triathlons in the UK and I couldn't disagree, but the picture-postcard surroundings of Bala make all the pain worthwhile. The race has become a Mecca for the Runner's World Pirates triathlon club. With so many of us at the race, the support is fantastic
. If you cycle too hard, you won't have enough gas left for the run - no matter how strong a runner you normally are.3 Join a triathlon clubTraining for an Ironman can be lonely, so training with others can be a huge benefit on a five-hour ride. Moreover
Once upon a time long-distance triathlon was seen as something of a grail, holy or unholy, depending on how you felt about a 140-mile race. It was the preserve of the experienced, the specialists and, maybe, the slightly unhinged. Not any more
their arms without warning. Try carrying keys in your pocket; the jingling sound will let them know you're approaching.Richard Melik, a runner and triathlete with Serpentine Triathlon Club, has noted a clear difference between town and country runners: "When
Man Triathlon and her local Southwater Relay. "I ride the route beforehand if I can," she says. "I've driven courses before, just to get an idea of what I'm in for. It helps me to know what's around the next corner. I swim regularly in the lake I'll be racing
on the actual race day at the Ironman event.Swim-to-bike bricksDuring the swim phase of a triathlon you are in a horizontal position for the duration of the swim with the result that blood accumulates in your arms, shoulders and head. Stand to run out
potential in time for your races.For most of us, summer is a reminder of why we took up triathlons in the first place. Coach Dan Bullock (www.swimfortri.com) says, "It's just great to be outside. When the time comes to get away from the chlorine and straight
