Whether you're tripped up in transition, or you struggle with the swim, everyone has different weaknesses and strengths when it comes to triathlons. That's part of the appeal - and the challenge - of a multi-sport event. To help make that leap
and count how many kicks you usually make per two-arm cycle. "Now try swimming with a two-beat kick," says Kelly. "If you can mostly use your arms, that will help the bike and run."Join the draftMany triathlons forbid drafting on the bike (using another
to.Not keeping a training diaryIt's a simple task that can offer huge benefits, so why aren't you keeping a training diary?"It's vital, but it requires discipline," says triathlete Jenny O'Brien, who has represented Britain at the World Triathlon
to take note and act - novice waves have been introduced at many races around the country."Triathlon can be daunting for newcomers," says Darren Roberts, triathlete, coach and author of How Triathlon Ruined My Life (Upfront Publishing, £9.99).With
and perhaps even take your running to a new level.One answer, and a possible way to improve your running time at the next triathlon, may be cross-training. Substituting some of your running with other cross-training enables you to complete extra endurance
a life, and you do. With three sports to juggle, as well as a full-time job and maybe a family, training for triathlon is a compromise between training you know you should do, and the training you know you can do. But that doesn't mean you can
pool-based sprint triathlon doesn't have the same needs as an experienced Ironman athlete.In The SwimYou could, in theory, swim in trunks or a swimming costume, and nothing else. However, this has little to recommend it except bragging rights if you
and topless cycling or running leads to instant disqualification, so wearing a suit is vital.Q. Should I use tri bars?A. If you are new to triathlon there is no point buying tri bars as they are not essential kit. However, if you are already a self
and Facebook followers what nuggets of advice they would offer to triathlon beginners. Read their tips and get inspired - and leave a comment if you have any other words of wisdom![View the story "Starting Out in Triathlon: Your Tips" on Storify]
Triathlon is hot. In the past five years, participation in the sport of swimming-biking-running has tripled in the UK. It's estimated that nearly 100,000 people in this country will race the triple this year. Who are all these multi-taskers, and why
