faster for no extra effort. And many small gains can be made from improving your technique and training."Triathlon kit has evolved, too; the hi-tech fabrics and materials in your trisuit, and on your bike and running shoes, have been developed to maximise
with 20 seconds' rest between efforts, then 4 x 50m race pace effort. Cool-down: 10 x 50m alternating bilateral and catch-up drills. Fri REST DAY CYCLE: Warm-up: 15 minutes steady. Main: 1 hour 15 minutes easy on flats, work hills up to 85 per
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
It is normal to have mixed feelings about the swim portion of a triathlon. Even experienced triathletes can feel nervous about the washing machine-experience that is the swim start. But with the right guidance you can make a first-class start
You've run countless miles, spent hours in the pool and pedalled until your bike feels like it's a part of your body, but unless you put yourself through some training sessions designed to help you hit your peak in time for race day, your efforts
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
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
, the ratio is more likely to be closer to one to 25. This imbalance may lead to health problems such as heart disease, arthritis and macular degeneration."Unless you're making a concentrated effort, and that means eating fish several times a week, you
-neutral triathlon. Afterwards they commissioned a report on their efforts that said 95 per cent of the race's carbon imprint came from transport.Next time you're planning to race, ask yourself whether you could do an event close to home, cycle to the venue, use
of fitness may also influence your tendency to feel nauseous after or during a race. "High-intensity efforts place the body's systems under a lot of stress and this is when you are most likely to experience nausea or sickness," says Taylor. "Being well
