Triathlons push your body to its limit and beyond and is a truly rewarding experience for those who have put in the right preparation. This endurance sport brings together running, cycling and swimming.
Triathlon participation is booming in the UK, with the number of people increasing by over 40 percent in 2023. If you’re thinking about getting involved, here is all the information you need on essential gear and training.
Essential Training Tips
Training really can make or break your triathlon performance and it should include strength training, open water swimming and brick workouts. It’s important to transition smoothly between disciplines and get comfortable navigating the open water.
Building your core and body strength will improve your performance across all three disciplines, so consider developing a training plan. You can find pre-made ones or work together with a coach.
Nutrition and Hydration Strategies
Triathlons are notoriously gruelling so fuelling and watering your body is essential. Getting your competition nutrition on the run up to the event can dramatically impact your sport performance. To keep your energy up when swimming, cycling and running, carb loading and avoiding too much fibre is important to avoid stomach cramps and weary muscles.
The conditions you’re running in will affect how much water you should be drinking but up to 500ml of fluid is sufficient for most athletes. This is also essential for post-race recovery.
Choosing the Right Triathlon Suit
Finding the right tri suit for your triathlon can make all the difference to your progress and is key for optimal performance. A triathlon suit is a garment you can wear across all stages of the discipline and necessary for comfort, flexibility and to reduce drag. You want a suit that is lightweight, quick-wicking and dries quickly after the swim so you can stay comfortable.
Sports brands such as Endura, Castelli and dhb Sport have developed top-of-the-range tri suits with innovative aero features that ensure you’re race-ready. Look for built-in chamois, pockets for storing energy pick-me-ups and zip-up backs for smooth transitions.
Local Triathlon Events and Communities
If you’re ready to test your stamina and prowess, head over to the BTF website to find events for all abilities across the UK. For those early on in their triathlon journey, start with shorter distances and work your way up to longer events as your fitness improves.
Consider joining a triathlon club to connect with other like-minded athletes or access online forums to access training advice, race experiences and motivation. These groups also offer aspiring sportsmen advice, a sense of community and support.
