Start and Swim |Bike | Run |

In summer 2004, more than 20 forum members pledged to take on Ironman Switzerland in July 2005 - that's a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle and 26.2-mile run. Many of them - including Jellybabe - were complete triathlon newbies at the time... Here

). Comprising five eight-mile loops (two on foot, three in the saddle), our skull-and-crossbones-clad team negotiated quad-crunching hills, nail-biting descents and sharp left-hand turns as they tested their stamina, endurance and bike-handling skills

Ratbag at the Bala Tri in June 2005In summer 2004, more than 20 forum members pledged to take on Ironman Switzerland in July 2005 - that's a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycle and 26.2-mile run. Many of them - including Ratbag - were complete triathlon

of them were complete triathlon newbies at the time.Since then, this forum tri team - christened Pirate Ship of Fools for their skull and crossbones kit - has encouraged, coached and goaded each other to new heights of endurance.July 2005 update: All

The Pirate Ship of Fools returned from Ironman Switzerland triumphant, skull and crossbones flying. On July 12, our forum triathlon contingent were lining up on the shores of Lake Zurich for the start of Ironman Switzerland – a small matter of a 2

) 13%Road cycling 13%Gym (classes) 13%Mountain biking 10%Power Walking 4%Triathlon 3%Adventure Racing 2%Skiing 8% AND... I have run for charity in the last 12 months... No 63%Yes 37%I have been injured in the last 12 months... Yes 53%No 47%(NB

and the chest and waist straps were too narrow to properly support the load.Summary Good for taller runners.How It Rated Comfort 6 Stability 7 Weight 7 Capacity 9 Extra Pockets 6 TOTAL 35 Camelbak Octane 8, £69.99 Capacity 12.8 litres Contact www

't make you feel less alone, then nothing will! Are you a beginner? Then it's time you met the other 18,508 (or 26.5%) of members who are too. A 10K runner? Then squeeze onto the start line along with the other 20,695 members who rate it as their favourite

-distance runner: running with other people is more enjoyable than running alone, and a little bit of friendly competition can even make you faster.I resolve to Get on my bikeWhy? If all you do is run, you can get stale or, worse, injured. Cycling is excellent