and stretch."13. Bring a friendAlistair Brownlee, 2008 Triathlon World Under-23 Champion, says it's a good idea to have someone with you. "Not just to cheer you on, but to drive you home," he says. "You deserve it."14. Remember to mingleTriathlons are social

can also earn the respect of your friends or work colleagues with a team relay challenge. Find out more.Dirt Half Marathon Challenge (Leighton Buzzard, November 19)Distance: 13.1milesExplore new challenges as the season comes to an end

."It's interesting," she says with a laugh. "There are athletes doing really well who are really young. I mean Hollie Avil went to the Olympics as an 18-year-old. Alistair and Jonny [Brownlee] are young [23 and 21, respectively] and it's going to be interesting

Alistair and Jonny [Brownlee] and Helen [Jenkins] because they’re doing so well. I really do think they could win medals.How do you deal with the ups and downs of racing?I’ve worked with Joce Brooks from British Triathlon since I was 16, which is fantastic

Maitland, Triathlon Performance Coach at Leeds Metropolitan University, and coach to Alistair Brownlee, who finished 12th in the Beijing Olympic Triathlon.3. Accentuate the positive"Elite athletes contrive to see almost everything in a positive light," says