3 triathlon coach (www.theendurancecoach.com). "But just a bit of playing around on a mountain bike can help you acquire the skills that will save five minutes in a race." It's not necessary to do a killer session every time you leave the house

Winter brings icy roads and even icier open waters to the UK, which means triathlon is really only suited to our self-styled summer. But that doesn't mean your competitive juices have to dry up when the cold settles in - the UK hosts a growing

Morrison likes every distance: "They all hurt. I like the sprint duathlons for short training and long-distance non-drafting duathlons for the challenge."Duathlon is suited to anyone who enjoys biking and running and, much like triathlon, caters for all age

, schedules and exciting developments. The Olympic Triathlon event will be held in Hyde Park on Saturday 4th August and Monday 6th August. There are three price categories: £20, £40 and £60.With a strong field of British triathletes, qualification for 2012

or fiftieth race, we're keen to keep your passion for triathlon going strong. Make the most of your hard-won fitness by tackling a local event, take on one of our racing highlights or set yourself a new challenge.

Man Triathlon and her local Southwater Relay. "I ride the route beforehand if I can," she says. "I've driven courses before, just to get an idea of what I'm in for. It helps me to know what's around the next corner. I swim regularly in the lake I'll be racing

and ruggedness of Exmoor make this both one of the most challenging middle-distance events, and one of the most stunning. It's a must do race." - Joe Beer, triathlon coach and author of Need to Know? TriathlonBala Middle-Distance TriathlonWHEN JuneWHERE Bala

Once upon a time long-distance triathlon was seen as something of a grail, holy or unholy, depending on how you felt about a 140-mile race. It was the preserve of the experienced, the specialists and, maybe, the slightly unhinged. Not any more

of these goals, and how even if everything doesn't go perfectly, you'll accept your performance and bounce-back.THE COURSEEvery triathlon is different, so to understand the challenge ahead, make sure you read the race instructions. If the swim is in a pool, find

probably should because the unfortunate truth is that triathlon can have a negative impact on the environment. You probably love being outdoors and like to see nature at its best, if for no other reason than a healthy environment makes for an enjoyable race