; or you may simply feel you can finish without them. Sighting in open water presents specific challenges. Visibility is poorer in open water so you have to sight by observing obvious markers outside the water rather than lines under the water, as in a pool
. “I entered my first triathlon in London in 2004 as a bet with a friend,” says Parker. “I thought beforehand that I should do a dress-rehearsal race in open water, so I entered a low-key triathlon at Leybourne Lake. I thought it would be just like
Distance: 1.5K/ 42K/ 10KWhen: June 12Where: Knockburn Loch, AberdeenshireFirst man: Andrew Brierley 2:11:07First woman: Rachel Boyd 2:23:45Last finisher: 3:42:14No of finishers: 107As triathlon increases in popularity, event organisers need to find
simply swim for a pre-determined amount of time or complete a designated distance at a moderate intensity. Lap swimming is a great form of active recovery after a hard run, while it also prepares you for the rigours of a triathlon's open-water swim
be repaired using wetsuit cement or glue. First, fold the suit at the point of the cut, forcing it open. Apply a thin layer of the glue to both surfaces. Give the glue a couple of minutes to dry and then press the two sides together. It’s best to then leave
, that it was easier to push more water past me. My legs being more buoyant meant I had a better position in the water.After Hyde Park, I've got one other open water swimming event this season - a 1500m river swim in Marlow, Buckinghamshire. I'm nervous about doubling
training from the pool to the open water. The chop, waves and general instability of coastal waters can pose quite a challenge for those new to the environment. The key areas for you to think about are the entry, navigation and exit techniques with sea
Despite these unnerving experiences I entered the Weymouth Triathlon. If the tide was out, the water would be shallow and I'd have no problem. No such luck: it was deep and cold and while others were spotting buoys, I had my eyes glued to the safety canoes
because it forces you to be face down in the water during the stroke, and this feeling of being submerged can lead to anxiety when you're new to the sport. Morgan Williams is National Development Manager for the British Triathlon Federation and a level
legs aren’t up other swimmers are more likely to swim over you as they only have your head and shoulders to climb over. Practice this start position in open water and swimming pools so you are used to it.A final technique is to keep your head up
