Triathlon Terminology: 120+ Terms Triathletes Need to Know

Whether you’re a seasoned racer or someone who thought a “brick workout” involved actual bricks, you are in the right place.

This glossary will help you translate triathlete-speak into plain English!

From understanding why people willingly wear wetsuits that make them look like seals, to figuring out why on earth anyone would eat something called an energy gel…

Imagine effortlessly dropping terms like “lactate threshold” and “VO2 max” into a conversation, impressing your friends, and maybe even confusing your dog.

This is your crash course in the lingo that’ll have you sounding like a pro in no time—or at least able to convincingly nod along during post-race chats.

So let‘s dive in!

Triathlon Terminology

Aerobic

Exercise that improves the efficiency of the body’s cardiovascular system in absorbing and transporting oxygen.

Anaerobic

Exercise that involves quick bursts of energy and is performed at maximum effort for a short time.

Transition

The period between each segment of a triathlon, such as from swimming to cycling (T1) and cycling to running (T2).

Brick workout

A brick session is a workout that includes two disciplines back-to-back with minimal or no rest between, often cycling followed by running.

T1

The first transition area where athletes switch from swimming to cycling.

T2

The second transition area where athletes switch from cycling to running.

Drafting

Riding closely behind another cyclist to reduce wind resistance, which is usually illegal in non-draft-legal triathlons.

Transition area

The designated area where athletes change gear and transition between the different legs of the race.

Ironman

A long-distance triathlon race consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon run.

Sprint triathlon

A short-distance triathlon typically consisting of a 750-meter swim, 20-kilometer bike, and 5-kilometer run.

Olympic triathlon

A standard distance triathlon with a 1.5-kilometer swim, 40-kilometer bike, and 10-kilometer run.

Half-Ironman

Also known as Ironman 70.3, it includes a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride, and a 13.1-mile run.

Off-road triathlon

A triathlon that includes mountain biking and trail running instead of road cycling and running on paved surfaces, often involving more rugged and varied terrain.

Duathlon

A multi-sport race consisting of running, cycling, and then running again.

Body glide

An anti-chafing product used to prevent blisters and irritation caused by friction during physical activity.

Transition bag

A bag used to store all the necessary gear and equipment needed for the transition areas.

Open water swim

Swimming in natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, or oceans, as opposed to a swimming pool.

Wetsuit

A suit made of neoprene worn by triathletes to provide buoyancy and thermal insulation in cold water.

Swim cap

A cap worn to reduce drag and keep hair out of the face during the swim.

Goggles

Eyewear worn to protect the eyes and improve visibility underwater.

Swim stroke

The technique used in swimming, including freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly.

Bilateral breathing

Breathing on both sides while swimming to ensure balanced muscle development and improved sighting. For example, breathing every third stroke as opposed to every second.

Pull buoy

A flotation device placed between the legs to aid in swim training by keeping the legs buoyant and focusing on upper body strength.

Kickboard

A board used to practice kicking and build leg strength during swim training.

Paddles

Hand paddles used to increase resistance and improve stroke technique during swim training.

Freestyle

The most common and fastest swim stroke, also known as front crawl.

Backstroke

A swim stroke performed on the back with an alternating arm and flutter kick.

Breaststroke

A swim stroke where the arms move in a half-circle in front of the body and the legs perform a frog kick.

Butterfly

A swim stroke where both arms move simultaneously in a windmill motion while the legs perform a dolphin kick.

Sighting

Looking forward periodically while swimming in open water to stay on course.

Buoy

A floating marker used to indicate the swim course in open water races.

Triathlon bike (i.e. tt bike or tri bike)

A bicycle specifically designed for triathlons, featuring aerodynamic frames, aerobars, and geometry optimized for time trials and endurance.

Cadence

The number of revolutions of the crank per minute (RPM) while cycling.

Power meter

A device that measures the power output of a cyclist, typically in watts.

Aero bars

Unrecognizable cyclists riding bikes on road during race

Handlebars designed to allow a cyclist to ride in a more aerodynamic position.

Drafting zone

The draft zone is the area around a cyclist where drafting is not allowed. Athletes must maintain a certain distance to avoid penalties.

Chainring

The front gears attached to the crankset of a bicycle.

Crankset

The component of a bike that converts the rider’s pedaling into rotational motion to drive the chain.

Derailleur

The mechanism that moves the chain from one gear to another on a bicycle.

Clipless pedals

Pedals that attach directly to cleats on the bottom of cycling shoes for better power transfer.

Cleats

The part of the cycling shoe that clips into the pedals.

Bike fit

The process of adjusting a bicycle to fit an individual rider for optimal comfort and performance.

Bike shoes

Specialized shoes designed for cycling that attach to clipless pedals.

Helmet

Protective headgear required for safety during the cycling leg of a triathlon.

Aero helmet

A helmet designed to reduce aerodynamic drag for improved cycling speed.

Hydration system

Equipment used to store and provide fluids during a race, such as water bottles or hydration packs.

Aero bottle

A specially designed water bottle that fits between the aerobars for easy access and reduced aerodynamic drag.

Nutrition

The intake of food and fluids to fuel the body before, during, and after a race.

Bonk (i.e. bonking)

A term used to describe the feeling of hitting a wall due to glycogen depletion during endurance exercise.

Glycogen

The stored form of glucose in the liver and muscles, used as a source of energy during exercise.

Electrolytes

Minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium that are essential for muscle function and hydration.

Energy gel

A portable, concentrated source of carbohydrates and electrolytes consumed during endurance events.

Energy bar

A bar containing carbohydrates, protein, and fats to provide energy during training and races.

Carbo-loading

The practice of increasing carbohydrate intake before a race to maximize glycogen stores.

Maximum heart rate

The highest heart rate an individual can achieve without severe problems through exercise stress, typically calculated as 220 minus the person’s age.

Lactic Acid

A byproduct of anaerobic metabolism, produced when the body breaks down carbohydrates for energy during high-intensity exercise, which can cause muscle fatigue and soreness.

Lactate threshold

The intensity of exercise at which lactate begins to accumulate in the bloodstream faster than it can be removed.

VO2 max

The maximum rate of oxygen consumption measured during incremental exercise, indicating aerobic endurance.

Heart rate monitor

A device that measures and records the heart rate during exercise to help manage training intensity.

Zone training

Training based on specific heart rate zones to target different physiological adaptations.

Tempo run

A run performed at a steady, challenging pace just below lactate threshold to improve endurance.

Fartlek

A training method that involves varying the pace and intensity of running to improve speed and endurance.

Interval workout

A form of training that alternates between periods of high-intensity effort and low-intensity recovery.

Long run

A sustained run performed at a moderate pace, usually longer in duration than other runs in the training schedule.

Pace

The speed at which an athlete runs, typically measured in minutes per mile or kilometer.

Split

The time taken to complete a specific segment of a race or training session.

Negative split

Running the second half of a race faster than the first half.

Tapering

The practice of reducing training volume and intensity before a race to allow the body to recover and peak in performance.

Recovery

The period of rest and low-intensity activity following a race or intense training session to allow the body to heal and adapt.

Overtraining

A state of physical and mental fatigue caused by excessive training without adequate recovery.

Injuries

Physical damage caused by training or racing, which can range from minor strains to severe conditions like stress fractures.

IT band

The iliotibial band, a ligament that runs along the outside of the thigh and can cause pain when inflamed.

Plantar fasciitis

Inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of the foot.

Shin splints

Pain along the shinbone caused by overuse or repetitive stress.

Stress fracture

A small crack in a bone caused by repetitive force or overuse.

Cross-training

Engaging in different forms of exercise to improve overall fitness and reduce the risk of injury.

Strength training

Exercises that focus on building muscle strength, often involving weights or resistance bands.

Core workout

Exercises targeting the muscles of the abdomen, lower back, and pelvis for improved stability and performance.

Foam roller

A cylindrical tool used for self-massage and myofascial release to alleviate muscle tightness and improve recovery.

Massage

Therapeutic manipulation of muscles to reduce tension, improve circulation, and enhance recovery.

Stretching

Exercises aimed at improving flexibility and range of motion.

Dynamic stretching

Stretching performed with movement to increase blood flow and prepare muscles for activity.

Static stretching

Stretching performed without movement, holding the position for a period of time to improve flexibility.

Warm-up

Activities performed before exercise to increase heart rate, blood flow, and muscle temperature.

Cool-down

Activities performed after exercise to gradually reduce heart rate and help muscles recover.

International Triathlon Union (ITU)

The governing body for the sport of triathlon worldwide, responsible for organizing international competitions, setting rules, and promoting the sport globally.

USA Triathlon (USAT)

The national governing body for the sport of triathlon in the United States, responsible for organizing races, setting rules, and supporting athletes and clubs.

Deutsche Triathlon Union (DTU)

The national governing body for the sport of triathlon in Germany, responsible for promoting and organizing triathlon events within the country.

World Triathlon Corporation (WTC)

The organization that owns and operates the Ironman and Ironman 70.3 branded events, responsible for setting race standards and promoting long-distance triathlons (Source).

Race number

A bib number assigned to each athlete for identification during the race.

Timing chip

A small electronic device worn by athletes to accurately record their race times.

Race belt

An adjustable belt used to hold the race number during the race.

Race day

The day on which the triathlon race takes place.

Check-in

The process of registering and collecting race materials before the event.

Race briefing

A pre-race meeting where important information and rules about the race are explained.

Race director

The individual responsible for organizing and overseeing all aspects of a triathlon event, ensuring safety, compliance with rules, and overall smooth operation of the race.

Swim start

The beginning of the swim portion of the race.

Wave start

A staggered start where athletes begin the swim in groups based on age, gender, or estimated swim time.

Rolling start

A continuous start where athletes enter the water in a steady stream rather than in waves.

Swim exit

The point where athletes exit the water to transition to the bike leg.

Mount line

The line where athletes are allowed to mount their bikes after exiting the transition area.

Dismount line

The line where athletes must dismount their bikes before entering the transition area.

Bike course

The designated route for the cycling leg of the race.

Run course

The designated route for the running leg of the race.

Aid station

Locations along the race course where athletes can obtain water, sports drinks, and sometimes food.

Finish chute

The final section of the race leading to the finish line.

Finish line

The end point of the race where athletes complete the triathlon.

Podium

The platform where the top finishers in each category are awarded.

Age group (AG)

A division in the race based on the athlete’s age, used to categorize results and awards.

Age grouper

An amateur triathlete who competes in age-specific categories, often used to distinguish non-professional athletes from elite competitors.

Drafting penalty

A time penalty given to athletes who draft illegally during the bike leg.

Disqualification (DQ)

The removal of an athlete from the race results due to a rule violation.

DNS (Did Not Start)

A designation for athletes who registered but did not start the race.

DNF (Did Not Finish)

A designation for athletes who started but did not complete the race.

Cut-off time

The maximum allowable time to complete each segment of the race.

Results

The official times and rankings of athletes after the race.

Finisher’s medal

A medal awarded to athletes who complete the race.

Personal best (PB)

An athlete’s best performance time in a specific event.

Personal record (PR)

Another term for personal best, often used interchangeably.

Qualification

Achieving a time or placement that allows an athlete to compete in a higher-level event.

World Championship

A prestigious event where top athletes from around the world compete.

Tri club

A group or organization of triathletes who train and sometimes race together.

Training plan

A structured schedule of workouts designed to prepare an athlete for a race.

Race strategy

A plan for pacing, nutrition, and transitions to optimize race performance.

Wrapping Up

Understanding triathlon terminology is essential for any athlete looking to excel in the sport. From race distances and training terms to equipment and nutrition, this glossary will help you navigate the world of triathlons with confidence.

Now you’ll be better prepared to train effectively, communicate with fellow athletes, and perform at your best on race day.