TRAVELING FOR PARATRIATHLETES


By Daniel Tun, USA Triathlon Level I Certi fi ed Coach


questi ons you will need to ask yourself and your athletes. Where do they want to race during the season? Will they be racing in a diff erent climate than what they typically train in? Will you be driving or fl ying? Will they have a guide or handler accompanying them throughout the race? Planning is extremely important when


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traveling to any race. A prepared athlete will organize equipment at home before packing it up for the road. Laying out all the equipment and checking everything beforehand will prepare your athlete mentally for the race. The last thing anyone wants is to buy new equipment that was forgott en at home. Prepare your athlete for changes in


weather when racing in diff erent parts of the country. If the race is in a hot climate, but you have been training in mild weather, it is advised to show up a day or two prior to the race. This allows for the athlete’s body to acclimate to the temperature, humidity and alti tude changes. Weather can also aff ect how the athlete’s equipment or medical


ransportati on is another component to consider when competi ng in paratriathlon. There are a few


devices work. for instance, an amputee may have to change his or her prostheti c sock liner more oft en if the sweat rate changes due to the heat. Preview the course if possible, whether


it is online or on-site, and become familiar with the city your athlete is racing in. Check local hotels, restaurants and att racti ons to see if they are accessible for people with physical disabiliti es or visual impairments. Also, see if there is a local bike shop near the race venue in case last minute adjustments or items are needed. Depending on how far the race is from


home and the cost of gas at that ti me, you will have to decide whether to fl y or drive. If fl ying, the athlete will need to fi gure out how to get an upright bike, handcycle or racing chair to the race, depending on equipment needs. Companies such as High Country Shipping may be able to pick up equipment from your local bike shop and deliver it to the race site. If the athlete decides to bring equipment on the plane, I highly recommend gate checking it. Despite a great “bubble wrap” job on a handcycle, there is a major risk of it getti ng bumped and bruised if it is checked at baggage claim.


Also, athletes should not be charged for


checking this equipment. Handcycles, racing chairs, wheelchairs and other adapti ve equipment are considered medical devices and are free to carry. Let the staff know at the airlines so they are aware of this equipment. If the athlete is racing with a prostheti c biking or running leg, I also recommend carrying them on the plane or gate checking them. When the race is close enough to drive


to, be careful when packing equipment in the car. By taking off race-chair wheels, you can save space in the car. By wrapping equipment in blankets, you will prevent it from getti ng scratched or damaged. Lastly, if the athlete is traveling with a


guide or handler, communicate beforehand with each other regarding equipment, race strategies and meeti ng places. This will save ti me race weekend or race morning and help keep your athlete focused on the event.


Daniel B. Tun is the special recreati on coordinator for the Chicago Park District. He is also a USA Triathlon Level I Certi fi ed Coach and co-founder for dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. You can contact him at daniel.tun@chicagoparkdistrict.com.


page 12 | PERFORMANCECOACHING


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