to train for at least six months.2 Focus on your weakest disciplineLook at the breakdown of your times from previous races and work out where there is room for improvement. A successful Ironman performance is heavily dependent on how you tackle the bike leg
Preparing your mind for a long-distance race is just as important as preparing your body, says Chrissie Wellington. If that's what the three-time Ironman World Champion and world record holder thinks, then that's good enough for the rest of us. So
yourself before and after a session. (One kilogram of weight loss is equivalent to one litre of fluid.) Once you know your sweat loss you can prepare your fluid-replacement strategy for training and races.Pre-planningFor an event such as Ironman Nice ensure
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
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
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
and bike to run. We asked some of triathlon's leading elites, coaches and mentors for their tips to ensure speedy transitions.1. Get in the habitStart learning how to save precious seconds in the weeks and months leading up to your race. By setting aside
, Florida. The best 100 triathletes in Wimbleball earn themselves a place for the American race, which could ultimately open a door to the prize of a place at the Ironman World Championships finale in Hawaii.The triathlon starts with a swim in the flooded
If transition is triathlon's fourth discipline, nutrition should be the fifth. Making fuelling mistakes could mean your race ends in disaster. And the longer the event, the more critical your food and drink strategy becomes. But it's not easy
of 'me-time' to focus on the race ahead. I also warm up with a swim - it's important to be ready for the fast start."Hollie Avil, European and World Junior Triathlon Champion and Corus Elite Ambassador"I tackle the warm up in reverse order by going from
