Nothing derails a triathlon performance quite like a muscle cramp. That sudden, involuntary spasm in your calf, quad, or hamstring can stop you dead mid-run — and once it starts, it is very hard to shift. Understanding why cramps happen and how to prevent them can be the difference between a personal best and a…
Racing in the heat is a serious challenge — and one that catches many UK-based triathletes completely off guard. After months of cool, grey training, arriving at a summer destination race to face 25-35°C temperatures can shatter a perfectly prepared race. The good news: your body can adapt, and targeted heat acclimatisation strategies can protect…
Why the Transition Back Outside Feels Hard After months of treadmill running over winter, getting back outside in spring feels like a fresh start — but it often comes with an unexpected challenge: the outdoor environment makes running feel much harder than it did on the belt. Wind resistance, uneven ground, real hills and the…
Why Transitions Matter More Than You Think In triathlon, transition is sometimes called the “fourth discipline” — and for good reason. A slow, disorganised transition can cost you 2–3 minutes that weeks of training can’t recover. A fast, practised transition can be the difference between a new PB and missing your goal. The good news…
Why Open Water is Different from the Pool If you’ve only ever trained in a pool, your first open water swim can feel like a different sport entirely. There are no lane ropes to hold onto, no black line on the bottom to follow, no wall to push off every 25 metres — and depending…
February and early March represent the final weeks of winter training for most UK triathletes, with the race season beginning as soon as late March at events like the Oulton Park Duathlon. If you’ve been consistent through winter, now is the time to sharpen your aerobic base before specific race prep begins. If you’re just…
What Is a Race Week Taper? The taper is the period of reduced training volume in the final days before a triathlon. Done correctly, it allows your body to recover from accumulated training fatigue while retaining the fitness you have built. Most athletes arrive at race day feeling fresher, faster, and more confident after a…
Why Course Maps Matter Studying a triathlon course map before race day is one of the highest-value pre-race preparation tasks you can do. Athletes who know the course can plan their nutrition, identify effort sections, anticipate tight corners, and choose their kit with confidence. Here is how to get the most out of any course…
What Is Drafting in Triathlon? Drafting occurs when a cyclist rides close behind another cyclist and benefits from reduced wind resistance. In non-drafting triathlon events (the vast majority of amateur races), this is strictly prohibited because it gives an unfair advantage. Understanding the rules before race day is essential — a drafting penalty can cost…
Most triathlon mistakes are entirely avoidable — and most are made by athletes who are experienced enough to know better. Whether you are lining up for your first sprint or your tenth Ironman, these are the errors most likely to cost you time and enjoyment. 1. Going Out Too Hard in the Swim The swim…
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