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FAQ & Rules
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of bikes do we use?
All participants will use the spin bikes located in the spin studio. Bikes will be designated for the event within the studio.
2. How do you track distance on the spin bikes?
A computer will be temporarily installed on each spin bike for the event. The computer will measure distance but not cadence.
3. What is the resistance like on the spin bike?
Each participant will be able to set their own resistance at a level that is comfortable for their ability. Keep in mind, injuries can occur if you spin too fast so we recommend each participant set the tension at a level that is safe and comfortable based on their cycle experience.
4. I checked the results and some athletes could beat Lance Armstrong with the distance they biked in 30 minutes! How can that be?
The distance you will cover in 30 minutes indoors does not correlate to outdoor distances. The flywheel size on the bike computers is left at the factory setting to avoid confusion, so you will travel much farther indoors than out!
5. How do you count laps in the pool?
We measure your swim distance in lengths, not laps. Each time you touch the wall counts as one length. So down and back equals 2 lengths. Volunteers will be at each lane counting for you - all you have to do is swim!
6. Do I have to swim a certain stroke?
No, you can swim any stroke you like, including dog paddle, side stroke, elementary backstroke,etc. Whatever keeps you moving in the water.
7. What if I need a break during the swim?
You may rest on the walls, hold onto the lane line or stand on the bottom of the pool to rest. You may stop and rest for as long as you like, but keep in mind the time is ticking!
8. Do I have to wear the swim cap provided?
Yes. All participants are asked to wear the official swim cap provided.
9. Can I wear a life jacket or use a snorkel during the swim?
No. We do not allow any flotation devices or snorkels/fins to be used during the swim.
10. Will there be a place to change out of my swimsuit before the bike?
The locker rooms will serve as your transition area. You will have 10 minutes to change out of your suit, into your biking and running gear. This goes by MUCH faster than you think so keep moving. You should bring your running stuff with you to the spin studio as you will not have time to go back to the locker room after the cycle portion. If you are not a Life Time member, we will provide you with a locker key for use during the event.
11. What is the incline on the treadmill?
You may leave the incline at zero on the treadmill, or any higher setting that you prefer.
12. Can I wear my iPod during the bike and run?
Absolutely. Head phones are allowed for the bike and run (and for those of you techies with the waterproof iPod, you may use them in the pool as well). Keep in mind we will have music playing overhead in the spin studio.
13. When and where will results be posted?
Results will be posted by end of the day Monday at www.indoortri.com. Click the 'Results' tab and find your location.
14. How are the points calculated?
Total available points are based on the total number of participants in the event. For this example, let's say there are 100 people in event. The athlete that swam the farthest in the pool receives 100 points. The second farthest swim receives 99 points and so one. Same for the bike and run. The three scores for each participant are totaled for an overall score.
15. Can my child participate with me?
Children must be 12 years of age or older to participate in the Indoor Tri.
Rules and Guidelines for Indoor Tri
For your safety and for the safety of all the participants in this year’s event, please read the following information carefully.
Please register 30-45 minutes prior to your start time. Please be punctual. We will have waves of 10 people participating in each group. If you’re not in the pool area by your start time, the race will start without you. Registration will be located in the hallway at the Life Time Fitness club. If you are a Life Time Fitness member, please check in at the front desk as you normally would. Non-members should check in at the front desk and will need to complete a guest registration form. Lockers and towels are available for nonmember use and are complimentary. We will have volunteers to answer questions and to point you in the right direction. Childcare will be available, for two-hour periods, starting at 8:30 a.m.
Overview: The Indoor Triathlon is based on time rather than distance - meaning you receive points for going further in a specific period of time, not going faster over a fixed distance. Participants are graded on a curve. The furthest distance in each category gets the most points (actual number is based on total participants), the shortest receives 1 point, and your “score” for the discipline is based on the points you achieve. All three disciplines count equally toward your final score. Therefore, your rank and score will not be determined until all participants have completed the event. The total event will be 75 minutes: 10 minutes in the pool, a 10-minute transition, 30 minutes on a spin bike, a 5-minute transition and 20 minutes on a treadmill. Transition times are fixed between events and do not count toward participants’ scores. The transition times are planned to allow safe progression to the next discipline. I-Pods are allowed during this event.
In the Pool: Participants will swim for 10 minutes in the pool. There will be no more than two participants per lane. Each wave will have 10 participants, with all participants starting at the same time. Participants will be body marked with their assigned number and must wear the event-issued swim cap. The swim caps will be given out at the pool. The head ref for the pool will use a whistle or horn to mark the start and stop time. Participants are required to be in the pool for the start. Once started, participants are allowed to stop to rest by hanging on the wall, lane line or by standing. When the stop whistle or horn goes off, all racers must stop and return to the start end of the pool. Participants will be given credit for total lengths completed measured in ½ lengths. For example, if you’ve finished 20.8 lengths you will be given credit for 20.5 lengths.
T1 (Transition 1, from the pool to the bike): Participants will be given 10 minutes from the whistle or horn to go to the locker room, change into clothing for cycling/running and get to the cycling room. Again, please be prompt, but safe and considerate of others while moving through the facility. Bike shoes with cleats are not allowed on your feet until you have reached the cycling studio. The 10 minutes allowed should be adequate to make the transition in a safe, controlled manner. We recommend bringing your bike and running gear for a smoother transition 2.
On the bike: Participants will bike for 30 minutes. Each bike will be outfitted with a bike computer calibrated to measure “distance” by counting the number of times the flywheel goes around. All computers will be calibrated the same, however, the total distance is not meant to correspond exactly to an actual outdoor distance cycled. Bike computers will not show cadence. Participants will be allowed to adjust their own tension throughout the bike portion. Participants are not allowed to bring their own pedals. The spin bikes will have pedals with toe clips for use with regular running shoes on one side and Shimano clipless compatibility on the other. Time permitting, participants can adjust the handlebar height and seat height positions. The head ref for the bike area will ensure the trip counter on each bike computer is reset to zero before each wave starts and that no one gets off to a false start. At the end of the 30 minutes, the head ref will signal participants to stop. Volunteers will record the total distance based on your bike’s computer. Participants will be allowed to bring towels and have water bottles while on the bike.
T2 (Transition 2, from the bike to the run): Participants will be allowed 5 minutes to transition from the bikes to the treadmills. Please be courteous of other people as you make your way to the run.
On the run: Participants will run 20 minutes. The run segment will be done on treadmills. We will make every effort to ensure all treadmills are of the same brand and are calibrated accurately. The head ref for the run area will ensure that no participants press their start button before the start is called and that all participants stop their machines at the end of 20 minutes. Treadmills will be set at a 0% incline and may be adjusted as long as you do not have a negative incline. Participants can control how fast they set their treadmills and can change the speed throughout the 20 minutes. If you need a break, slow down the machine. Participants must remain on the belt of the treadmill for the entire 20 minutes. If you choose to stop early and step off the belt, your distance will be recorded at the point you stopped. You may NOT hold yourself up on the handrails of the treadmill, you must run free of the machine. Volunteers will record distances at the end of the 20 minutes. Participants will be allowed to bring towels and water bottles with them for the run.
Scoring: Volunteers will record the distances of each participant in each event and tabulate the final score. Results will be available online at www.indoortri.com no later than Tuesday following the event, but we will try to try to have them online earlier if possible. Ranking will be provided for Open Men, Open Women (under age 40), Masters Men and Masters Women (age 40+).
