” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23990000″][vc_column_text]
Article written by Niki Jamieson
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text] So you’ve swam, you’ve biked and you’ve run. You are about 25 yards away from the finish line and are thinking, “There it is: The Finish Line!”
Now what?[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”5538″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1490247063820{margin-top: -30px !important;}”][vc_column_text]
You may think that this is a no-brainer and wonder why an entire TriathaNewbie.com article is dedicated to giving advice on how to cross a finish line. Well believe it or not, it’s not as easy as you think!
- Don’t slow down. The race isn’t over yet
I learned the hard way that the end of the race is just as important as all of the other parts of the race. I was coming to the end of my first triathlon and was so excited to cross the finish line. I started slowing down for a mental “pat on the back” and VROOM, three people passed me two seconds before I crossed the finish line. I have to say, as over-joyed as I was with finishing; being passed right at the finish line freaked me out!
- Don’t start scanning the crowd for your fans
Everyone crossing the finish line is tired and their reaction time is probably non-existent. Do everyone a favor and pay attention to where you’re going to avoid a five person pile-up at the finish line.
- Don’t stop to take a picture
If your wife or boyfriend is yelling for you to stop – DON’T stop abruptly! You never know who’s behind you and the status of their breaks. You could get rear-ended. If you want to get a picture before you cross the finish line, move over to the side and make sure no one’s behind you before you stop.
- Do give it all you’ve got!
If you have any left-over energy, throw it all into making a great finish. The spectators LOVE to see a strong finish and you will feel great knowing that you’ve given it 100%.
- Do put your arms in the air
…and wave them like you just don’t care! Act like the winner you are and finish with a great big smile! There is normally a race photogrgapher waiting to take YOUR picture — give him a great picture to take!
(Don’t worry about stinky pits, none of the spectators will be close enough to get a whiff and the racers around you stink just as bad.) - Give back the timing devise
This is not a souvenir. If you take it home, you will get a bill in the mail. There is normally a race official at the finish line with a container collecting the ankle bands. Make sure you drop it off first and then go celebrate!
We hope that the information above will help you have the greatest finish of all time! If you’ve given your all to the swim, bike and run, you owe it to yourself to have an equally fantastic finish.
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1488522203884{background-color: #f5d078 !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text=”TriathaNewbie.com Recommended Resources:” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1488522194124{background-color: #f5d078 !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2914″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.amazon.com/CatEye-Velo-Bicycle-Computer-CC-VL520/dp/B007YV1GM4/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=triathanewbie08-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=2UMSJTZOCC2OJXI3&creativeASIN=B007YV1GM4″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2915″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.amazon.com/Speedo-7500638-Clear-1SZ-Hydrospex-Swim-Goggle/dp/B00005UDHZ/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=triathanewbie08-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=3HSBZEFVH6GOYJUZ&creativeASIN=B00005UDHZ”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_single_image image=”2918″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” onclick=”custom_link” img_link_target=”_blank” link=”https://www.amazon.com/Triathlon-Beginners-Everything-nutrition-motivation/dp/1484946790/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=triathanewbie08-20&linkCode=w00&linkId=2DYKRAH3UE2II52W&creativeASIN=1484946790″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1487921034167{background-color: #eadcca !important;border-radius: 2px !important;}” el_class=”home-border”][vc_single_image image=”3352″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1488610838650{margin-top: -30px !important;}”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1490248321438{margin-top: -20px !important;}”] [/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1490248258655{margin-top: -20px !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/3″][vc_empty_space height=”12px”][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_single_image image=”2943″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” el_class=”display_1024″][vc_column_text]
Triathlon Bike: – Learn how to structure bike workouts, find safety tips and read recommendations on great bike gear.
Triathlon Run : – Get the ultimate skinny on running sneakers, running gear, safety tips and much more.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”3135″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” el_class=”display_1024″]
“First Triathlon” Stories
Read stories written by people like YOU who talk about their first triathlon.
“Triathlete Profile
Read interviews of people like YOU who give advice on training, balance and much more.
” font_container=”tag:h5|font_size:25|text_align:center|color:%239a0000″ use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1487859193769{border-right-width: -20px !important;padding-left: -20px !important;background-color: #fdecc0 !important;}”][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1988″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” css=”.vc_custom_1487921744448{background-color: #fdecc0 !important;}”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row css=”.vc_custom_1488003962317{background-color: #fdecc0 !important;}” el_class=”colm-two-3″][vc_column width=”1/3″ el_class=”abc”][vc_single_image image=”1992″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1489217821521{background-color: #e2b950 !important;}”]
Pennsylvania Triathlon – Connellsville Parks and Recreation Triathlon –-Great sprint triathlon for beginners!
New York Triathlon – Brooklyn Sports Club Mini Indoor Triathlon – This unique indoor event is perfect for first-timers
Is My Bike Ready for a Triathlon? …My concern is I will start ramping up my training and my bike won’t last…
Buying a Triathlon Bike– Learn how to buy the right bike without breaking the bank from experts in the field
Running: Good for the Body and the Brain – Could running make you smarter? The answer may surprise you.
Triathlon QuestionWalking Instead of Running in a Triathlon –– The race promoters presented an award to a 69 year old female who had had 2 knee replacements…
New York Triathlon – Brooklyn Sports Club Mini Indoor Triathlon –This unique indoor event is perfect for first-timers
Georgia Triathlon – Tri for the Shelter Sprint Triathlon – USAT sanctioned, This triathlon takes place in the gorgeous Rocky Mountain Recreation..
My First Triathlon, Nicholas D’Angelo – It was the end of my life as I knew it and the beginning of the beginning. I decided that I wanted to live. I wanted to be a better husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend…
First Triathlon Story – Greg H. from Texas – just to raise your arms at the finish line and know that you accomplished a triathlon is such a great feeling.
Age Groups – Can you tell me why the age groups are 25 to 34 … while most races use 20 to 29, 30 to 39, and 40 to 49?
Triathlon ResourceWhat to Wear for a Triathlon – Is it insane to think I can bike/run in shorts and a sports bra that I swam in?