One of the best ways to shave off time while racing is to fine tune your skills in transition. This means practicing over and over until you don't have to think about what you are doing - it just becomes second nature. In order to do this, keep a very minimalistic approach to your transition zone. You have to remember that this is a race, so there is no need to wash every blade of grass off your feet or wipe off every drop of water. In fact, embrace the idea that your body