I started training for my 750m swim leg with a dangerous level of confidence. I had weekly swimming lessons throughout my childhood, topped off with lifesaving training (mostly swimming around in pyjamas staging elaborate 'rescues' of my clubmates

and clear my head through hours of training and days when I couldn't face it and would procrastinate all day. But there would always be a Pirate to reassure me that they’d been there, or tell me to pull myself together.The Bala Middle Distance Triathlon

how many times you want to reach your peak. If you're training for one big event – like an Ironman triathlon – the whole year could be one macrocycle. But if you're a 10K devotee, you might want to prepare to peak a couple of times throughout the year

train for Lands End to John O'Groats? Don't forget you can tap the collective knowledge of more than 500,000 runners in our forums too - you'll find plenty of experienced ultra runners with advice to impart in the Triathlon / Ultra / Adventure

ideas to help you fulfil your 2010 potential... Make it a milestoneWhether it's your very first race, the decision to tackle fells, a marathon, an ultra or a triathlon, make 2010 a year to remember by challenging yourself to completing a huge milestone

events like marathons and triathlons.Why do I need to carb-load? Your body can only store enough glycogen (energy) to sustain 90 minutes of exercise. After this point, without sufficient extra fuelling you're in danger of running out of energy