efficiency, comfort and dragHHalf-Ironman1.9K swim; 90K cycle; 21K run. See also, Ironman.HybridA bike somewhere between a mountain bike and a road bike. Good for all-round use.IIMIronman distance (2.4-mile/3.8K swim, 112-mile/180K bike, 26.2-mile/42.2K run

's good to start to eat well, drink plenty of fluids, and prepare for the challenge ahead. Many triathlons start early in the morning, so it's always a good idea to travel to the race venue the day before to register, rack your bike and walk around

. The competitive instinct is strong, and fun runs are still races in the minds of many participants. Nevertheless, a fun run is ideal for a first-time competitor, the lowest rung on a ladder that might lead all the way up to the marathon and beyond. Do one or two

good chance that you're thinking "Is that all!" When RUNNER'S WORLD readers were asked, more than three quarters of you reported that running has enhanced your level of sexual activity, and experts agree: "There's no doubt running is good for your sex

20 per cent faster than breaststroke and this difference becomes more pronounced over longer distances.What holds true for the world's greatest swimmers also holds true for amateurs: breaststroke is the slowest of all swim strokes. Jodi Cossor

.Thankfully, it is not all about having the most expensive and shiniest bike. It is about having a bike that fits you perfectly, with the most suitable gearing for the races you are doing. It is also about maintaining your bike, so that it runs efficiently and never lets you

, possibly assuming that it will simply come in time, as physical performance improves. Not so. You have to train your mind to overcome the many barriers to success that stand in the way of all athletes. Some of Britain's top athletes and coaches share

travelled to Auckland to run the infamous 22-mile Waitakere mountains course that once reduced Snell to tears. He also tackled the original hill circuit. "It was steeper than I expected," says Hashizume, who now lives in the USA and maintains a website

group of six of the main contenders still together. The final results would be decided on the run and there was only going to be one winner.  Michael Raelert hit his flowing stride and immediately opened up a gap on the chasers – all Australians – Richie

the preparation and wait reasonably well but this year I am going with a friend who gets extreme anxiety before a race. 
How can I help her and also how can I make sure I stay calm and focused while we wait? – CamloA3.If travelling or staying with them pre