If you are new to the sport or new to 3 Disciplines Racing, below is a list of questions that we have encountered while producing and participating in events.  The safety of athletes will not be compromised!  

INSURANCE:

None of our venues would approve the events if the events were not insured, especially given some of the venues where we host events, such as national and state parks. These venues typically require even more insurance than city or town venues as they are linked to the government. Furthermore, if we didn’t adhere to every concern of the venue we would not be invited back or approached almost monthly by city, town, state, and private organizations and institutions to host an event for them. The process to get a multi-sport event insured is extensive to say the least. We must meet a laundry list of requirements before a company will insure an event. Our history speaks for itself, as well as our venues speaking for 3Disciplines as great references. We are the best event production/management company in the state!! We host events in Michigan's top tourist destinations during the peak season as well as other venues and cities across the United States We are invited to return year after year due to the steps we take to ensure an ABOVE ALL, safe and fun event. Lastly, our events would not even be considered as "host events" for Team in Training groups, several kids clubs, and endorsements by many organizations that volunteer at the events.

PRE-RACE:

What do I need to do after I register?
Besides train, which is obvious, we recommend you make a list for packing the night before the big day. The reason for this is that someone always forgets an item or two. In over 100 events we have hosted to date, an athlete has forgotten something in every single event. So, as anal as it may seem, make a list and check it twice before you depart for the race. Here is a quick list of items that you must bring with you: goggles, bike, cycling shoes, helmet, running shoes, and race clothing. Regarding packet pickup; don't forget your race bag with your number, chip, and swim cap, all of which youll find tucked inside the race bag.

OK, I am registered.  Now what the heck did I get myself into?
If youre entered in a running event, youll simply show up in your running clothes and shoes, warm-up and get ready to rock and roll! If youre entered in a duathlon, most of the time it will be a run, bike, run format. After running the first leg of the race, youll immediately put on your bike helmet and head out on the bike course, return, then head out on the run course before finishing. If you entered a triathlon, this will be a swim, bike, run format. Youll begin with the swim, then bike, then run. As for the Adventure race, well, its an adventure so prepare yourself for anything and please read all of the information on our website.

Pre Race Packet Pickup
this is provided for those athletes that want to pick up their race bags before the race. This is typically at the race venue, or at a partners establishment, and advised for extreme efficiency.

CHAMPIONCHIP/TIMING CHIP:

What is a ChampionChip?
This is used to collect the finish time and all your splits for the event.  A ChampionChip is a transponder that is worn on your ankle with a neoprene strap. You will wear it the entire race and it will be loaned to you for the event. Upon finishing, we will collect it from you at the finish line. Failure to return the chip will result in a $40 fee.

Do I have to purchase the chip for the $35?
Absolutely not. Its optional. You may purchase a chip and a strap for yourself in which you may use at any chip-timed event. Again, its optional and not a required purchase.

What time should I arrive at the race?
Transition areas typically opens 2 hours before each event. You should arrive sometime within an hour OR two before.

What do I do when I arrive?
Go to packet pick-up and registration. Typically, packet pick-up is under a white tent near the race announcement and finish line area, then head to the transition area and find a spot, see transition area.

PACKET PICKUP/REGISTRATION: 

Where do I go?
Immediately upon arrival you will need to go to the large white tents, which is the registration area. Upon entering that area you will need to find the athlete list board. Locate your name and be sure that your information is correct . Please remember your race number! You will fill out an insurance waiver and tell the volunteer your number. From that point, a volunteer will take care of you. Be sure to double-check all the information at registration as typo's can occur and that would mean your information is improperly entered in the computer system. You will receive your Race Number, ChampionChip and strap, along with all of your race goodies from partners. Your number must be securely fastened to the front of your jersey when crossing the finish line. Your ChampionChip needs to be securely fastened to your ankle with the provided neoprene strap. This is not your chip so if you lose it or misplace it, for any reason, youll be charge $40.00. The chip needs to be returned at the finish line.

TRANSITION AREA:

What is the transition area?
This is the staging area for the event. This is where you will rack your bike and place all your race needs, such as your helmet and shoes, etc.

How do I rack my bike?
You take your bike and place the tip of the seat on the top of the bike rack bar so the bike HANGS by the tip of your seat.

Will my bike be secure?
Yes. We have staff and volunteers in the transition area. Only athletes are allowed in the transition area. There are hundreds of races throughout the country any given weekend but with very few cases of bikes being taken.

What is mandatory bike check-in?
Not all events require this. It will be specified if this is required for the event. You will bring your bike during the designated times to the transition area, which will be specified, and leave your bike overnight. In an event where this is required, we hire overnight security to watch the bikes.

What should I use in the Transition area?
Most athletes will use a towel to place their items on; this will go below your bike. You can put anything you need on that towel.

What should I do in the transition area before the race?
You need to study the maps of the course and get a clear picture on where you are in the transition area. Look for bike in/out and run out chutes. Don't forget to securely strap your ChampionChip to your ankle.  Look at wave/start times to ensure you start in the correct wave.  Waves are determined by gender, age and race distance.  Waves are posted in the transition area. 

Can I ride my bike in the transition area?
No, you may not ride your bike in the transition area. You must walk/run your bike over the timing mats and mount at the sign. You must also dismount before the timing matts and then walk/run back to your spot on the rack.

When will I know what to do before the race?
There will be announcements throughout the morning, providing information about the event, venue, and course as well as announcements stating the Pre- Race Meeting time, which is typically 15 minutes before the race starts in front of the announcing tent at the finish line. After the meeting you will follow
the masses to the starting line, either at a lake or other spot announced in the meeting.

SWIM:

What is a wave start?
This is an attempt to spread out the athletes on the course and make it safer. A wave start is simply a staggered time start. If you are a male in the 30-34 age-group and a wave start has 39-and-under males starting second behind the elites, you will start with that group. This is typically signified with different colored swim caps as well.

How should I enter the swim?
Well this is greatly dependant on your swimming ability. If youre new to swimming or just not very confident in the water, move over to the side and let everyone beat the heck out of each other, then take off. Pick a line and don't just rely on the swim buoys, choose something on the other end of the lake, a
large tree or a house, some sort of landmark. If youre in rough waters, there may be a lot of splashing or the sun may be in your sight line of the buoys. Some races use very small buoys that may be difficult to see as well.

What do I do if I get in trouble in the water?
Immediately raise your hand and yell to a life guard. If possible get out of the traffic and continue to yell for help - a life guard will get to you immediately for assistance. You may rest by hanging on, but once you are pulled out of the water you are out of the race.

What do I do when I get out of the water?
Take off your swim cap and goggles. If youre wearing a wetsuit pull it down waist high and make your way to the transition area., at which point you will remove the rest of your wetsuit and prepare for the bike discipline.

Do I need a wetsuit?
If you plan on racing a few times a year we recommend you make the investment. Not only can it make your swim a little warmer, it will make your swim easier, which means a faster swim as well. Most races in the north will be in water less than 70 degrees. This can be a bit chilly upon entering water
below 64 without a wetsuit you can be swimming at high risk for hypothermia, depending on your body type. Races with water 70 and above, a wetsuit is not needed as the governing body of the sport has a 78-degree cut off for wetsuit usage. We use 77 degrees. Your body can warm up too much at that
point and you can dehydrate quickly, and over-heat.

Do I have to wear a swim cap?
Absolutely! This is mandatory. If youre allergic to latex you may wear your own swim cap.

Can I put the wetsuit on over my ChampionChip?
Yes, the chip will read through anything but metal.

BIKE:

You must wear your helmet at all times. No helmet, no race. To ensure we read all athletes times, you should walk across the timing mats upon entering and exiting transition area. Remember - YOU are responsible for knowing the course and not anyone else.

What should I wear?
Most athletes will wear their bathing suits or the new tri suits. These are usually over priced race clothing that is breathable, and in most cases made specifically for racing. Some athletes will slip on some bike shorts over their bathing suits if they need a little extra padding.

Can I wear headphones, MP3 Players on the bike or run course?
Absolutely not! Not at any time during the race. You must be cognizant of your surroundings at all times and wearing a musical device will be a large distraction.

Can I have a friend hand me a bottle or food while racing on the course?
No, but what you MAY do is give the item(s) to one of the aid station volunteers to get it to you. The aid stations are in specific areas as to not hinder any of the other during their race.

What if I have technical problems on the bike?
You may not get any outside help. You must fix the bike yourself. If a race provides a mechanical tent they may only assist you. If your bike cannot be fixed theres a "sag wagon" in every race that follows the last bike out. They will pick you up and return you to the transition area.

Are there aid stations on the bike?
Some races have them some do not. This typically depends on the distance of the bike portion. The governing body asks that all courses 40k and above, have a water bottle aid station but few races of this distance have one. Typically bike courses of more than 40k will have an aid station. You will toss your
empty bottle and they will hand you a fresh one. The best way for this is to slow down and once you get close to the bottle, begin to let your arm swing back slightly, this will lessen the impact of the wet bottle thereby enabling you to grab it easier. Remember do not get upset at a volunteer because you dropped
the bottle. All that does is ruin your focus.

How will I know where to go?
Again, it is the athletes responsibility to know the course, we recommend you drive the course the night before, unless it is inclement weather. Most courses are marked by this time, and you should have a map from the online maps provided on the website, or at pre-race packet pickup. The course will be marked with chalk, cones, volunteers, signs, etc.

Can I use a speedometer on the bike course?
Yes

Can I use a fairing on my bike?
No

Can I use a mountain bike on a road bike course?
Yes

Can I use a cycle cross bike on a mountain bike course?
No

Are there portajohns on the bike course?
Typically a half Ironman distance (56miles) or more will have port-a-johns along the route. This should be indicated on the pre race maps. Anything less than 56 miles typically will not have them unless otherwise noted.

Will I have to stop at intersections?
Most races will have intersections manned but if the race is on an open course, proceed with extreme caution. A police officer standing still cannot stop a speeding car.

Will the course be closed to traffic?
Most races will be held on open courses meaning vehicular traffic will be out there with you. Depending on the race, traffic can be heavy and if thats the case, caution needs to be exercised. In this day and age even closed courses have had incidents so always pay attention out there!

What do I do if I go off course?
You need to turn back around and go back on the course the exact same way you went off. If you cut in in any way heading back on course you will be disqualified. There will be no time adjustment. Again, its your responsibility to know the course.

What do I do with a bike number?
Some races use these to identify athletes easier on the bike course. This needs to be affixed to the frame of the bike so it is clearly visible, this is typically between the top and down tubes of the frame.

RUN:

Where do I put on my running shoes?
This is typically takes place in the bike rack area, however, there are typically Port-a-Johns in the vicinity of the transition area if you need to change.

What should I wear?
Same as the bike question, its up to you. Most athletes will wear their bathing suit or the new tri-suits throughout the entire race. Some athletes like to slip on a pair of running shorts over their bathing suits as well.

What do I do when I am ready to run?
You will head out on the run-out chute. In our races this is clearly marked. Youll cross the timing mats and head out on the run course.

Are there aid stations on the run course?
Yes. All of our events will have aid stations at each mile but other races may chose to spread them out. Its best to look at your run course map, as these aid stations should be marked there.

What is typically at an aid station?
Water for sure! Whether its cold or not is a different story. We do our best to make sure to provide cold fluids at all of our events. Ice is a priority in our coolers. We will also have an electrolyte replacement drinks at all our events as well. Some OTHER races do, some do not. The best way to
see what fluids are available is to check the website. If its Gatorade, Hammer Heed, their logo will be on the website event page. Depending on the distance, other aid stations will provide bananas, oranges, cookies, energy gel, energy bars, etc. This will be on the event web page as well.

How will I know where to go?
Again, it is your responsibility to know the course. The course will be marked with cones, chalk, flagging, chutes, signs, arrows, etc.

What if I get into trouble out there?
Most volunteers at aid stations will be able to either assist you or get you to EMS. Some races will have on bicycles or roaming in vehicles. Race officials on the course will have communication to race officials as well as EMS.

Can I have a family member or friend run with me?
No. In most arenas this is viewed as pacing. Whether theyre pacing or not, all events are a test of the human spirit, a test of the individual only and to be completed without outside assistance in any fashion, which includes running with you.

Can I have a family member hand be a water bottle or food?
No, Again, as on the bike, if this is to be done, you must have a volunteer do this at an aid station. Or, you may carry your victuals with you when exiting the transition area.

Can I use a heart race monitor or pacing device during the run?
These items are worn on the wrist and are allowed.

What do I do when I cross the finish line?
You will remove your ChampionChip and return it, unless you own it. Then you may proceed to the food tent for refreshments. In our food tents there will be ice cold water and electrolyte fluids and a variety of snacks. At some of our events we will provide hot food as well. You may receive a massage if that service is provided. Some of our races have the service, some do not. Its up to you what you do at this point All of our events have a raffle drawing before the awards ceremony. This will not begin until the last finisher crosses the finish line.

How do I get my results?
There are preliminary results posted in the results area near the food tent. The final official results will be posted on the website usually the Monday following an event.

Why is my time not in the results?
Usually the computer refers to some individuals as unknowns. These are athletes that have slipped through the registration process without providing an age or event, or better yet, the wrong age, event, or sex. This is a common problem and can be prevented if you fill out every part of the registration and
double-check your bib number to be sure all the information is correct. If its not, find an individual from registration to assist you.

Why is one of my splits missing?
This can happen for any number of reasons. You may have somehow stepped on the mat with the chip-free foot, while the other foot was in mid-air or off to the side; you may have jumped across or gone across with several other athletes and the computer did not pick up the chip. These cases are rare.

What do I do if I was in the top three in my age group?
You must be present in order to receive your award. We will, under no circumstances, mail your award. The reason for this is two-fold. The first is the time and money to send. At one point we provided this service and even tried allowing the athletes to send us a check for $5 to cover the cost. The problem
was that there were a few athletes that claimed they didnt receive their award after it was mailed. In some cases we mailed their award two and three times and they still did not receive it. This was a terrible burden on us and we were still the ones to blame, it seemed. So, a thousand apologies but
we cannot do it.

What if I left after the race and found out later I placed in my age group winning an award?
You may send in $10 for shipping to receive your award. 

RELAY TEAMS:

How many people for a relay team?
Two to three people. Some events are restricted to 2-person-teams only so please check out the event youre interested in participating in.

Is there an age limit for the relay?
NO, as long as the individual is able to successfully and safely complete their discipline.

Can males and females race together in a relay?
Yes, you may have any mix of age and gender. Some events may have specific relay team categories. Check the event to see if certain rules apply. Heres the rundown:

Female - all members must be female
Male - all members must be male
Mixed Relay - both males and females
Corporate - all members must work for the same company

Do all the relay members of my team finish together?
No, just the person who is completing the last discipline of the triathlon or duathlon, which is the run.

FREQUENTLY USED TERMS:

PR - Personal Record
5k - 5000m = 3.1mi. Run
10k - 10,000m = 6.2mi. Run
Duathlon - Run, Bike, Run
Triathlon - Swim, Bike Run
Super Sprint race - less than Sprint
Sprint race - 750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run
Olympic distance race - 1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run (the distance used on the Olympic distance triathlon)
Half Ironman distance race - 1.2mi. swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1mi. run
Ironman distance race - 2.4mi. swim, 112 mi. bike, 26.2mi. run
PPU - packet pickup