Tactics during a race (Page 3)

I like to pass anyone going slower than me, which feels good because I am not fast and have worked hard to get close to MOP. On the swim and bike, I avoid contact. On the run, I run as fast as I think I can w/out blowing up, which is much slower than the OP. I also like to encourage people who are obviously hurting, walking, etc. I may even tell them to pick it up and run w/me. Sometimes we end up talking, sharing our stories, etc.

These tactics have paid off in that I have a great time out there, and hopefully help others have a good race too. I almost cried when a guy came up to me after a tri and said, "I finished 18 seconds after you. I never walked again after you passed me." If I keep making PRs every race, and make a few friends along the way, you tactical geniuses can have your medals w/out any noise from me.

In spite of what I mentioned earlier, when it comes to the vast majority of athletes I agree with CKTX's and most other people's approach on here of putting positive vibes out onto the race course.  Unless I'm FOP fighting for podium, I usually think of most races as a personal race so the mind games are pretty pointless.

Just a couple weeks ago I was racing a half mary in brutal conditions (snow storm the night before, strong winds during the race), and a triathlete from another club asked me if I wanted to draft him to save some energy for a final push to catch up with a buddy who was about a minute ahead in the last few km's.  I thought that was pretty cool of him and made a point of remembering to pay that forward one day.

Even in smaller races where I've placed in the top few overall I haven't felt the need to try and psyche anyone out with words.  Just let your legs do the talking.

IMHO Actions always speak louder than words. If I am going to beat someone tactically its because I put in place a detailed race day plan to fit my abilities, where I am at in the course, and where my competition is at.

Its only my second season of racing so I haven't been FOP very often, which is where I think tactics matter the most. But one thing I try to do is to always push it extremely hard coming right out of T2. For an Olympic or Sprint I try and run the first mile or so almost a full minute under my planned average mile pace. I am a decent biker, but not that great on the swim. So typically I am going from behind hoping to run the leaders down by the finish. This tactic allows me to catch on to a group or individual that was ahead of me or at least get within sighting distance of them within the first mile or two. Once I have someone in my sights it becomes a lot easier for me to hold a harder pace and keep moving towards the front. It's not a given that it works all the time as I am often to far back from the swim to make a difference. But it has made a difference for me before, so I will keep trying.

You can call it deception or trickery rather than lying if you like. You can't call it honorable.

Macca sharing a sponge with Raelert at mile 22 -- that's honorable. Intentionally blowing snot rockets at a fellow racer -- that's dishonorable. Boxing in a racer to prevent them from running their best race... that's cowardly, not courageous.

Your professed values don't line up with your tactics. You should change one or the other.

you obviously didn't take time to read the thread...

I wonder if that's your tactic....hmmm

slash tires, poison the GU, punch anyone who tries to pass me.   i think with these i may finsh 1132 instead of 1173

Awesome! i can so relate... I recently had to sprint out the end of a race to hold off a surging 80ish year old woman.

x2, Shane.

When I race, I race tactically, but fair. Cut tangents, push certain miles faster, run hard down/up hill, etc. I also cheer others on, especially those that are having a rough time of it. I'm out there to have fun. Competition is fun.

I've been the victim of other's tactics, some of them not fair (like being boxed in), some fair (mind games), but such is racing. Respect for other racers is paramount, however.

^ X3...exactly!

Well said.  

I don't understand why racing to win and being a good sport/encouraging to others has to be mutually exclusive.  Many people do both.  It's annoying to slightly offensive that there is an insinuation that if someone uses race tactics to beat someone they are poor sports and somehow cheapening the sport.  Obviously i"m not talking about the ridiculous tactics no one is really suggesting using (lying, snot rockets, etc).  I race to race and to win.  I'm not sorry about that, I'm not ashamed of that, I don't think I'm less of a person for that, I don't think it is cheapened in any way shape or form to hold back/surge or w/e to beat a competitor and I do really enjoy the encouragement (giving and getting) part of triathlons.  We're all accomplishing different things by racing.  I don't judge you because your race for different reasons than me, so don't judge me in return. Kthxbye.

I concur!

X2

I always enjoyed the sportsmanship during the race and I think I would stop racing if everyone had "win" at all cost attitude.