1. What is the Triathlon Speed Calculator?

The Triathlon Speed Calculator calculates your average speed during swimming, cycling, or running segments of a triathlon based on distance covered and time taken.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic speed formula:

Where:

• \( S \) — Speed (mph or km/h)
• \( D \) — Distance traveled (miles or kilometers)
• \( T \) — Time taken (in hours)

Explanation: The calculator converts your input time (hours, minutes, seconds) into decimal hours before performing the calculation.

3. Importance of Speed Calculation in Triathlon

Details: Knowing your average speed in each segment helps with race planning, pacing strategy, and performance analysis. It allows you to compare performances across different distances and conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Enter distance in either miles or kilometers
• Enter time in hours, minutes, and seconds
• For swimming, use kilometers for standard race distances (1.5km for Olympic)
• For cycling and running, choose the unit that matches your race

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How accurate is this calculator?
A: The calculator is mathematically precise. Accuracy depends on your input measurements of distance and time.

Q2: Can I use this for other sports?
A: Yes, this calculator works for any activity where you want to calculate average speed from distance and time.

Q3: How do I convert between mph and km/h?
A: 1 mph = 1.60934 km/h. Multiply mph by 1.60934 to get km/h, or divide km/h by 1.60934 to get mph.

Q4: What's a good triathlon speed?
A: This varies greatly by distance and athlete level. Elite Olympic distance triathletes might average 30+ km/h on bike, while beginners might average 20 km/h.

Q5: How does elevation affect speed?
A: This calculator gives average speed. For hilly courses, your actual speed will vary throughout the course.