great way of getting a resistance workout without giving the lifeguards cause to fret. Speedo's soft Aquatic Mitts (£13.00, www.speedo.com, above right) are one example. Made of neoprene, they are durable, hold their shape and dry quickly (although you

, 10x100m) at a controlled effort of around 85 per cent of your max. As well as timing the 100s, count the number of strokes you take (one arm pull). Maintain this pace, or even reduce it.5. The Mistake: Inconsistent Pacing"In a triathlon, adrenalin

to swimming in the outdoors, you can choose from goggles, masks or a hybrid. Some people like the extra feeling of protection offered by masks, while others are happy with larger styles of goggles (we've tested both types here).Whatever you choose, your open

Keri-Anne Payne's name is synonymous with open-water swimming. She won silver in the gruelling 10km marathon swim at the 2008 Beijing Summer Games, when open-water made its Olympic debut.With London 2012 quickly approaching, Keri-Anne is predicted

all of these questions and you'll feel better equipped to tackle the swim.Sheila Rice, from Hillingdon, Middlesex, lives in Germany, where she's training for Challenge Roth. "I'll recce the swim area, and always walk T1 and T2 so I know the quickest

, but some people are still caught out. Think about what you're wearing before you put on your wetsuit. Rack sensibly and with some thought for others, and try your best not to knock over anything when you go through T1 and T2.Simon Pearson, a triathlete

lakes, your wetsuit should keep you warm, buoyant and streamlined, making you faster and more efficient in the water. If you can spend between £120-£270 on your first wetsuit you'll be able to choose from a great selection of suits targeted at slower

for transitions just as you do for swim, bike and run. "Plan one-hour sessions every week. Run through all aspects of T1 and T2 - wetsuit removal at speed, getting on your bike, and getting off the bike for the start of the run leg. By training for transition, you