So, you’ve done a marathon, ticked off the Tough Mudder and aced the fun run? Hello, triathlon! If you’re a high fitness achiever, training for three disciplines is just the challenge you’re craving.
A triathlon is also a great option if you’d like to try an endurance sport, but the monotony of long runs or cycle rides doesn’t tickle your fancy. Racing from a swim to a cycle to a run is a great way to break up longer distances, keeping your mind ticking over, your body guessing and your adrenaline firing. And it’s not just for the pros, either. The shorter distances (sprint and super sprint) are popular with veterans and beginners alike.
Intrigued? We’ve got the info and story from one of our very own, for all you need to know for your first triathlon challenge. Let’s get started!
'How i survived my first triathlon’
WF staff writer and sub-editor Ellie Moss bravely entered the SuperSprint distance at the Human Race Events’ (humanrace.co.uk) HSBC Triathlon at Dorney Lake. Here’s how she fared…
‘I was super nervous about doing a triathlon because, although I tried my best, when it came to the big day
I didn’t have much training under my belt. I arrived in the pelting rain, but there was such a great atmosphere the weather didn’t seem to matter.
I didn’t have much training under my belt. I arrived in the pelting rain, but there was such a great atmosphere the weather didn’t seem to matter.
‘The swim started in the water and, as we tip-toed in, the cold lake filled our wetsuits. But there wasn’t much time to groan about the cold as we were off and powering through the 400m open-water swim. By the time
I finished my arms were exhausted, but I ran through to the bike race, peeling off my Aqua Spher (aquasphereswim.com/uk) wetsuit as I went. The cycle was a welcome relief after the tough going in the water. I got up some good speed and quickly arrived at the next transition. Only later did I realise that I’d missed out the second lap of the cycle, meaning I was disqualified!
I finished my arms were exhausted, but I ran through to the bike race, peeling off my Aqua Spher (aquasphereswim.com/uk) wetsuit as I went. The cycle was a welcome relief after the tough going in the water. I got up some good speed and quickly arrived at the next transition. Only later did I realise that I’d missed out the second lap of the cycle, meaning I was disqualified!
‘After I racked my bike and helmet, I headed off for the run, jelly legs in tow. The 2.5K sprint was easy going, but while I jogged I realised that I’d messed up the cycle lap, so my head was spinning. I managed to push myself through the run and made it to the finish in one piece.
‘I had a great day – even though my times didn’t count – and I’m definitely signing up again next year!’
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