TRI247, in conjunction with Mazda have developed the Mazda Performance Predictor. The aim is to allow you to forecast your triathlon times, simply by using your individual discipline abilities at almost any distance. So, you tell us how fast you can go in each sport, and we'll tell you how that would translate into a triathlon!
How it works:
In order to give you a target, and indicate your likely finishing time in a triathlon:
- Complete a timed swim (or race), over any one of the distances offered in the Predictor, and record the time.
- Repeat for the bike.
- Repeat for the run.
- Enter the distances and times for each stage (swim, bike, run) into the Predictor.
- Select your event distance from the list (Sprint 1, Sprint 2 or Standard - see below for more details)
- Press Calculate, and wait for your prediction.
- Now, do a triathlon, and see how you get on!
For example:
- Why not do a 400m swim time trial with a friend at the local pool and time each other?
- For the cycling, how about entering a 10-mile Time Trial to get an accurate measure of your cycling ability?
- For the run, why not do a 5km or 10km race, or perhaps do your own 'time trial' on the treadmill? There are plenty of running races all over the country to enter.
Chances are you may already know your times at one, two or possibly all of the disciplines, in which case, you can start playing with the Predictor now!
Of course, if you set your time for the bike over 10-miles, we expect you will go slower than that in a longer triathlon - the Predictor adjusts for that. We also know that in a triathlon you have three disciplines and not one, and hence would expect to go slower than you would in a single sport due to fatigue - the Predictor adjusts for that too. You also have transitions within a triathlon which contribute towards your final triathlon time - and of course, the Predictor allows for that as well.
Primarily however, it's intended to act as a guide, so don't take it too seriously! Particularly hilly routes, long (or short) transitions and inaccurate courses can all impact your expected triathlon time, but we're confident that the Predictor will give you a reasonable benchmark to aim for on a regular, accurate course. Over time we will be refining and developing the Predictor, to allow you to predict you times at specific events, and hence make the appropriate adjustments for all of the above!