Smart, LLC, a multisport coaching business that offers individual coaching, swim lessons, and bicycle fitting. Nancy is a triathlon National Champion, All American, and Team USA member. She is a 2005 Hawaii Ironman finisher (10:59:44) and 2004 World Long Course Triathlon Champion. You may reach her at nancy@trainsmartmultisport.com or visit www.trainsmartmultisport.com.