Race Etiquette

In case you have been living under a rock the past few months, you’re aware that there is an election happening in a few days. Ah yes, nothing like democracy to bring out the absolute worst in everyone....not a joke. Sports are essentially (or exactly) a microcosm of society- meaning that sports reflect society to include its virtues and its vices. In simpler terms what you see happening around you in society also happens inside our sport, and while I would love to spend more time writing about the moral impact of sports, I won’t bore you to death. So while the world descends into chaos I think it’s important to talk about how to be as positive and helpful as possible in our sport.

“Sports are essentially (or exactly) a microcosm of society”

Super bikes and intimidation: I see you over there with your $12,000 bike and disc wheel, just standing around in T1 super cool not talking to anyone unless they compliment your bike. The dirty secret that you’re hiding is that it is very likely that you can barely swim, push such low power all the aero features on your bike don’t help you and you are about to walk/run a 5k. Now I have to be clear because I’m at risk of being a hypocrite and I don’t want to cause the bike industry to come to screaming halt when people stop buying expensive bikes because they fear others will take offense (which would be insane). 1. I have a P5 with a disc wheel, power meter, aero everything, etc, etc, etc BUT if you make eye contact with me race morning I’ll at least smile at you and if you ask me something about the bike be freaking ready because I am going to talk your ear off! 2. Buy whatever you want and do whatever you want because this is America. If someone has a problem with your decision which harmed nothing but your bank account, screw them. So the real question is obviously how to stop the first timer from feeling ashamed or intimidated by the 50 something riding a year's salary on race day? The easiest way would be to join your local team or club so you are surrounded by friends and teammates on race day. The other good option is start out racing locally rather than an Ironman branded race and watch that rich old man get smoked by some 16 year old kid riding his parents hand-me-down road bike from the 80s. Either way don’t let the gear fool you, everyone at the race is nervous, scared, and excited just like you so why cover it up or hide behind your gear?

Don’t be “that guy” pre race: You know who I’m talking about here,it’s likely the same person as above. This guy (and I keep saying “guy” because it’s just more common that men are a$$holes than women, prove me wrong) walks around wearing sunglasses and headphones not looking at anyone and just assuming that everyone is in the way. Now you’re certainly entitled to handle your pre race nerves however you have too and honestly there is a time before the race that it’s important for me to be alone and reflect on training or go over the race in my head, but *most* of us aren’t professionals. This is our hobby, not the thing paying our bills. So there is no harm in smiling, making conversation, and encouraging yourself and others to enjoy the race you paid to be a part of.

Helping others on course: If you race enough you eventually see some pretty remarkable examples of humanity during a triathlon, especially in the longer distance. In 2019 during IM Louisville I was running at about mile 22-23 and coming up on one of the last aid stations. I was making up time on the athlete ahead of me and had enough time to move up onto the podium if I could hold it together. I grab a cup of soda from a volunteer and I drop it, then I grab another one and drop that too so now I’m out of options and I just keep running. A quarter mile later an athlete, who was on her first lap out of three, comes flying up next me breathing heavy and hands me a cup of soda. My jaw dropped. She saw me run out of options at the aid station and threw her race plan out the window and ran as fast as she could to hand me some soda. That should be the microcosm of our society. That same year I was at a local race and went flying past a left turn on the bike (because I was in first place...not so humble brag). Once I slammed on the brakes, turned around and got back on course I found the athlete who was in second sitting up and waiting for me because he didn’t want to take the lead due to the fact that I didn’t know the course or listen to the pre race briefing and flew past a turn. My stories are only unique to me but everyone who races could tell a story like mine. I honestly believe that sports bring out the best in people.

Keeping your performance in perspective: Now that we have covered etiquette pre race and during the race we should probably touch on post race etiquette. Once I was explaining to a friend of mine how I just won a race the day prior in horribly graphic detail from how it started to how I had the fastest bike and run splits. I mean I went on and on and on and on about it during our 3-4 hour bike ride. I came to find he won a race the day prior as well...he just didn’t say a word about it to me. There is a lesson in that story somewhere, possibly about humility. I do believe that if you win a race, get a PR or just have a good time you’re entitled to celebrate however you want, again this is America if anyone knocks your celebration, that’s right, screw them. Just don’t be me. Know your audience.

Is this celebration over the top or does this athlete deserve to celebrate however he wishes after his win?

Race Etiquette is something that honestly just boils down to being a kind human. I know this is a hard and confusing concept in today’s climate as everyone is only a moment away from attacking one another (on the internet) for something as trivial as their political views. This is honestly as easy as; train hard, show up, have fun, be thankful you’re racing, try your best, enjoy your time with your friends and teammates and maybe even help someone zip up their wetsuit.