Next level fitness: Discover the world of triathlon
Sarah Ormerod kicks her regular exercise up a notch and discovers the world of triathlon
My venture into the world of triathlon came unexpectedly whilst out running with an ‘Ironman’. I had no idea what that meant. Turned out to be a 3.8km swim, 180km cycle and 40.2km marathon. Once I knew, I was hooked. It was the challenge I needed and I wanted to be an Ironman too. I’m not alone either. The inaugural Edinburgh 70.3 (1.9km swim, 90km bike and a 21.1km run) last July sparked interest in the longer distance triathlon, and 60 per cent of the starters were new to Ironman races. Most who took part are now determined to test their physical ability further and complete the full Ironman. Jon Mortimer is a Half Marathon finisher who was “bored of running and wanted something more.” Stephanie Ede is a keen cyclist who was looking for a new physical challenge. “The combination of swim, bike and run provides an entirely new platform,” she says, “and I train in a group of friendly, motivated people.”
If the idea of triathlon floats your boat, there are some excellent clubs where beginners can get a taste of triathlon life. Good ‘Try-a-Tri' events are held in Strathclyde Park, North Berwick and Stirling and are open to all, regardless of experience or bike quality (as long as it is roadworthy). Races are pool or open water and start with sprint distance; usually an 800m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run.
Silent Wolf’s sole purpose is to train triathletes from its base in Ronde Bicycle Outfitters in Stockbridge, Edinburgh, and online. They’re a bunch of certified coaches who know their stuff and coach indoor cycling, running and strength work daily, with swim sessions in a local pool or in the sea on open water practice nights (Portobello is excellent for a sea swim and offers an enjoyment that is lost by swimming endless lengths in a pool). The objective here is to help release your inner athlete by becoming stronger, faster, healthier and more confident. The benefits of triathlon are numerous. It soon becomes a way of life.
Ironman 70.3 Edinburgh 2018 takes place on 01 July. For more info, visit eu.ironman.com. silentwolf.co.uk.