riding the kind of top-end bikes that would have been available only to professionals a few years ago."There is a 'boys and toys' factor when it comes to kit - and women are by no means exempt in this area - but Rose has no doubt that having the right

's tough, but you will see the benefits in spring," says Smith.Go On, Treat YourselfIf your motivation does hit rock bottom, Ford says buying some new kit is a good idea. "It doesn't have to be anything expensive, a pair of gloves or a head torch

. Goddard, who entered his first event in an ordinary wheelchair, urges potential paratriathletes not to be put off: "Just beg, borrow and cobble together whatever you can find and do it. You can always invest in expensive kit later on if you like it."