Innehållsförteckning för July 2021 från 220 Triathlon

The best way to describe my epilepsy is like a short circuit in the brain that disconnects every so often. Having an invisible disability is tough because I often ‘look’ fine, but it can be an absolute nightmare as I can’t communicate during a seizure. I can get a migraine after and feel very low, but I try my hardest to not let it impact my life and stay positive. I wasn’t diagnosed as epileptic until I was 26 and found it extremely difficult to deal with. I got some great professional support, so in 2014 I decided to give back to an epilepsy charity with my first race at Blenheim Palace. My husband, Nick, was the main inspiration for choosing a triathlon, as he’s a triathlete and coach himself.…

1. ÖTILLÖ W.C. STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN. The original swimrun and still one of the most challenging and best organised events. Tough to qualify for now, but well worth the effort if you can. otilloswimrun.com 2. ROCKMAN NORWAY Insane scenery and a brutally challenging run course make this a unique and epic swimrun event. Not for those who have a fear of heights! rockmanswimrun.com 3. ÖTILLÖ CATALINA CATALINA ISLAND, USA. An incredible venue for a race just off the West Coast of California. Crystal clear waters and huge elevation gain on the running trails. A sensational swimrun experience and in just about every swimrunner’s top 5 events. otilloswimrun.com 4. BRECA WANAKA NEW ZEALAND Fancy a far-flung adventure after all the lockdowns? Then set against the backdrop of the Mt. Aspiring National Park…

Ever put off a training session because you had too much on that day? Of course you have. We all have. Whether it’s down to a 12-hour day at the office, family commitments or a million chores, triathletes all around the world battle busy lives in their attempt to make time for training every day. It may not be easy, but it’s definitely worth it. The last 16 months has seen life throw an extra challenge at us: a global pandemic. Its impact has varied from individual to individual, but we’ve all watched on as swimming, club sessions and group rides (plus races!) have been one-by-one snatched from our grasp. Thankfully, the easing of restrictions means the year ahead is looking brighter, but the challenge of fitting training into our…

Okay, we’re triathlon geeks, but there are few things more exciting than buying your first (or latest) multisport wetsuit. It’s a rite of passage akin to your first drop-bar bike or race entry confirmation, that moment of nervous anticipation, the first leap into the blue stuff… But as the minefield of buying advice and reviews on the internet will testify, there are plenty of pitfalls to consider when making a neoprene purchase. When it comes to buying your suit, our mantra is ‘try before you buy’, as the sizes can vary massively between brands. If you can, find a tri retailer or tri expo to check the size of the suits, especially if this is your first triathlon wetsuit purchase. Alternatively, ensure any online seller has a decent returns policy…

DHB AERON LTD EDITION £125 One look at this limited-edition tri-suit makes you think there’s something a little unique and quirky behind it. So it’s no surprise to find that it’s the brainchild of one of Britain’s finest long-course triathletes, Joe Skipper. Joe was heavily involved in the design and construction of the suit as part of his partnership with dhb and has been wearing the exact same one in racing. It’s obviously suited to long distance, with a chamois that doesn’t chafe, even after multiple hours in the saddle. Meanwhile, two rear pockets provide accessible and secure storage. There’s plenty of shoulder flex, and the wide arm and leg grippers mean there’s very little movement on the run. If there’s one downside it’s that the bottom of the zip…

Q What is restless leg syndrome? A Restless Leg Syndrome is a sensory neurological disorder that’s characterised by unpleasant sensations in the legs or feet. The exact cause is unknown but it’s been linked to iron deficiency, medications including anti-depressants and sleep disorders. To relieve the symptoms, try gentle leg movements and exercises. Avoid heavy weights or working the muscles to fatigue, but try changing position, walking, gentle stretches, and gently moving the ankles up and down. Applying a heat pack or a cold compress to the symptomatic area for 10mins can settle symptoms, as can massaging or foam rolling the lower limb muscles. Q How can you treat road rash? A The first step for treating road rash is to be properly prepared for it. That means shaving. Cleaning…

Science-led smart textile brand Kymira breaks into the tri-ware industry with its first suit, based on the use of infrared light to boost human cell growth with the aim to enhance performance and healing. Kynergy technology uses thermoregulating minerals set inside the clothing fibre, which aim to help increase circulation, tissue oxygenation, cellular metabolism and energy production. Kymira claims that clinical studies show users experience a 25% average reduction in pain and 80% reduction in soft-tissue injuries as a result of the suit priming muscles for stress. The Italian-made La Fonte chamois pad is constructed from high-density foam and micro-perforated fabric, designed to enable ventilation and protection on key pressure points. Kymira suggests wearers don the suit 30mins before and keep on for one hour after exercise. This is to…

RACING MOTIVATION Last March, I ran my second half marathon alongside other runners. This race was different for me. I was running for a cancer charity, having lost my wonderful 23-year-old friend to the illness a few months prior. My Grandpa, too, was enduring cancer treatment, so with each step I thought of their stoicism. When I finished in two hours, I felt euphoric and grateful. Then lockdown came. I was going to write a book, learn to play the piano, learn French and keep fit. I kept running, alone, slowly. But my runs turned to walks, which turned to Netflix. Like so many others, I started taking antidepressants. As the months passed, I turned off my nagging FitBit. I’d already walked from the bedroom to the kitchen and back…

1. ÖTILLÖ ISLES OF SCILLY Organised by the original team behind the ÖtillÖ World Champs and part of their global series this is an exceptional race in a stunning venue. Options include ‘Experience’, sprint- and full- distance events. otilloswimrun.com 2. MADHATTER HOKEY-COKEY With a new race in Roseland and a well- established one in St Austell, Cornwall, that attracts over 300 competitors, the Madhatter team put on some of the friendliest and best-organised swimruns in the UK. madhattersportsevents.co.uk/swimrun 3. LOVE SWIMRUN LLANBERIS An event with a welcoming atmosphere held in Snowdonia amongst amazing scenery. Sprint- and full-distance options plus flat water and solo or pairs options. loveswimrun.co.uk 4. KEEN AS MUSTARD NATIONWIDE Self described ‘grassroots’ swimrun events in safe, non-scary venues. A great way to dip your toe into the…

1 Be organised. Juggling many balls is easy to do badly; doing it well requires organisation. And consider your nutrition and fuelling, not just your training sessions. 2 Training and recovery are inseparable: you grow fitter when you are recovering. Therefore, work out when you will recover and how, including things like consuming protein. 3 Combine activities. Using the commute to train is an excellent example of that. And use facilities for two or more activities. Going swimming? Then do your S&C there, too. 4 Work out your priorities. Your family will come first, then work (it enables your lifestyle). After that, decide your order of importance. This will dictate how much success you’ll have in the sport.…

1997 Uncle Derek introduces an eight-year-old Jodie to triathlon. 1998 Wins her first triathlon, in the Milk Series. 2005 Aged 17, she takes gold at the Aquathlon World Champs, Lausanne. 2009 Runner-up in the U23 women’s race at the ITU World Champs Grand Final, Gold Coast. 2011 Races as one quarter of the World Championship-winning mixed relay GB team in Lausanne. 2012 Wins her first World Cup race in Guatape, Colombia. 2013 Wins her first World Series race on one of the toughest courses on the circuit, Kitzbühel, Austria. 2014 Becomes a double Commonwealth gold medallist after competing in both the individual event and the Mixed Relay. 2016 Despite two World Triathlon podium finishes at the start of the year, Jodie misses out on selection for the GB women’s team…

Unlike the men’s suits on test, the women’s all sit nearer the top-end of our £250 budget price point and, as such, we expected to see a decent amount of tri-specific tech including intentionally placed buoyancy panels, quick-release sleeves and adequate range of motion when swimming. Starting off with our cheapest suit by a whole pound, the Zone3 impressed with its flattering colourways, fastremoval sleeves and snug second-skin fit. Blueseventy’s £200 Sprint remains a contender and had good lift in the water, though we’d stick to all-over neoprene for swimming in colder temperatures. A step-up in price is the £225 Raceskin, which certainly felt toasty and is made to a high standard, though faster swimmers may find the flexibility across the shoulders a little lacking. Despite only £15 separating the…

ZOGGS PREDATOR FLEX 2.0 £35 It wouldn’t be an open-water goggles group test without an outing from Zoggs’ Predator, such is their iconic nature. This year’s model is the Predator Flex 2.0 in titanium, which has many familiar features such as the easy-to-adjust side clips, flexible nose piece and double strap. Visibility is great with the curved lenses allowing for a wide field of vision, and while the mirrored smoke lenses did a good job in bright conditions, they were also forgiving on murkier days. One thing to note is that the 2.0 is larger than previous models and, on this tester, that meant the gaskets sat a little uncomfortably. After longer swims, they left prominent goggle marks – although the seal they created didn’t allow water ingress! Smaller-faced swimmers…

BUDDY UP Swim where you know there are others in a safe environment that’s managed. Please don’t go off swimming on your own! SWIM WITH OTHERS Swim with others to experience the physicality of OW swimming. You need to get used to the occasional, yet inevitable, bumps or knocks. FIND THE RIGHT SUIT A well-fitted wetsuit is crucial to enjoying your swim. Find a suit that provides flexibility, buoyancy and warmth in equal measure. KNOW YOUR COURSE Take time to look at your course, see the turning points and look out for objects to ‘sight’. No excuses for swimming extra distance!…

“The gym can provide an alternative stimulus to strength and power improvements” Power-to-weight ratio (power:weight) is a performance variable that’s become an obsession among many endurance athletes. The slogan ‘Lighter is Faster’ encapsulates much of the persistent drive towards low body weight, which is supported by images of successful ultra-lean elite endurance athletes. And there’s no doubt that power:weight is an important determinant of performance, particularly on hilly courses where gravity provides an unhelpful hand. But while power:weight is an omnipresent determinant across all terrains, it’s important to remember that reducing weight is only advantageous if your power output is maintained. In my practice, I’ve supported a host of elite and non-elite endurance athletes who have obsessively driven down their weight to the detriment of their health and their muscle…

UNDER £20 PROVIZ CLASSIC £19.99 This lightweight running tank is designed for summer workout sessions, made from sweat-wicking, interlock polyester, with classic Proviz reflective detailing along UNDER £50 ZOUMA FAZE £40 From new runware brand Zouma comes this singlet made from 100% recycled SEAQUAL™ fabric. The top also aims to provide maximum comfort from its flatlock seams and has moisture-wicking properties.wearezouma.com UNDER £70 ON TANK-T £60 Weighing in at only 63.4g, this On tank is made for speed work and racing in high temperatures. The minimalist design includes a seamless cut with Japanese knit fabric that claims to be ultra quick-drying. on-running.com…

1 Choose a bike you can trust to go the distance in variable conditions. Our pick is the aluminium-framed Boardman ADV 8.9 gravel bike (£1100), with Shimano GRX gears and pannier mounts. boardmanbikes.com 2 Bar bags such as the Lomo 3L Handlebar Bag (£17.50) are handy for stuffing snacks and valuables. We like the dry-bag design and useful bungee cords. lomo.co.uk 3 Forget maps, simply download gpx files of your trip to the Wahoo Elemnt Roam (£299.99) and follow directions. We enjoy the intuitive interface and colour display. uk.wahoofitness.com 4 Ditch the tent and set up camp for the night with a bivvy bag. We like the Alpkit Hunka (£49.99) for its value, light weight and packability. alpkit.com 5 An absolute must for soothing long hours in the saddle is…

PARCOURS RONDE £1,049 Primed for climbs and cobbles, can the Rondes from British brand Parcours really be the best of both worlds? Following on from the Strade last year, the Ronde is Parcours’ second carbon disc brake-only wheelset designed from the ground-up. With a shallower rim profile and robust build for year-round use, longevity is also guaranteed since Parcours offer a lifetime warranty on the Ronde for peace of mind. Like the Strade, the proprietary rim profile was created following an R+D project in collaboration with Nottingham University. Differential rim depths result in a 35.6mm front wheel with a U-shaped rim and 39.3mm rear with a V-shape, which acknowledges the different ways front and rear wheels handle yaw angles and wind velocity. Aerodynamic optimisation was fine-tuned in the A2 Wind…

Just £170 separates the men’s suits here but there’s a huge amount of variation on test, with the new breed of open-water suits from Sailfish and Yonda, impressive tri-on-a-budget contenders from Aptonia and Speedo, and the cheapest wetsuit around from Lomo at just £50. The latter just doesn’t feel like a suit we could recommend for tri. It’s too cumbersome and uncomfortable for anyone seriously contemplating a tri race day, and we can only see ourselves using it for messing around at the beach. The £100 Aptonia is next up in price and is an instant step up in trifriendliness, with supple neoprene and decent enough flexibility. If they reverse the reverse zipper decision, we’d heartily recommend it for newcomers to tri. The Yonda edges the Sailfish in the open-water…

IRONMAN TRI-SUITS Comfort is key for long distance, so consider pads, grippers and material quality. Full-length zippers are also handy for mid-race toilet stops. DHB Aeron £120 Good value with secure graduated compression and shoulder flexibility. Issue 389 wiggle.co.uk 2XU Compress £160 Compressive legs, full zip and lean fabric primed for long-course racing. Issue 389 2xu.com ZONE3 Lava Long Distance £195 Aero and affordable, with comfy ribbed sleeves and Cytech pad. Issue 389 zone3.co.uk CASTELLI PR Speed Suit £275 Ultra-lean, formfitting areo material, with iron-friendly pad and pockets. Issue 389 saddleback.co.uk ZOOT Elite FZ Racesuit £295 Breathable, supportive UV50+ fabric, with highly aero split-suit design. Issue 389 zootsports.co.uk TRIATHLON WETSUITS These hit a range of abilities. Newcomers will look for greater buoyancy, especially around the hips and thighs; more experienced…

GLUTEN-FREE TRAINING Q How can gluten-free athletes get enough carbs in their diet to optimise their training and racing? Karl Stanton A Let’s start with a fact check – gluten is the parent name for a group of proteins found in the cereal grains wheat, rye and barley. For athletes needing a gluten-free diet, consuming enough carbohydrate to optimise training and performance can feel like a challenge because many carbohydrate-rich foods, such as breakfast cereal, pasta and bread, are made from those gluten-containing grains. So, how can you get enough? Carbohydrate needs vary with training volume, but as a rule of thumb you’ll want a decent portion of carbohydrate with each meal and snack, and to consume 30-60g of carbs an hour during training sessions lasting over 60mins. Start by…

Her Spirit’s six-week Learn to Fuel programme, coupled with specific articles and advice for fuelling your workouts, provide the foundations from which to build a personal fuelling prescription that works for the individual. We encourage our ladies to fuel correctly for the volume of exercise that they’re participating in, noticing the effects that it has on their ability to progress, energy levels, sleep and preventing burn out and injury. Here are just a few testimonials: “I recently stepped up my training. Just adding in a small snack – a teaspoon of nut butter and a banana – before my morning run has made the world of difference to how quickly I fatigue. Basically, I don’t! It’s just right and doesn’t give me stomach upset. I then eat my proper breakfast…

1 From the same organisers of the TrailX Easter Duathlon comes the all-too-rare TrailX Triathlon . The race is set for Pippingford Park in East Sussex on 10 July and boasts Full Fat (1km swim/24kmMTB/8km run) or Sugar Free (600m/12km/4km) distances. eventrexuk.com 2 The Aviemore Triathlon in Scotland (19 Sept) boasts a swim in the bracing yet beautiful Loch Morlich, a technical bike leg in Glenmore Forest and a trail run that features jaw-dropping views of the mighty Cairngorms National Park. And the post-race atmosphere is up there with the best. durtyevents.com 3 The Craggy Island Triathlon returns in 2021 on 2-3 October, boasting a unique swim from mainland Scotland to the Isle of Kerrera before off-road bike and run routes complete the epic experience. durtyevents.com 4 Sprint, Standard and…