Training Tips

Can you handle the endurance?

Here are some tips;

Don't start too fast; it's a long race so conserve your energy.

During the swim, it is often easier and more fficient to do tumble turns. Make sure you practise these well, and only do them if you feel you are comfortable.

However well you dry your feet after the swim, they will still be damp, which makes putting socks and shoes on difficult. To help get your feet into your footwear, sprinkle talcum powder into your socks and shoes and you’ll save time struggling in transition.

Lace locks and elastic laces are a great help when trying to put your feet into your trainers as fast as possible. Rather than wasting time tightening laces and tying bows, simply push your feet in, slip the lace lock into position and you’re off.

Another great timesaver is a number belt. For cycling you need your number on your back, whereas for running you need it on your front. Rather than reverse garments or even swap the number, simply swivel the belt around your body.

You are not allowed to ride your bike in transition. Instead, run with the bike to the edge, now do what is called the post man's mount. If you are running with the bike on your right, put your left foot on the peddle, then swing your right leg over. Make sure you have left your bike in a low gear so you can get started quickly. Once you are moving you can increase the gear.

Remember where you put your bike! Transition is a great way to cut seconds off of your time, so make sure you know where you left it.

The cycle is a good time to re-fuel. Leave a bottle fo water in the drink holder on your bike, and take a few sips as often as you can without slowing down.

It is a weird feeling for your legs between the cycle and the run. Practise this as much as possible so your legs aren't too wobbly.

Sprint the last 100m or so to the finish line. It's a good way to reduce your time, and smile across the finish line!

Don't be dis-heartened if you don't come first. It is about achieving your own goals, and beating yoru own times!