BAD HABIT: You’re a night owl Runners who short-change sleep compromise recovery, immunity and mental sharpness, which can turn an easy workout into a gruelling one. "Sleep enhances the restoration of cells damaged by exercise," says Professor Jim

tired athletes out. Dividing the training year into periods and switching between high and low intensity training means the body has a better chance to recover between target races. So, just like the rest days in your weekly routine, this vital recovery

but also your general health and well-being."By eating a low-GL diet you gain more energy," says Holford. "It gives you more stamina and, provided you choose foods with a high nutrient content, faster recovery."The Science BitAll digestible carbohydrates

and enjoy a positive race experience.Whether you're tackling your first triathlon or you fifteenth, there's always something to learn, so read on and take the next step to triathlon success.In AdvancePreparation for a perfect race begins well in advance

.Routine ChangesTriathletes often become creatures of habit to help them balance training, work and life away from triathlon. "Transitioning into off-season eating does require a bit of mental concentration," says US professional triathlete and coach Paul Fritzsche

cycle + 5 minutes run]. Cool down: 5 minutes easy jog CYCLE Warm up: 8 x 50m progressively quicker. Main: 4 x 50m close to maximum effort with a full minute recovery between efforts, then 400m time trial, then after recovering 10 x 50m alternating

to swim, so the more familiar you can become with water the better," says Team GB swimming coach Sean Kelly. Using one or two of your swimming sessions every week as recovery time after bike and run sessions will teach you to swim efficiently and

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

Hands up if you've never been injured. If your hand is in the air, you're in the lucky minority of triathletes who have never had to take time off training to recover from a sore calf, aching shoulder or throbbing knee.Triathlon is a great sport

the season, and what are the differences between your base training and your race training? Little Ninja, LondonA. No one day is exactly the same, but I believe that triathlon is a 24/7 job. I devote my life to it. Exercise, resting, sleeping and eating