24 Ways to Really Annoy a Triathlete

Written by
Elizabeth Grimsley
Triathlon attracts a certain type of athlete. We like our transitions set up to perfection, our training schedules on point and everything else in order to be able to perform at our best on race day. And while little changes here and there don’t throw us off, there are some things that can rile even the most good-natured in the sport.
People jumping in your swim lane without asking.
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As if swimming wasn't hard enough.
Find:
Your Next Race
Upgrading gear without upgrading training.
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That bike isn't going to make you faster all on its own. *said while getting passed*
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Your Next Race
Roadies drafting off your wheel.
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I thought you said we didn't know how to ride in groups? #freeloaders
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Your Next Race
Standing around talking about your past race instead of training for your next race.
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Not exactly what they mean when they say you're only as good as your last race.
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Your Next Race
People that start racing you when trying to pass.
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You choose now to speed up?
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Your Next Race
When someone stops right in front of you in the feed zone.
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Please don't mind as I bowl you over.
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Your Next Race
Littering on the race course or when training.
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Can you not?
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Your Next Race
Having to wait in line to carb load at the only "Italian" restaurant the night before a race.
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Goodbye, early bedtime.
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Your Next Race
Realizing your wetsuit Velcro is rubbing your neck raw mid-way through the swim.
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That's going to feel great on the bike and run.
Find:
Your Next Race
When your two-piece suit rides up and you get sunburnt on your lower back.
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You know, I was starting to get a bit too pale there…
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Your Next Race
Any mechanical.
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We're not exactly the best bike mechanics.
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Your Next Race
When smug road cyclists say triathletes are the worst mechanics.
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Hey, only we can call ourselves bad mechanics.
15 Smug Things Roadies Say
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Your Next Race
When the on-course nutrition for your upcoming race isn't something you ever train with.
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And you have to buy a bunch of new stuff to make sure it doesn't destroy your stomach.
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Your Next Race
When that on-course nutrition actually DOES destroy your stomach.
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If you need me, I'll be at the nearest Porta Potty.
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Your Next Race
The struggle of trying to find a good tri kit that doesn't chafe, but also doesn't make you look like a whale.
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Can it even be done?
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Your Next Race
When any of the legs get canceled or reduced.
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We know you're just doing your job and keeping us safe, but THIS IS LITERALLY RUINING MY LIFE RIGHT NOW.
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Your Next Race
When your partner doesn't understand your training schedule.
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Yes, I have to train now. No, I can't skip this one.
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Your Next Race
When someone asks if you are doing a "real" triathlon.
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*Side eye*
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Your Next Race
An IRONMAN is a triathlon, but not every triathlon is an IRONMAN.
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#KnowTheDifference
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Your Next Race
Forgetting to stop your Garmin post workout.
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Oops, that 40 mph average was just the drive home.
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Your Next Race
When other triathletes don't rack their bike properly.
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And it makes your transition last about three times longer than it should.
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Your Next Race
Transition isn't picnic time.
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Beep beep!
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Your Next Race
Any sentence from a fellow triathlete that starts with, "Well, my coach said…".
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We get it already.
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Your Next Race
Cheaters!
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Seriously?
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Your Next Race
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Your Next Race