First Time Racing an Aquathlon? Read This Before You Dive In

You show up early. You check in, rack your gear, and try not to look nervous. You glance at the pool — or the open water — and wonder if you trained enough. If that cramp from last week will show up. If your legs will hold on the run.

You’re not alone.

Aquathlon might look simple on paper — just swim and run — but anyone who’s done one will tell you it hits harder than you expect. There’s no bike to reset your rhythm. It’s one transition. One continuous effort. One chance to get it right.

So whether you’re racing Aquaman Aquathlon 2025 or any other aquathlon event this season, this guide is for you. No fluff. No gimmicks. Just straight-up race-day advice from multisport coaches and athletes who’ve been through it.

Swim Smart or Pay Later

The biggest mistake beginners make? Swimming too fast, too early.

It’s tempting. The adrenaline kicks in, and you want to “bank time.” But the truth is, going out hard in the first 100 meters rarely pays off. You don’t win in the swim — but you can lose the race there.

Start controlled. Focus on rhythm. Breathe every 3 strokes or whatever keeps you calm. If it’s a pool swim, count your laps properly. If it’s open water, know the course markings. And always, always know where the exit is.

In races like Aquaman, the course is usually one or two loops depending on your category. You’ll snake across pool lanes or follow a marked path outdoors. Either way — don’t rely on the person beside you to guide your pace or direction. Swim your own race.

Run with Rhythm, Not Rage

Coming off the swim, your heart rate will be sky high. That’s normal. The key is to settle down early on the run — not attack the first 200 meters like it’s a sprint.

Find your breathing. Focus on cadence. Let your legs come back under you.

Most aquathlon run courses are simple loops with clear U-turns based on your distance. But that doesn’t mean it’s a cruise. On tired legs, every incline feels steeper. Every straightaway feels longer.

Know your course. Memorize your turnaround point. And if it’s your first race, your only goal is to finish feeling strong — not crawling to the line.

Transitions: They Look Easy Until They’re Not

You only get one transition in aquathlon. So make it count.

Set up your gear in order. Towel first. Race belt next. Running shoes pointing forward. Don’t overpack. Everything you lay down is one more thing you’ll stress over when you’re wet and rushed.

Practice your transition at home. Time yourself. Wet your feet. Learn what it feels like to go from horizontal to vertical and still think clearly. The fastest transitions come from calm, not chaos.

Hydration, Weather, and Other Forgotten Details

Aquathlon may be short, but the conditions still matter.

Race venues in the Philippines — like Clark, Subic, or Vermosa — are unpredictable. It could be humid at 6AM or raining by 8. Prepare for everything.

Apply sunscreen. Hydrate early. Know where the aid stations are. Even for short races, one missed sip can mess with your performance if it’s hot out.

And if the roads are slick from rain, slow down at turns. It’s better to lose 3 seconds than your footing.

Gear: Stick with What You Know

There’s no need to upgrade everything for your first aquathlon. No one’s handing out medals for flashiest gear.

Wear the tri suit or swim suit you trained in. Use the shoes you’ve broken in. Save the new socks and accessories for later.

If you’re racing pool-based aquathlons like Aquaman, goggles are your best friend. Bring a backup pair. Lenses fog. Straps snap. Don’t let something minor ruin a day you’ve trained weeks for.

The Real Battle Is Mental

Doubt will creep in. During the swim. During the run. Even at the start line.

Ignore it.

Every single person racing has felt underprepared at some point. What separates finishers from DNF isn’t gear — it’s grit.

Smile through the nerves. Stick to your plan. Trust the training, no matter how simple it was.

The best aquathletes aren’t always the fastest. They’re the ones who know when to push, when to hold back, and how to stay calm when it counts.

Final Words from the Finish Line

At some point during the race — maybe halfway through the swim, maybe during the final stretch of the run — you’ll ask yourself, “Can I really do this?”

And when you cross that finish line, you’ll already know the answer.

Yes. You can.

Because no one ever regrets showing up. And no one forgets their first aquathlon.

See you on race day.