Unlike running, triathlon is a difficult sport to determine improvement in race performance using splits and times. While distances advertised for the events are generally standard – Sprint, Olympic, Half-Ironman etc. – conditions vary wildly not only between events but from year to year at the same event. Race Directors have many priorities and accurately measuring the course is often way down the list. You really think your local race director swims out there every year with his or her GPS to measure that .5 mile swim you just did? Doubtful.
But, obviously, you want to measure if you’re improving or not as you continue your triathlon journey. So you can make adjustments to your training schedule and concentrate on your strengths or weaknesses. The best way to do this is use your fellow competitors. USA Triathlon has developed a rather elaborate ranking system which I find, anecdotally at least, works quite well.
The best way to use it is to go to the Search tab, type your name in and check the two boxes down the bottom to get the details.
The math is beyond me but if you’re interested the details of the calculations can be found here
Below is an example of an athletes results for the season. It enables athletes and coaches to get an idea strengths and weaknesses and whether an athlete peaked for their "A" races (see my Planning Your Triathlon Season post)
Another useful site for Bay Area triathletes is Dave Leroy's database Bay Area Triathlon - Race Results and Statistics.
Simply type in your name and a range of interesting graphs and stats on your time and place from the race come up. It also gives stats on each individual race.
One of my favorites is the graph showing your progression through the race which is not always easy to figure out during the race or by looking at the results afterwards.
Lots of triathlon geek stuff to get into on your off-season.
