Doing your first multisport event at this weekend’s Deschutes Dash Weekend Sports Festival? Or just thinking about doing one in the future? Here is some advice on doing triathlons in general, and the Deschutes Dash in particular, from an expert. Joanne Stevens is the technical director for the Dash, and she is also the two-time defending champion of the sprint-distance triathlon.

Swimming

• Stevens says that competitors who have never taken a dip in the Deschutes River should do so before race day. The water temperature on race day averages about 63 degrees, according to the Deschutes Dash website.

“It’s a good thing, especially if you’re new to the area, to get in the water before race day to get acclimated,” Stevens says. “Even if it’s warm, it takes a bit of time to get adjusted to it. It’s going to be cold.”

• Other than dealing with the temperature, Stevens observes, the swim portion of the Deschutes Dash triathlon is relatively easy, as it’s all downstream.

“One of the keys is getting to know the current. It’s a pretty fast swim, but there are some eddies that can slow you down. You want to be looking for where the current is, and swim as much as you can in the current.”

Cycling

• Stevens says that the key to a fast time is the cycling leg — particularly the climb up Century Drive toward Mount Bachelor. And the longer ride for the Olympic-distance triathlon and duathlon, in particular, is the hardest part of the race.

“On the ride, know your strengths. If you can, go for it on the uphill climb. Not much time is gained on the downhill. The big difference between riders is who can climb, who can put in the power going up.”

• Stevens also says the best time to hydrate during a race is on the climb.

“You want to make sure to get in the fluid in the first part of the race. It’s easier to get (fluid) in in the beginning, and it’s hard to take it down when you are coming down fast, or during the run.”

Running

• For many Bend residents in the Deschutes Dash, the running course will be familiar, taking participants on roads, paths and trails around the river. Stevens says there is not much of a trick to completing either the 5K or 10K courses.

“The courses are pretty flat, there are just a couple of little climbs (on the river trail). And on the 5K, there’s just a bit of a hill near the start.”

• For the competitors doing the 10K as part of their races, they have a few advantages over past years. The 10K course is no longer two laps of the same route.

“Mentally, doing one lap is better for runners than going around twice. And you’ll get some shade (on the river trail) during the 10K.”

— Dustin Gouker