Here are some of the common questions people want to ask about triathlon and our club:
​
-
What is a triathlon?
Triathlon is a multi-discipline sport where the race includes a swim, cycle and lastly a run. Between each stage of the race you go through a transition (known as T1 between the swim and bike and T2 between the bike and run). Transition is a discipline in itself and the time spent here contributes to your overall race time.
The challenge of a triathlon comes from having to develop the skills and performance for all three disciplines and asking your body to switch the muscles it is using from one sport to the next. Running straight after a swim and cycle ride is not always easy.
There are also other multisport races such as duathlons (run, cycle, run) and aquathlons (swim, run).
-
Do I need fancy kit?
Whilst some triathletes like to indulge in a range of specialist kit, it isn’t a necessity and it is possible to enjoy triathlon with a limited budget. The basics that you must have are a pair of running trainers (and sports bra for women), a swimsuit or trunks, some goggles, a roadworthy bike and a helmet. Beyond this there is kit that can make training or racing easier, such as a tri suit (a long-legged all in one which you wear from swim to run) but these are not essentials.
If you want to triathlon kit you can find it at reasonable prices if you shop around – even the discount supermarkets sell tri suits sometimes. It is worth considering that online prices may be cheap but sometimes the opportunity to try kit on, compare items and get advice by visiting a specialist shop can offset a small increase in price.
-
I can’t swim – can I still join?
If you can’t swim at all then our training sessions will not be suitable. You need to be able to swim 100m, be comfortable breathing out underwater and have a basic front crawl stroke. Your local leisure centre may offer swimming lessons to get you started. You would still be welcome to join in with our other activities whilst your swimming improves.
Many people worry that they can only swim a couple of lengths front crawl before getting out of breath - even when they are quite fit and do lots of running or cycling. Swimming requires good technique and you need to build "swim fitness". Good coaching can help with both.
-
How fit do you need to be?
We want to support you to improve your fitness, regardless of where you are starting from. Our training sessions are designed so that everyone can work out at the right level for them. If you are still unsure, you could come along and watch a session and talk with our coaches. We do recommend that you check in with your GP if you have not taken part in any physical activity for a while or if you have any serious health concerns
​
-
I am a para-athlete, can I join?
We want to be inclusive and we are open to everyone over the age of 18. If you have specific needs, please get in touch and we can talk about how we might work with you.
-
Will I have to swim in a lake or river?
Not unless you want to. There are many triathlon races which are held in swimming pools. But if you want to progress to open water swimming, there are variety of local lakes which offer swimming sessions and a number of our club members can share their experiences with you.
-
Is it expensive?
You can be a triathlete without spending lots of money. Besides the basic kit, your other costs are likely to include club membership, swimming fees for training sessions and the cost of any events you decide to enter.
Races vary in cost but smaller, local events tend to be reasonably priced. Race entry fees can appear high but it is worth remembering that the organisers have to cover a lot of administration and logistics costs to provide safe and high quality events. Sometimes you can get free race entries if you are willing to marshall at another race. Other club members can share with you information about events they have participated in or supported.
-
What do you wear for a triathlon?
Most of us wear a triathlon suit. The idea of running around in your swimwear can put some people off but you don’t have to if you prefer not to. After your swim, you head to the transition area where you can put a top and shorts over your swim wear if you prefer (no nudity please!). If you wear a sports bra, you can wear this under your costume to swim. Some smaller events may allow you to use the changing rooms if you really want to but this may not always be possible.
-
How long is a triathlon race?
There is a range of distanced and it is worth checking individual race details as the distances in individual disciplines can vary slightly to accommodate the nuances of the race course location. Pool based events tend to be super sprint or sprint, other races usually involve open water swims.
The typical distances are:
-
Super Sprint – 200m swim, 10k ride and 2.5k run
-
Sprint – 400m swim (750m open water), 20k ride and 5k run
-
Olympic or standard – 1.5k swim, 40k ride and10k run
-
Half – 1.9k swim, 90k ride and 21.1k run
-
Full – 3.8k swim, 180k ride and 42.2k run
-
-
I’ve only got a mountain bike – is that okay?
As long as your bike is in roadworthy condition and you wear a cycle helmet, any bike will do. It is true that different bikes are designed for different surfaces, so if you want to race a mountain bike on the road you may find that fitting a set of road tyres makes it easier. Whatever bike you use, if you haven’t had your bike serviced recently you should consider doing so as this will prolong the life of your bike but even more importantly will help to keep you and others safe on the road.
-
I’m interested in doing an “Iron Man”* – can you help?
You are welcome to join our club and train with us whatever distance you would like to compete in. A number of our members train for and compete in long distance races. We don’t provide one-to-one support so if you need specific help you may need to engage a specialist coach.
*the term “Iron Man” is actually a brand name and there are other long distance events organised by other companies or clubs.