wetsuit as you exit the water. 14. Put your helmet on before touching your bike and only take it off when your bike is racked. 15. If you are going to jump on your bike, practise. Also practise getting off it. 16. Use elastic laces in your running shoes

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

as they would a straight running event." Do regular brick sessions by cycling at a high cadence for 15 minutes. Immediately shift into 10 minutes of fast-paced running, rest for five minutes and repeat three times. Aim to build to your race pace - the average

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

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

interval-based," says Dixon. "Try a session where you do 10 seconds hard, 10 seconds easy, 20 seconds hard, 20 seconds easy, all the way up to 60 seconds and back down again."This session can be done on a gym bike, a turbo bike or out on the road. Another

and stretch."13. Bring a friendAlistair Brownlee, 2008 Triathlon World Under-23 Champion, says it's a good idea to have someone with you. "Not just to cheer you on, but to drive you home," he says. "You deserve it."14. Remember to mingleTriathlons are social

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

to wear the swim cap provided in your race packet for the swim leg of the event.CycleBicycleBike helmetBike shoesRace outfit (whatever you plan to wear for the swim, bike and run portions of the race): Some participants wear their swimsuits for the entire

than we are."Session 1                                              5-10 mins warming up: swim or cycle.Swim: 200m at race effort, 100m steady, 100m at race effort.10-15 min bike: Race pace. "Again, the first 60 seconds can be with feet on the shoes