to picking the perfect triathlon that suits your level of experience:Small races - forA pool swim is a great first step to build confidence before the open water.A relaxed atmosphere will help as you start to iron out kit and transition area organisation. All

If you think you're not ready to face the challenge of your first triathlon, fear not. We asked coach Ralph Hydes (ralph-hydes.com) to design a manageable 10-week programme for sprint and Olympic distance. Ralph has been a personal trainer since

There’s no denying it: triathlon is the sport of the moment. Statistics show more than 100,000 Brits raced the triple last year, turning out at 400 different UK events. Single-sport athletes looking for their next fitness challenge, those fending

offers in relation to your ability.Some clubs are better than others at breaking down perceptions, particularly in the way they market and organise their sessions. Many triathlon clubs put on beginner-specific sessions, or split groups to maintain even

minute) A measure of heart rate.Brick Training session combining two disciplines (e.g. cycling and running) used to simulate race experience and help your body adapt to switching sports quickly. BTF (British Triathlon Federation) The national

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 is in good working order. Something simple, such as the gears working properly, can make a huge difference to your enjoyment and speed. You must wear a helmet on race day so make sure that yours fits well and feels comfortable.It is not essential to have

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