Author: admin

First Name	Last Name	Wave	M/F	AG	##	Start	Finish	Result	Position
Shane	Wolstencroft	Wave 3	M	50-54	192	08:33:30	09:07:00	00:33	1
Ben	Farrelly	Wave 3	M	35-39	194	08:32:30	09:07:00	00:34	2
David	Humphreys	Wave 4	M	45-49	171	11:01:30	11:36:00	00:34	3
Tony	Nicholls	Wave 3	M	60-64	190	08:34:30	09:09:00	00:34	4
Carl	McMullen	Wave 3	M	40-44	189	08:35	09:10:00	00:35	5
Adam	Whittaker	Wave 3	M	40-44	121	08:39:30	09:16:00	00:36	6
Craig	Smith	Wave 3	M	45-49	185	08:32	09:09:00	00:37	7
Daniel	Handisides	Wave 3	M	30-34	198	08:30:30	09:08:00	00:37	8
james	mulholland	Wave 4	M	35-39	169	11:02:30	11:40:00	00:37	9
Paul	Stevenson	Wave 3	M	60-64	193	08:33	09:11:00	00:38	10
Teddy	Weyman	Wave 3	M	30-34	191	08:34	09:13:00	00:39	11
Phillippa	Jones	Wave 4	F	40-44	168	11:03	11:43:00	00:40	12
Paul	Farrington	Wave 4	M	45-49	167	11:03:30	11:44:00	00:40	13
Steven	Prile	Wave 3	M	60-64	184	08:37:30	09:18:00	00:40	14
Rich	Brookman	Wave 3	M	45-49	188	08:35:30	09:18:00	00:42	15
Andy	Turner	Wave 3	M	50-54	197	08:31	09:14:00	00:43	16
Marcus	Noden	Wave 3	M	45-49	183	08:38	09:21:00	00:43	17
Jennifer	Darling	Wave 3	F	45-49	182	08:38:30	09:23:00	00:44	18
michael	moss	Wave 3	M	45-49	199	08:30	09:15:00	00:45	19
Lauren	Shadi	Wave 3	F	35-39	181	08:39	09:25:00	00:46	20
Andrew	Oliver	Wave 4	M	65-69	179	11:00	11:49:00	00:49	21
Alan	Harrison	Wave 4	M	50-54	174	11:00:30	11:50:00	00:49	22
Mary	Byrne	Wave 3	F	55-59	186	08:36:30	09:26:00	00:49	23
Natasha	Hadley	Wave 4	F	50-54	172	11:01	11:52:00	00:51	24
Geraldine	O’Kane	wave 4	F	35-39	166	11:04	11:55:00	00:51	25
Lynne	Webster	Wave 3	F	65-69	196	08:31:30	09:28:00	00:56	26
Louise	Ward	Wave 3	F	35-39	200	DNS
Michael	Chalfont	Wave 3	M	50-54	187	08:36	DNS
Gareth	Jones	Wave 3	M	40-44	185	08:37	DNS
Jamie	Ford	Wave 4	M	30-34	180	DNS
Ethan	Nevett	Wave 4	M	19	178	DNS
Michelle	Davies	Wave 4	F	40-44	177	DNS
Simon	Vittelli	Wave 4	M	45-49	176	DNS
Rebecca	Vittelli	Wave 4	F	40-44	175	DNS
Peter	Bruce	Wave 4	M	55-59	173	DNS
Christine	McMullen	Wave 4	F	45-49	170	11:02	DNF

Last month at The Manchester Airport Duathlon, around 95% of the field, including myself as organiser and Café Azul (local coffee vendor) were caught short when the forecast for a cold but dry weekend, erupted into snow, wind and hail for the first wave on Saturday morning. Fortunately, the course was safe enough to continue, with due care and attention and participants were advised to take it easy, ride within their limits and not to “race” the wave. It did however get me to thinking, that there is a list of useful but not necessary things it would be worth packing and bringing with you to any multisport event.

Here are my Top 6 things to bring to an event.

1 – Waterproofs and Layers

It goes without saying after our recent experience that a waterproof jacket and layers would be top of my list. Don’t trust the weather forecast and come ready for anything. This doesn’t mean you should pack a full winter kit in the middle of summer, but ensure you have at least a waterproof jacket you can wear before during and after your event. You should probably bring with you some extra layers in case it’s windy but dry during your event and a change of clothes for when you’ve finished. Even without unexpected weather, layers are always a good idea. Once you’ve finished your wave, you can throw on a dry thin fleece to keep warm or swap from your sweaty t-shirt/Tri suit to a fresh, dry top. You want to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible while warming up/cooling down and of course during your event.

2 – Hydration and Nutrition

I would always make sure I brought a bottle of water with me for my event (we also provide them at our events for your convenience). Depending on the distance, you may not want it on your bike, but it’s always useful to have in transition for before, during and after. I would say water would be the bare minimum, but you could also have an electrolyte drink for afterwards, a protein shake or a light snack to help refuel after your wave. A banana, Peanut Butter sandwich or a cereal bar are all great ideas to give you a little kick one you’re finished.

3 – A small box/bag

When you get to your first multisport event, you’re faced with all the kit required for 2 or 3 disciplines. Goggles, swim hat, cycle shoes, glasses, helmet, gloves, trainers, drink, waterproof and so to keep it organised, tidy and within your transition space, a small box or bag is a really useful tool. Also, when you’re at a “proper” (at McA Fitness Go Tri events, we won’t disqualify you) event, it is against the rules to touch your bike before you put your helmet on. Therefore if all your kit is in a small bag, you have no reason to touch your bike until you have all the kit that you need ready to go. Likewise, when you return from your bike leg, you can take it all off, finishing with your helmet and leave it safely in your bag. You reduce the risk of losing or breaking anything and you also reduce the time you’ll spend setting up and clearing down in transition.

4 – Cycle Shoes

Cycle shoes are by no means a must when it comes to multisport. They are though perfect if you’re looking to progress with your cycling and pick up your speed on the bike leg. Essentially cycle shoes have a solid sole for stability and have cleats on the bottom which clip into your pedals. You’ll need to upgrade your pedals too, from flat ones to “clipless” and ensure that the pedal matches the cleat, but once you’re clipped in, you’ll have greater ability to put more power down on the bike which in turn will help increase your speed. They keep your foot in one position for the whole ride, which allows you to both push down on the pedal, but also pull up as well. You’ll start pedalling in smooth circles rather than clunky squares, your pedal stroke will become more efficient meaning you can put the same power down with less effort and in turn, more power with the same effort. One downside to cycle shoes is clipping in and out of the pedals. This may take some practice and I wouldn’t use them for the first time at your event. We have all fallen off our bikes when trying to clip out before coming to a stop, but you really would rather do this practising safely at home rather than as you come speeding to the dismount line at an event. Honestly though, this will only happen once or twice and once you’re in, you’ll be flying!

5 – Race Belt/Safety Pins

At organised multisport events, you’ll be given a race number. This is usually, so the organiser can identify you and often acts as part of the timing method.  Your number should be visible during the entirety of your wave. When you’re running, it should be on your front and when riding, you should wear it on your back. The best tool for this is a race belt. A race belt has little hoops which you put through the holes on your number and then allows it to hang from your waist. It’s easy and convenient and allows you to move your number from front facing to backwards facing. It also means you’re not faffing about with safety pins in transition, particularly if you choose to wear any top layers on the bike leg. Alternatively, you can use safety pins to attach your number to your top. At McA Fitness events, we only require you to wear a number so we can record your time as you cross the finish line, so we will only provide one number, but at other (usually bigger) events, you’ll be required to wear it on your back for the bike and so they may provide 2 numbers or have race belts for sale (see point 6)

6 – Cash

It’s never not a good idea to have a little bit of cash with you. I’m not suggesting you bring your piggybank along, but a tenner folded neatly in your saddle bag, could go a long way…

At the very least, it’ll buy you a coffee and cake once you’ve completed your event and you can enjoy with other participants while chatting about how you got on and what you learned from your race.

I hope this has been a useful read and you’ve learned something and updated your pre event list. Let’s hope for better weather at the next event, but if not, at least you’ll be prepared!

http://www.mcafitness.co.uk/events

First Name	Last Name	Wave	M/F	A/G	##	Start	Finish	Result
Lucas	Jones	Wave 2 Saturday 11am	M	45-49	20	11:02:30	11:35	00:32	1
Dave	Jousiffe	Wave 1 Saturday 08:30	M	35-39	6	08:32	09:05	00:33	2
Nick	Holman	Wave 1 Saturday 08:30	M	40-44	5	08:31:30	09:06	00:34	3
Mark	Brown	Wave 2 Saturday 11am	M	30-34	16	11:00:30	11:35	00:34	4
Aidan	Grant	Wave 2 Saturday 11am	M	45-49	18	11:01:30	11:37	00:35	5
Rob	Unsworth	Wave 2 Saturday 11am	M	35-39	23	11:04	11:40	00:36	6
Craig	Smith	Wave 1 Saturday 08:30	M	45-49	8	08:33	09:11	00:38	7
Christine	McMullen	Wave 1 Saturday 08:30	F	45-49	7	11:05:30	11:44	00:38	8
Jade	Fawcett	Wave 1 Saturday 08:30	F	30-34	4	08:31	09:11	00:40	9
Guy	Barlow	Wave 1 Saturday 08:30	M	45-49	3	08:30:30	09:12	00:41	10
Nicola	Combs	Wave 2 Saturday 11am	F	35-39	17	11:01	11:43	00:42	11
Helen	Williams	Wave 1 Saturday 08:30	F	40-44	14	08:34	09:16	00:42	12
Brendan	Treanor	Wave 2 Saturday 11am	M	75-79	22	11:03:30	11:46	00:42	13
Neil	Atkinson	Wave 1 Saturday 08:30	M	55-59	2	08:30	09:13	00:43	14
Rama	Gudimetla	Wave 2 Saturday 11am	M	40-44	19	11:02	11:48	00:46	15
Rachel	Smith	Wave 1 Saturday 08:30	F	50-54	11	08:33:30	09:21	00:47	16
hannah	thomson	Wave 2 Saturday 11am	F	35-39	21	11:03	11:54	00:51	17
Peta	Walsh	Wave 2 Saturday 11am	F	60-64	24	11:04:30	12:01	00:56	18

Married At First Sight is a reality TV show on All 4. I’m sure you’ve heard about it if you haven’t been watching it?

The concept was that 10 couples, who were looking for love, got married without meeting, seeing a photo or even knowing their match’s name. They were put together by relationship experts who interviewed them in detail to find their perfect matches. Without giving anything away, some couples went the distance with little to no trouble, the majority faced and overcame challenges along the way and some stumbled at various points exiting the experiment.

It’s a fascinating show and it got me to thinking that while marriage is an extreme of something to do with no preparation or background work, what about Triathlon and multi-sport?

Would you or have you participated in an event with no training? Imagine deciding to do an Ironman, having never swam, cycled or ran before and then proceeding to the start line with no training and no prior race day experience… 140.6  miles with no tools in place to get you from the start to the finish. Even an Olympic distance Triathlon would be a big ask.

Now don’t get me wrong, there will be somebody who is capable of such a feat, but they will have to be in the right place both physically and mentally. A marathon runner or Crossfitter for example, may be capable of completing either short course or long course with little to no specific training. Their lifestyle however puts them at an advantage, as they train regularly, have strong aerobic fitness and the mind-set to overcome pain and fatigue.

Now what about us mere mortals? A couch to 5km program always includes 8 weeks of specific exercise and 3 – 5 sessions a week. I would always advise a client on the best protocol to get you to your goal and never just drop you at the start line. It’s as much about the journey and the process as it is the result. In fact, quite often completing the goal can leave you feeling less motivated than the training you have put in. The “what now” syndrome. Once you have completed your Ironman, you have nothing to look forward to tomorrow…

So would you take on a life changing challenge without a bit of planning? I know I wouldn’t.

I would however take on a Go Tri, a short, accessible multi sport event suitable for all abilities. With no training, challenging enough to get around and finish. With a few weeks or months of specific training, can you go sub 60? Or are you up for challenging for top spot if you’re a triathlete getting some race day training in for your competitive race?

I’m not suggesting you come and take part in a Go Tri without any training, but it is a great starting point before your first short course or long distance event. Something you can participate in, enjoy and compete if you want.

This is exactly why here at McA Fitness & Events, we offer so many events during the year. Each one an opportunity for all level of participant to use a “race day” experience as part of their training plan. More specifically, its why our third flagship event is named “Come & Give It A Go Tri”, it’s all about coming and giving it a go!

At this early stage of the season (at time of writing), have you tested your fitness yet? Do you know someone who has picked up cycle or running in the last year, who you could encourage to test their fitness?

Enter Now –Go TRIS this way

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again and meeting more new faces as events continue in 2021 and beyond…

More Events – /events

#comeandgiveitagotri

Hello, I know we’ve met before but I rarely get the opportunity at a duathlon to have a proper conversation with my participants. I’m either hustling last minute to get transition ready for you to rack your bike, taking names and handing out numbers, making jokes about how your obscenely high race number is the same as your age, or head in clipboard as your crossing the line, frantically trying to work out you were 26 or 29 so I can get the results right…

We have had a chat, I know, but unfortunately event morning isn’t the best place to get to know me better, nor me you. So I thought I’d introduce myself to you today. That way, you know a bit more about me, you can reply to my email, comment on the blog or hit me up on social media and we can have a good chat. I also promise that I’ll make more of an effort at events. I’m working on building a small team that can do my busy jobs so I can get to know you. I’d honestly like nothing more than to talk about your training leading up to your first duathlon, the euphoria you felt as you crossed the line or how you’re using our events as race practise ahead of your big GB age group triathlon debut.

I’m Andy McAnally, 35 years old (at time of writing, 2020), father of 2, Barney (9) and Isla (5) I’m engaged to their mum, Gill, and have been for 10 years now. We live in Cheadle Hulme, near Stockport and I’m lucky enough to have grown up less than a mile from where I currently live, so safe to say I’m at home.

When I was growing up, all I wanted to do was be involved in radio. I loved it, mainly because I loved music, but didn’t have the creative flair or talent to make it as a pop star, but also because I love how sound creates images and has the ability to tell a story and draw in the imagination in a way that words or film don’t quite do. So I went to university at 18 to study Media Studies and Radio Production and moved out of home and got a whole 30 miles away, to Warrington, where I was enrolled in a Manchester University degree at Padgate Campus. I loved uni and I spent equal time between the radio studio and the student union where I learned loads through practical assessments, making documentaries, adverts, news programming and presenting my own show to how much Snakebite and Black I could drink and all the words to the final tune every Wednesday night, Chesney Hawkes, The One & Only.

I left university at 21 and “fell” into a job, away from radio. I’d been working at a local newsagent since I was 16 and was offered a manager’s position, so I took it. It wasn’t for me. I enjoyed the interaction with customers, but I had no passion for the job and after a few years, I took a step back and got myself a fitness qualification.

I’d been training at the gym since I was 15 and I really enjoyed it. I loved how it made me feel after a good session and got a kick out of seeing all the new faces in the gym and watching their journeys and transformations. This was my career; I was going to be a Personal Trainer.

Then I met Gill, we got engaged and had Barney, so even though I now worked in a gym and my learning continued I put my career on hold so Gill could work (she had a really successful job in IT sales) and I looked after the boy. This was great, I got to spend loads of time with Barney, I took him to play centres, swimming and even ice skating, but once he started school, I now needed more again.

I was still working in the gym and with a couple of colleagues we decided to create a Triathlon Club. We’d run it on the class timetable, but it was an opportunity for members to try something new or pursue a goal. This was where it all really came together for me! We created a community of likeminded members who each had goals relating to triathlon or endurance sport. We took people who had never run 10k before to their first events; we helped people learn to swim, to put their face in the water and to overcome their fears in both swim, bike and run. And to top it off, we put on our very first Triathlon on June 2015.

We had 22 participants, a mix of both gym members and the general public, and I was event director. I remember setting out chairs in the gym foyer hoping all the entrants would turn up. It wasn’t just the participants having a nervous wee that morning, but once the event started and finished, that was it that was how McA Fitness & Events was born.

I carried on at the gym for another year, before moving to a local Spinning Studio where I set up a new event, this time a duathlon. The Manchester Airport Duathlon initially based on Mill Lane in Ashley is now going stronger than ever at the Airport Inn on Altrincham Road in Wilmslow and sits nicely with our other 2 events, The Dunham Massey Duathlon and Come & Give It A Go Tri.

My work is a real passion and although not full time, I have a real job now too, I spend as many extra minutes as possible thinking about triathlon and duathlon, looking at new courses or trying to engage on Facebook and Instagram.

When I’m not in the world of multi-sport, I love spending time with Gill and the kids, family walks, bike rides (obvs), barbeques and camping holidays, I still love audio and I do some podcasting on the side, and I also love training, both swim bike running and lifting too. I enjoy craft beer, good food, particularly a barbeque and the day hasn’t started if I haven’t had a coffee…

I hope you’ve learned a little more about me and my journey to multisport. I’d love to hear some more about you I look forward to catching up at your next event.

****Please look at the individual event pages for upto date information on events****

Welcome

Firstly I would like to thank you for entering an McA Fitness & Events Duathlon

You should be aware of the change of format for this event and all of our events going forward. There will be a GO TRI event on the Saturday and a Sprint(ish) distance on the Sunday. Waves will be allocated between 09:00 and 11:00 prior to the start date and everybody will be notified well in advance. We are restricted to 200 participants to ensure we are able to practise social distancing as best possible.

Waves will start at 09:00 and 11:00 on Saturday and 09:00 on Sunday. You signed up for a specific wave and that is the wave you are registered for. You will receive an email with entry lists which will include your race numbers in the week ahead of the event.

Timings

GO TRI Events Saturdays

Wave times – 9am – 11am

Sprint Distances Sundays – 9am – 11am

Pre Event

Below you will find a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, I ask that you complete and return this at your earliest convenience. It is especially important to take note that if necessary I will share your contact details with NHS Track & Trace.

Please adhere to social distancing guidelines at all times. Myself and Louie will make every effort to provide enough space for you to maintain at least 2 metres from any other person within the transition area and ask that you continue to do so during the event.

I will supply hand sanitiser which will be available for you to use this before and after the race.

You must not share equipment with any other participant and please ensure that you clear any rubbish and either use the bins provided or take it home with you.

Please understand that while we will do as much as we can to ensure your safety, we also expect a common sense approach from all participants. Anybody we feel is not adhering to guidelines in a sensible fashion, will be asked to leave. And remember your safety is your own responsibility.

Arrival

Please arrive 15 – 30 minutes before your wave start time. This should give you ample time to familiarise yourself with transition, warm up, discuss any queries you may have with the team and use the facilities if necessary.

Car Parking

Manchester Airport Duathlon – There is ample free parking at the hotel. This parking is usually pay and display, however as we are hotel guests, we can ensure free parking by entering your vehicle registration in the tablet on reception. Please note it is your responsibility to ensure you have done this and any parking fines resulting in not recording your registration, will need to be appealed by yourself.

Dunham Massey Duathlon – There will be no car parking available at The Bramley Farm public house. There is ample parking at Waitrose over the road from the venue, where you will have 2 hours free parking. If you feel you may need additional time, please utilise safe on street parking.

The Woodford Community Duathlon – There is ample free parking onsite as well as nearby side roads with adequate space to park. As this event is within a residential area, please ensure you park with due care and respect for residents.

Registration

Your race number and medal will be at an allocated place in transition. This will be your area to keep your bike and trainers and any nutrition/hydration you may require during the event.

Venues

Manchester Airport Duathlon – The Airport Inn Hotel – SK9 4LR

Dunham Massey Duathlon – The Bramley Farm Pub – WA14 5ZL

The Woodford Community Duathlon – Woodford Community War Memorial – SK7 1PS

All venues will be open to the public throughout your time at the event, so please be aware of this at all times.

Please note that if you wish to use the toilet, you may enter the venue with a face mask on and no rack and trace information will be required. If you wish to eat or drink after your event (Dunham Massey Duathlon only), please be aware you will be required to book a table and all diners will be required to complete track and trace information. You will also be required to follow current social distancing legislation and will not be able to sit inside in groups containing multiple households. If you wish to utilise the outdoor seating, you will not be able to sit in groups larger than 6 and multiple groups will not be able to mingle. I understand this is unusual information to receive in a pre event briefing, however both venues and British Triathlon have asked that we ensure all participants are advised accordingly. It is ultimately your responsibility to behave in a safe and legal manner.

Transition Area

You will have a specific area within transition where you can keep your bike, running shoes and any nutrition/hydration you require during the event. Please keep any bags or items you will not need during the event in your car. There will be no additional storage available.

Spectators & Support

I understand that your friends and family may wish to come and watch you participate. Spectators are always welcome at our events, however, as you know, I have amended the format of this event in order to conform with social distancing guidelines. There will be 60 participants and up to 3 staff members, so we are not encouraging spectators on site at transition. We are making every effort to keep the gathering size to a minimum and reduce number of people using the pubs facilities.

If your friends and family wish to come and support you, then I would recommend they head out onto the course to see you run and or cycle past. If they wish to stay at event HQ, then they must not enter transition and we ask that they remain in the designated spectators area.

Please understand that the safety of all my participants and staff as well as venue residents and staff are my priority in setting out these guidelines.

Another effort we are making to reduce risk is that there will not be any marshals on the course. Again I am making every effort to reduce the number of people at HQ at the start and finish and to minimise contact the whole day. I will be ensuring the course is well signed as always and we will be putting additional signs out as well as cones at various points along the course, to ensure you don’t get lost. My contact details are also on all signage, so any issues, you will be able to contact me.

Start

The start line will be marked on the ground, with Black and Yellow tape. It will be away from transition, positioned appropriately for social distancing.

We are reintroducing a staggered mass start. we will be starting 10 participants every 30 seconds at all events. This means less hanging around at the start for you, while enabling an opportunity to maintain social distancing where possible and avoiding any bottlenecking early on the run courses.

Please ensure you maintain social distancing while waiting to start. And be ready to start a your allocated time to avoid holing up any other participants. If you arrive at the start time after your time has gone, you will have to wait until all other participants have started to commence your race.

Run

GO TRI Manchester Airport Duathlon (2.5km) – https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/12762245

Manchester Airport Duathlon (4km) – https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/59645243

GO TRI Dunham Massey Duathlon – https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/23888620

GO TRI The Woodford Community Duathlon – https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/44457416

Please run on the left side of the pavement to allow for overtaking and returning runners.

Please ensure you are adhering to social distancing measures while running. Overtaking is allowed but if you are overtaken, please drop back slightly to allow for adequate distance. If you overtake, please move over to the right, but ensure you avoid any oncoming runners.

Ride

GO TRI Manchester Airport Duathlon – https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/12760505

Manchester Airport Duathlon – https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/59648825

GO TRI Dunham Massey Duathlon – https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/15875183

GO TRIThe Woodford Community Duathlon – https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/44380888

The mount line will be well out of the car park/transition area, and it will be marked with a flag. The dismount line will be at the same line as where you mounted your bike. Please walk/run with your bike from/to transition. DO NOT mount or dismount before these points. This has been put in place to avoid any confusion between cyclists, runners or motorists as well as providing additional space to adhere to social distancing.

All riders MUST wear a helmet and will not be allowed on the course without one.

Finish

The finish line will be at the start line where your time will be manually recorded. Please make your way safely from the finish line back to transition where you will be able to cool down and catch your breath.

Please do not return to the finish line at any point after you have finished. This is to avoid any unnecessary contact.

Results will be posted online and emailed on early in the week following the event, please do not ask for your time at the finish. Please also be aware that results are recorded manually and while we make every effort to ensure accurate results, human error is possible. If any results appear incorrect, please let me know by email and I will endeavour to amend these before submitting to Go Tri.

I thank you for your support and patience as events were put on hold during Lockdown.

If you have any questions I haven’t answered here, please get in touch by email, social media or text and I will be happy to answer any questions.

What is a triathlon?

According to the dictionary, “Triathlon is an athletic contest of three different events, typically swimming, cycling and long-distance running”

As well as Triathlon, British Triathlon is the governing body for multi sport events including Duathlon and Aquathlon for both able bodied and Para-athletes.

Distances include Super Sprint (400m/10km/2.5km), Sprint (750m/20km/5km), Standard or Olympic (1500m/40km/10km), Middle or Half Ironman (1.9km/90km/21km) totalling 70.3 miles, hence it’s moniker 70.3 and Long Distance or Ironman (3.8km/180km/42km) Totalling 140.6 miles and finishing with a marathon

So why should you participate?

1 – Objective Fitness

Triathlon and multisport is an excellent opportunity to create fitness goals that are totally objective and recordable. By having a set race to aim for in your training calendar, your goal is SMART (Specific, Measurable, Accurate, Realistic and Time Scaled). By having a smart goal, you are more likely to stick to it and achieve your results.

By having an event to take part in, you can measure your progress in training for the event and you will also be able to measure your results year on year by continuing to participate.

2 – The Brownlees

Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee are the UK’s darlings of multi sport. They are not alone though, Chrissie Wellington, Tim Don, Jodie Stimpson, Non Stanford, Joe Skipper, Jodie Swallow are all the top names in British Triathlon. Whilst they are professional athletes and they compete at an international level, in World Championship events, Commonwealth and Olympic Games’ at all distances, they also compete from the same start line as you and I.

In 2016, the ITU held a World Series event in Leeds, alongside a Sprint and Standard distance event open to the public. Whilst public entrants were starting a different race to the pros, ultimately everyone was competing together within the same event. There was the opportunity for participants to watch the pro event the day before they raced their own race. There aren’t many other sports that allow weekend warriors the opportunity to watch their heroes for free and then race on exactly the same course as the pros have.

3 – Community & friendships

Mass participation events bring people together. Different people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities come together, to the same start line, to complete the same race. Everybody is there for a different reason, but the sport is one of the most inclusive available to athletes. As an event organiser myself, my events are available to anyone over the age of 15 (for licensing and insurance reasons, although junior events are also available), male or female, able bodied or disabled, professional, elite or total beginners. It is this variety of participants that makes my events and all the events I have taken part in so special and worthwhile.

With such a broad spectrum and large participant numbers, Multisport events can’t fail to be anything but sociable. Add to this, the likelihood of seeing fellow competitors at other events is pretty high which makes for a further sociable atmosphere. As well as events, triathlon is a sociable sport from a club point of view. Triathlon clubs are huge, with at least one in most towns, they are a great way to meet and train and race with likeminded folk. Not only that, but coffee and cake stops on the bike, open water swimming sessions, club runs and quiz nights. Everyone has a friend involved in triathlon.

4 – Accessible and Affordable

When you look at the professional field with £1000’s worth of bikes, wetsuits, tri suits, helmets, GPS devices and Sports Trackers and a new pair of running shoes every 500 miles, then on top of that British Triathlon Membership at £50 a year, Club membership, race entry, travel, accommodation and nutrition, the sport looks like it is set up for the middle classes who have more money than sense. When in fact, all you need is a swim costume; bike, helmet, trainers and you’re good to go. Don’t get me wrong, race entry will cost you something, but you don’t have to race and if you want to, you can find affordable options.

The biggest expense is always going to be your bike, but you do not need the top of the range speed machine that Jo Skipper is using… All it needs is to be roadworthy and race legal. Most road/mountain/hybrid bikes bought today are race legal and it doesn’t take much to keep it road worthy (gears and brakes both working well and tyres fully inflated) and a helmet is a must. You cannot race without one.

Next up would be race entry. Now don’t get me wrong, IMUK can cost up to £500 just for entry and that’s before travel, but there are plenty of affordable events to take part in. Go Tri is an initiative from British Triathlon to encourage the participation in the sport, local event organisers and clubs put on smaller, affordable events for all shapes and abilities. You can enter a Go Tri event for as little as £10 and you’ll be done and home within a couple of hours.

5 – Join the 1%

In 2016 Sport England believe about 200,000 people in England did a triathlon. That’s 3.3% of the population. Take into account that some of those starters were doing Go Tri events and others were doing middle and long distance, about 1% of the population take part in Standard/Olympic Distance triathlon each year.

Triathlon as a sport has grown massively in recent years. In 2009, there were about 120,000 race starts compared to 200,000 in 2016, that’s 67% growth over 7 years…. 2016’s number of starts represents  550 people doing a triathlon every single day.

There has been nearly 75% increase in number of events in that time also, in 2009 there were 800 events compared to nearly 1400 in 2016, that’s 26 events each week!!

In summary, triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and endurance sport as a whole in incredibly accessible to everybody. There are many great reasons why you should be participating and with initiatives like Go Tri, This Girl Can, Ride2Work and 26 events to choose from every week, it is a sport that has become more accessible than ever! The question isn’t why you should be participating, but why haven’t you?