Training

Training tips kindly provided by Ralph Hydes. For your own personalised training programme or to book Ralph for a one on one session, please call him on 07970 719 715. Email: ralph.hydes@blueyonder.co.uk. Website: www.ralph-hydes.com. Ralph is offering all entrants a one off intro session for only £50 (his usual hourly rate is £80).

Train for the event that you are doing and try to swim, bike or run regularly over the distances you will be racing.

Build up your training gradually without increasing sessions more than 10% on previous weeks

Have at least one REST day per week.

Research your event and try to train specific for that event. The terrain at Tri for life is totally flat.

Don’t be afraid to take a rest day and do alternate hard / easy days.

Try or hire a wetsuit before you race. The wetsuit needs to be tight with minimal creases. It can feel tight initially so make sure that you wear it a few times before race day. It would be a good idea to practice swimming in a lake before the day of the event. Have a look at www.openwaterswimming.co.uk.

Any type of bike will suffice for Tri for life – it could be a mountain bike or a road bike. Make sure you have a good quality helmet as all races require helmets to race.

Make sure you practice training in clothing you are going to wear on race day. You don’t want things rubbed during the race. Use vaseline on all areas that could potentially rub.

Put some vaseline on your wrists and ankles as it will help you get your wetsuit off quicker.

Put talc powder in your shoes so they slip on easier when your feet are wet.

Arrive with plenty of time to get organized registering and racking your bike. Check all the entrances and exits from the start of the swim.

Know exactly where you are racked in transition, taking note of useful landmarks to help you.

Know the exit route for your bike to the mounting line and also the reverse when you return from the bike.

Always ensure that you have your helmet on and fastened before touching the bike and after the bike has been racked. If you are touching your bike you must have your helmet on. THIS IS A RULE – failure to do so will get you a penalty!

Know where the exit is to the run course.

Ensure that you are at the start ready to go at least 10 minutes before the start of the race.

If you are a weak swimmer start to one side or at the back of the field so you don’t get bumped and swum over.

Take regular fluids during and after the race. Try carbohydrate drinks before race day. Don’t try any drinks during the race that you haven’t used before.