Welcome to a collection of RW's articles about triathlon. If you'd like to see something specific that isn't covered here, do drop us a line. meanwhile, read on – and race on!

Training programmes

When you’re training for three sports, it can be tricky to get the balance right between them. These training schedules – for people aiming for the Olympic distance race – do just that.

These schedules run for 8-12 weeks, depending on your ability.

• Beginners – This programme is very simple and progressive, with no surprises. It’s about building your body and having fun doing it. To allow you to ease into exercise very gradually, your program will last for eight weeks, as opposed to 12.
• Intermediate – Combining schedules used to train three RW guinea pigs in the 2005 London Triathlon, this training programme lasts 12 weeks. You don't need to have any triathlon experience.
• Advanced – This schedule is for you if you train six or seven days per week; you already do some distance swimming; you race race regularly and train hard; you run inside 45 mins for a 10K; or you're looking for a real challenge.

Swimming

Improving your swim technique pays huge dividends: you go faster, and you use less energy in the process. This article is our ultimate guide to the swim stage of a triathlon. It's for subscribers only (and you can subscribe here for instant access) – but non-subscribers can read this short guide to four efficiency-boosting technique drills.

Cycling

However fast you pedal, you’ll spend more of the race on your bike than in the water or on your feet. That’s why working on your cycling can make the biggest difference to your overall time. Again, here's our ultimate guide to the bike stage , for subscribers. These five bike training sessions have been designed to boost your cycling and help your running, too.

Running

Tuned specifically for runners in triathlons, here's our ultimate guide to the run stage , but this site is packed with non-subscriber general advice and information about running, too. If you’re a beginner looking for reassurance, the total beginner’s quick guide to running should reassure you, and if you’re a regular runner already, what are you waiting for? Dive in to our hundreds of training articles!

Gear

Triathlon is undoubtedly a sport that attracts gear-freaks, and there is the potential to spend literally thousands of pounds on kit, if you want to. But, if like most of us, you don’t have and endless pot of cash, don’t worry – all you really need is a swimsuit, goggles, bike, cycling shoes, helmet and some running shoes – wetsuits can be hired for race-day. If you want get yourself in the mood with a little pre-training shopping, you might enjoy these archived articles on bikes, a wetsuits and shoes and clothing.

Nutrition

If you know what to eat, but want to know how to time it right, you need this guide to eating and training.

When you’re training hard, especially if it’s more than once a day, you will probably consider using energy drinks and/or bars. Choosing what to use is largely a matter of taste – these are some of the more popular options. (We also have a total beginners' guide to sports nutrition)

RW's guinea pigs at the London Triathlon... here's what they found

In 2005, three Runner’s World guinea pigs – Heidi (a runner), Dan (a swimmer), and Dan (a cyclist) – all did the Olympic-distance race at the London Triathlon. Runner’s World followed them as they trained, and cheered them on through the Docklands on the day itself. You can learn from their successes and their mistakes here.

Race day

Two short articles you might find useful: a brief guide to rules and etiquette; and a kit list for race-day.

The UK's friendliest tri forums

Need advice? Why not drop into our forums? There’s a busy section devoted to triathlon.

Good luck!