legs aren’t up other swimmers are more likely to swim over you as they only have your head and shoulders to climb over. Practice this start position in open water and swimming pools so you are used to it.A final technique is to keep your head up

.Test SwimPrepare by doing race simulation in the pool and in open water. "During the start of the swim there is so much mayhem," says former Olympic swimmer Chris Hauth, now a triathlete and coach (aimpcoaching.com). "If you start off by pushing harder

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

. If you stick to this plan and you're racing an Olympic-distance triathlon or shorter, you should consume enough during the bike section to complete the run without additional food or fluid intake. On a hot day, take water from drinks stations during

Dan Bullock, swimming coach, www.swimfortri.com“If you want to race fast, then you have to train fast, so this session will inject some speed into your training.This is a session for the open water – which is essentially a different discipline from doing laps

and British Triathlon's Male Elite Long Distance Triathlete of Year 2007"The day before the race have a carbohydrate-biased day to ensure you are fully fuelled. Keep fully hydrated and keep drinking water up to within an hour of the start."Sam Gardner, former

'll struggle to find many goggle straps on view.The Function: Wearing two swim hats won't just help keep in the heat when you're in cold water, it will also keep your goggles firmly on your face in the rough-and-tumble of an open-water swim.Wet lookLook shiny

bars and put your glasses in your helmet with the straps/arms open. 8. If you can, have your bike shoes attached to your bike and put them on when you are moving. 9. Place your bike shoes in the right position if they are on your bike. Hold them

the off (or earlier if you plan a swim warm-up). Remind yourself of your goal(s), race plan, swim course and where you want to start the swim, such as at the back or side if you are slower and less confident in an open-water mass-start. Recall your

, 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