FAQs - The FATLAD Series

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Do I need a one day Licence?

No.

Age limit

18 years of age or older on the day of the race.

How should I train for a triathlon?

It is important to know that you are in a healthy enough condition to exercise and take part in a triathlon. Preparation is important, but don’t train hard for a few days before the event and make sure you are well hydrated (drink plenty of water!).

How do I train for the swim?

Your training sessions should be about aiming for the distance you have chosen for your triathlon. 250m and 750m. Don’t worry if you can’t complete the distance just yet. Make a note of how far you can swim and the time it takes you. The next time you swim aim to swim a little further and longer. By doing this regularly you will soon find your swimming will improve.

The secret to swimming is to relax and not to rush your stroke.

Try to go slower and perfect your technique rather than trying to be as fast as you can as this often leads to bad habits. It will also help you as you emerge from the water. If you are too exhausted after the swim you will not perform well on the bike or the run. Swimming should be done as often as possible in your weekly training schedule.

I'm not a brilliant swimmer, what swimming stroke can I do?

Almost any stroke will do but front crawl is the most efficient and often the fastest.

You cannot use back stroke as you are likely to be hauled out of the water because generally, lying on your back with your arm in the air is a sign you want help, also for safety reasons you cannot swim backwards because it could be dangerous to you and other competitors around you.

The swim, is it really difficult because you are with lots of other people all with different swimming abilities?

Here you need to try and be a little more confident with your swimming, try to relax, think about your training and try to find space around you in the water, don’t get caught up with the fast swimmers (if you’re not a fast swimmer), move to the back so you can swim at your own pace. Also before you take part in an open water swim try to find where there are open water swimming nights before your triathlon, this will help your confidence no end.

Wearing a wetsuit may feel strange but it can help your swim. Wetsuits help buoyancy and can aid your confidence. It is recommended you try the wetsuit well before the day of the event as they can feel tight and restrict your breathing (don’t be afraid to ask for advice at any time).

The Bike Section

This is the longest discipline of the three and many first time triathletes often neglect to give adequate attention to it. The most important feature of the bike leg is, of course, the bike itself. Try to make sure your bike has had a recent service, but most importantly, it is in good working order. Something simple like the gears working properly can make a huge difference to your enjoyment on the bike course.

How do I train for the bike?

The bike is all about how much mileage you do. Spinning classes are great for building up your strength and stamina. Otherwise just spending time on your bike will help you get fitter. I recommend you either cycle to work once to twice a week if possible or go for two to three rides per week of up to one hour. If you enjoy cycling and want to do more then make sure you allow an easy day or day off between cycles. Cycling shorts are a worthwhile investment.

If you are feeling more confident on a bike you could try an interval session during one of your rides. Find a stretch that is 1 minute long and sprint at the end of the minute allow 2 minutes easy spinning before repeating a further 5 times. Allow 10 minutes more cycling and repeat the set again.

The Run Section

This is traditionally the easiest discipline of the three but after a swim and a bike the run becomes a little trickier. Your legs feel numb and don’t seem to respond to what you are telling them to do. It is important you get the strength in for the run during your training. Long steady runs at your pace are actually very good for developing leg strength. Parkruns every Saturday are also a great way of increasing your running fitness.

Can I change from Sprint to Try a Tri?

No, but it might be possible to change from Try a Tri to Sprint depending if any spaces are available.

What time will the race start?

Check main event page, the start times will vary each year as its tide/weather dependant.

Will water be available?

Water will be available at the end of the race and during the run section if it is an extremely hot day. Most Triathletes take an energy drink on the bike.

When will I pickup the race pack for race day?

You will be notified by e-mail of the location, dates and times of race pack pickups. Your race pack will include a timing chip, swim cap and race number that must be worn for the race.