Having recently competed in the Bristol Triathlon, Kate tells us why she did it, how she trained for it and offers her advice for any budding triathletes out there.
A year ago, I did my first triathlon. I’d wanted to do one for a while and, as it was so local (in Croyde), it seemed like a great opportunity. After the winter COVID-19 lockdown, which I’d found really tough, I wanted to do something positive for my body and mind. I took the training seriously and even worked with a swimming coach to help me prepare for the tough ocean swim. I refused to let the fact that the triathlon has been described as “savage” put me off.
Apparently, one Olympic triathlon wasn’t enough for me! So, last month, I competed in the Bristol Triathlon, a closed road event that starts with a 1500m swim in the historical Cumberland Basin then moves on to a flat and fast 35km bike ride down Portway and finishes with a 10km run along the river. Tough Runner UK calls it “one of the most exciting triathlons” in the UK.
I haven’t had as much time to exercise this year as I’ve been learning to drive. But signing up for the triathlon gave me an important goal and helped me to get my fitness back on track. I started training properly for it in April and my schedule included:
Two or three bike rides a week (alternating between doing flat or hilly routes on my bike and using my indoor turbo trainer)
One or two 5-10km runs each week, including intervals and hills
A full body workout three times a week
Swimming two or three times a week (mostly in a pool but, when the sea was flat, I swam there so I could practice my ‘spotting’)
Yoga, walking and sports massage for recovery
For me, the best part of a triathlon is the bike ride. I’ve loved cycling since I was a kid. I also find the running OK – it’s more of a mental challenge than a physical one as you feel tired by that point. The swim really takes me out of my comfort zone though. I’m just not very good at swimming in a straight line! And when you’re in the water with everyone else, it can get confusing.
I have to say, the Bristol Triathlon was very different to Croyde. The swim was chaotic (imagine 1200 people in the harbour all trying to get off to a good start!), I found the bike ride a bit monotonous and it was very hot during the run. Although flatter than Devon, it was a tough race, so I was really pleased to cross the finish line in 3:32.
So, that’s two big things ticked off the list already this year. Pass driving test? Check. Do second triathlon? Check. Now, what next…
Kate’s top triathlon tips
Be honest with yourself about what you’re capable of and ask for help. I knew I’d struggle with the ocean swim last year so I got someone to coach me – it was a real game changer.
Look after your body so you don’t get any injuries. Do lots of recovery activities (e.g. yoga, massage, walking) as well as your swim/bike/run training.
Don’t worry too much about your time or how you’ll compare to other people on the day. Focus on your training and enjoy the race!
The KBPT team can help you to prepare for a triathlon. Get in touch with Kate at kate@kbpersonaltraining.co.uk to learn more.
Find out more about triathlons around the UK on the British Triathlon and Tough Runner UK websites.
