5 Triathlon Questions You Never Thought to Ask By Hilary JM Topper, MPA

5 Triathlon Questions You Never Thought to Ask

By Hilary JM Topper, MPA

I often see common questions in Facebook groups like: Should I wear the same outfit throughout a triathlon or change after the swim? What kind of bra works best for those of us who are well-endowed? What’s the best swim stroke to practice in the pool before tackling open water? What type of bike should I buy? And can I use my mountain bike in a triathlon race?

These questions and more are addressed in my new book, Unlocking the Triathlon: The Beginner’s Guide to Competing in a Triathlon.

But beyond these common concerns, there are plenty of other questions beginners ask—and even more they don’t think to ask. That’s why I’m sharing five triathlon questions you never thought to ask.

1. Are there unspoken rules when it comes to sharing a pool lane?

Public pools have an unspoken social code, and breaking it will quickly earn you disapproving looks through foggy goggles. When you move from just splashing around to formal swim training, you need to learn the language of the lane.

First, always assess the speeds of the current lanes before entering. Do not enter the fast lane if you plan to swim a relaxed breaststroke. Once you choose a lane, wait at the wall until the swimmer at your end reaches you, then slide in and make eye contact to signal you're joining them.

When two people share a lane, you typically split it evenly, with one person on the left and the other on the right. But when a third person joins, you need to switch to "circle swimming," which means always staying on the right side of the black line while swimming in a counterclockwise circle.

If someone swims up behind you and taps your toes, they are not being intentionally rude. A toe-tap is the universal underwater signal for "I am faster than you and need to pass." When you feel the tap, just pause at the next wall, tuck yourself into the corner, and let them push off before you continue. Conversely, never push off the wall right in front of a faster swimmer who is approaching the turn.

2. Are the "post-race blues" really a thing?

You spend six months waking up at dawn, tracking every metric, and building your entire life around one specific date. You finally cross that finish line, hear your name called, and celebrate with a burger and a beer.

Then you wake up on Monday morning, and suddenly, your calendar is completely empty. What now?

The post-race blues hit hard. When you abruptly remove the massive physical output and the sharp focus of a training block, your brain experiences a significant drop in dopamine and endorphins. Many athletes describe feeling aimless, irritable, or even deeply sad in the weeks following a big race.

To handle this mental crash, you need a recovery plan for your mind, not just your muscles.

First, accept that feeling a bit lost is completely normal. Give yourself permission to enjoy unstructured time.

Second, plan a non-athletic highlight for the week after your race. Book a weekend getaway, schedule dinners with friends you ignored during peak training, or dive into a hobby that involves sitting down.

Finally, do not rush to sign up for another exhausting race right away. Allow your brain and body to reset before choosing your next goal.

3. Do people really pee on their bikes?

It remains the biggest elephant in the room, and if you know me, you know I’ve asked a ton of people this same question.

You drink liters of water and sports drinks for up to 17 hours. Basic biology says that what goes in must come out. So, how do triathletes manage bathroom breaks when a personal record or time constraints are at stake?

For short races like sprints and Olympics, most athletes just hold on. But when you take on a half or full iron-distance event, holding it no longer becomes an option. 

Some athletes simply use the portable toilets lining the course. Race organizers place them at every aid station on the run and every few miles on the bike. Yes, it takes a minute or two, but the comfort is worth it.

However, if you ask highly competitive age-groupers and professionals, you'll hear a different story. Many athletes simply relieve themselves while pedaling, wait for a downhill section, stop pedaling, let nature take its course, and then immediately grab a water bottle to rinse themselves and their bike. 

It sounds gross, but when you are seeking a slot at Worlds or if you are fighting for time because you are slower, every second counts.

4. What the heck are saddle sores?

Preventing saddle sores is an important but often overlooked part of triathlon training, especially for beginners who spend more time on the bike. Saddle sores are basically skin irritations or infections caused by long-lasting friction, pressure, and moisture in the saddle area. 

To prevent discomfort, begin by investing in a high-quality, well-fitted bike saddle that matches your body. Saddles come in various shapes and sizes, so visiting a bike shop for a professional fitting is worthwhile. Combine this with a good pair of padded cycling shorts or a triathlon suit designed for long rides, as these offer cushioning and reduce friction. Always wear these shorts without underwear, since seams can increase irritation.

Hygiene is another key factor in preventing saddle sores. Always start your ride with clean cycling shorts and shower as soon as possible after training to remove sweat and bacteria.

Using a chamois cream before your ride can also help reduce friction and create a protective barrier on your skin. Apply it generously to areas that meet the saddle.

During long rides, take breaks to relieve pressure on sensitive areas, and adjust your position periodically to avoid constant rubbing in one spot. If you’re prone to saddle sores, consider alternating between indoor and outdoor rides or using a different saddle for training to vary the pressure points.

If you develop a saddle sore, it’s crucial to address it quickly. Rest and avoid cycling for a few days to let the area heal. Keep the affected area clean and dry and apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment if needed.

For more serious cases, see a healthcare professional. By taking these preventive steps and listening to your body, you can reduce the risk of saddle sores and stay focused on your training and race goals.

5. How do you maintain friendships or even your marriage when you are training 15 hours a week?

Preparing for a middle- and long-distance triathlon requires a significant time commitment. Training 15 hours each week is like maintaining a part-time job. You might skip late-night Friday drinks because of a five-hour brick workout on Saturday morning. You could find yourself falling asleep on the couch by 8:00 PM. The social sacrifices are real and often catch new triathletes off guard.

Managing this requires proactive communication. Explain to your friends and family what this goal means to you and why your schedule appears so rigid. People understand sacrifice when they comprehend its purpose.

You also need to get creative with your socializing. Instead of meeting friends for a heavy dinner and drinks, invite them to join you for an active recovery activity. Ask a friend to walk with you while you grab coffee, or see if they want to join you for the easy warm-up miles of your long run.

Most important, when you spend time with your non-triathlon friends, keep the training talk to yourself. Nobody wants to listen to a 20-minute monologue about your power output or recent digestive issues on the bike. Be present, listen to what’s going on in their lives, and remember that you are a multifaceted person, not just a walking training log.

Embracing the Quirks

Triathlon is an incredibly demanding and fulfilling sport. You will chafe in weird places, you will spend a small fortune on aerodynamic water bottles, and you will eventually find yourself discussing port-a-potty strategies with complete strangers.

Hilary JM Topper, MPA, is the author of two Meyer & Meyer Sport books – From Couch Potato to Endurance Athlete: A Portrait of a Non-Athletic Triathlete and Unlocking the Triathlon: The Beginner’s Guide to Competing in a Triathlon. She has a new M&M book coming fall 2026: Unlocking the Open Water Swim: The Beginner's Guide to Success in Open Water Events. She is also an avid blogger with ATriathletesDiary.com and HilaryTopper.com. Additionally, she hosts a podcast. Hilary teaches at both Fairleigh Dickinson University and Hofstra University, covering public relations and social media marketing. She is a USA Triathlon coach, a USMS swim coach, an adult-learn-to-swim instructor, an ESCI Endurance coach, and an RRCA Running Coach. Moreover, she trained with Jeff Galloway and continues his legacy by teaching run/walk methods to Long Islanders.