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Triathlon Transitioning and Your Feet

By Dr Andrew Schneider

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 29Sep2009
Word count: 400
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Triathlons have become increasingly popular in the past two decades. The marathon used to be seen as the ultimate physical challenge but now much of the spotlight has been switched over to triathlons. Triathlons are unique because they involve swimming, bicycling, and running. These three different parts of the triathlon all involve very different muscles but the one area of the body that is highly involved in all three aspects of the race is your feet. Since this is the body part that is directly involved the most throughout the course of a triathlon, it is imperative that you pay special attention to them during the transition periods in order to keep them in prime condition. The first part of a triathlon is the swimming leg of the race. During this part of the event you are barefoot. When you get out of the water and proceed to the first transition area to get ready for the biking leg of the race, make sure that you thoroughly dry and clean off your feet. If you don't take the time to clean off any dirt or water on your feet or between your toes then you are almost guaranteed to get terrible blisters during your biking segment which will leave you in terrible pain during the final running segment of the race. Although there are some biking shoes made to be worn without socks, it is not encouraged. Make sure that you put on a dry pair of moisture wicking socks before you put on your biking shoes. The extra few seconds it takes you to put on the socks will be worthwhile.

The second transition is between the biking and the running legs of the race. During this transition, make sure you take the time to change your socks again. Chances are that your first pair of socks is starting to reach the point of maximum absorbency due to extreme amount of sweat you will produce from biking. By putting on a new pair of socks you will help prevent blisters from forming during the running segment of your race.

Completing a triathlon is an amazing feat but there are definitely little tips and tricks that will help you get through it more safely and efficiently. Taking your time during the transitions to take care of your feet well can make all the difference in the outcome of your triathlon.

Dr. Andrew Schneider is a podiatrist in private practice in Houston, TX. He is dedicated to maintaining the health and safety of the feet of athletes and return them to their sport as soon as possible after injury. For more information about foot health in sports, informative videos, and to order Dr. Schneider's FREE book, visit his website and his blog "The Houston Running Chronicles"

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