First-triathlon guide
First-triathlon glossary
What it is
A triathlon glossary is a map of the words you will hear before, during, and after a race. T1 is the swim-to-bike transition and T2 is the bike-to-run transition. A brick is a training session that combines two disciplines in sequence, usually bike then run. A buoy is a floating course marker, cadence is the rate you pedal, and DNF means did not finish. A trisuit is clothing worn through more than one leg, while a timing chip records your time through the event.
Why it matters
Knowing the words makes briefings and plan sessions easier to follow. It also tells you which questions to take to the organiser: drafting, wetsuit eligibility, wave starts, transition layout, and cut-offs are not universal details. You do not need to sound like a triathlete; you need to recognise the few terms that affect your next decision.
How Diorama uses this
Diorama uses these terms in beginner-plan session titles, teaching cards, and Ray prompts. When a word is event-specific, Ray should point you back to the race briefing instead of inventing a rule. The glossary is a reference layer, not a second training prescription.
A practical example
On her first race briefing call, Maya wrote down six words she did not recognise. By the end of the week she had turned them into a small card: T1, T2, brick, buoy, cadence, and timing chip. The card did not make her fitter. It made the instructions legible, which gave her attention back for the parts of the race she was actually there to experience.
What the evidence says
The definitions in this glossary follow World Triathlon's public "Talk Like a Triathlete" terminology guide (https://sport.triathlon.org/talk-like-a-triathlete). Definitions are kept deliberately short because event-specific rules belong to the organiser's athlete guide.
Every sport has a language before it has a feeling of belonging. Learn the words that help you ask a better question, then get back to the work of swimming, riding, and running.
Limitations
World Triathlon terminology is a useful starting point, but local organisers and federations may use different procedures or abbreviations. Check your event guide for the definitive rules, course terms, equipment requirements, and time limits.
Frequently asked questions
What are T1 and T2?
T1 is the swim-to-bike transition. T2 is the bike-to-run transition. The clock usually keeps running through both.
What is a brick session?
A brick combines two disciplines in sequence, usually a bike followed by a short run, so you practise changing movement patterns while tired.
What does DNF mean?
DNF means did not finish. DNS means did not start.
Put it into practice
Turn the next question into a plan.
Diorama asks nine questions, then builds a beginner triathlon plan around your race, schedule, experience, and available time. It keeps the training logic visible and points event-specific questions back to your organiser's briefing.