on the actual race day at the Ironman event.Swim-to-bike bricksDuring the swim phase of a triathlon you are in a horizontal position for the duration of the swim with the result that blood accumulates in your arms, shoulders and head. Stand to run out

is plenty. If you are training for a sprint- or standard-distance triathlon, building your long training sessions to twice the race distance is the best approach. If you are preparing for a half-Ironman distance race, aim towards 1.5 times the race distance

riding with a high cadence on a lower gear to replicate the looser motions of the run. Once off the bike take a few seconds, even on race day, to really focus on the length of your strides. Bricking itPractise, practise and practise again. That

Duathlon (run/bike/run) has existed as an organised sport since the early 1980s, when it was known as Biathlon. It continues to grow in popularity but it's probably fair to say that triathlon has received more of the multi-sport limelight

1. Arrive with plenty of time to set out your transition. 2. Walk around the whole area and know the swim entry, bike exit and entry and run exit. 3. Mark your area with something (if you're allowed). A brightly coloured towel is best. 4. Find a

cycle followed by 7-minute runTuesday Swim session AWednesday Bike session CThursday Run session AFriday Run session: 10-minute recovery jog with D&S and long stretch; Swim session GSaturday Rest day and stretch; Visit the race course if possible

or warmup suit will do the job. Or you may want to wear bike tights, which warm your muscles without adding bulk to your legs, so you can even wear them when warming up on your bike.Race number (preattached to your race outfit): Pin your race number onto

1. Super sprintThe shortest triathlon distance is all about speed, and brick sessions are important for building pace. "Recreate race conditions," says coach Simon Ward. "If you're doing the race in a pool you won't need a wetsuit, and you should

made by newcomers to triathlon.Don't forget your helmetRead your race pack when you receive it. If you are taking your bike to the transition area the night before the race, remember to take your helmet. The rules in your race pack will state that you

's good to start to eat well, drink plenty of fluids, and prepare for the challenge ahead. Many triathlons start early in the morning, so it's always a good idea to travel to the race venue the day before to register, rack your bike and walk around