On this article, BTF x YJ age group ambassador Kate Wright talks via her transition from aquathlon to Triathlon as a GB age group athlete.
All of us begin someplace
If you’re coming right here for triathlon suggestions, from a triathlon skilled, you’ll be disillusioned. However in case you are eager to not make all of the errors that almost all novices make, then you’re in the best place. I’m assured that I’ve lately made all of the errors the consultants may have lengthy forgotten about – so that you received’t have too. You’re welcome.
When individuals hear (I imply after I inform them) that I’m within the British Triathlon age group crew they usually assume that I race triathlon. I imply it’s not a ridiculous assumption to make.
The reality is till this 12 months I’d solely really raced one triathlon. The Age-Group Workforce, in actual fact, gives alternatives to symbolize Nice Britain in numerous Multi Sports activities groups – duathlon, cross triathlon and duathlon, winter triathlon and duathlon, aquabike, combined crew relay, and (my occasion) aquathlon! I’ve represented the crew on 6 events (in 3 World, and three European Championships) and I’ve even managed to get my palms on 2 silver (European Championship) and a Bronze (World Championship) medals.
It has been an unbelievable journey and I’ve been extraordinarily lucky. BUT with medals comes expectation (my very own). Once I first certified, qualifying itself felt like profitable a gold medal. Issues then escalated fairly shortly, together with my expectations. I had my first style of standing on a world podium and it’s exhausting then to be content material with something much less. I used to be bitterly disillusioned with eighth place on the world championships in Ibiza in 2023 (which is insane) and I began considering that 2023 could be my ultimate 12 months! (drama queen). Thankfully I refocused, and was rewarded with a silver (European medal, in Menen) later that 12 months. Menen was a agency reminder of how a lot I like being a part of the age group expertise. I additionally knew although I used to be prepared for a brand new problem – I wished one thing that made me really feel the best way I did when aquathlon was all shiny and new.
I made a decision I might make triathlon my focus in 2024, brief time period objective was to finish a typical distance triathlon, with a long run objective of at some point qualifying to symbolize the Age Group crew. The very first thing I did was enter some native triathlons (Arundel, Eastbourne and Brighton). I’m terrified / excited – I feel triathlon may go well with my persona – I’m a kind of extrovert / introvert, threat avoiding, thrill seekers.
A daring leap
Going from Aquathlon to Triathlon, you may suppose, is simply including a motorcycle. It’s not (it’s additionally including bike insurance coverage). It’s been a steep studying curve! As an Aquathlete (swim, run) the bike is my apparent weakest self-discipline! I’m a nervous rider, that’s assessing the dangers the complete time – which is definitely extra exhausting than the using!
My bike expertise pre 2024 was restricted to a motorcycle sportive (2015), a typical distance Duathlon (2017) and a dash triathlon (2021) – which was the final time I had correctly ridden my bike. So my place to begin wasn’t notably excessive, not like the elevation in each Arundel and Eastbourne – Eastbourne proudly boasts to be one of many hardest triathlons within the UK on its web site!
Having by no means raced a typical distance triathlon earlier than, you may think about my terror when it was introduced that Eastborne could be the 2025 World Triathlon Championship Age-Group Workforce qualifier (for British Triathlon)! I then had this loopy concept that maybe 2024 could be the 12 months I tried to qualify for the British Triathlon Age Group Workforce. That’s me, all the time transferring the goalposts – Long run objective, brief time period objective!
If you’re excited about participating in an age group qualifying occasion (or alternately you need to guarantee that the occasion you join isn’t one) you’ll find a full record of all qualifying occasions on the British triathlon web site which even have data on the qualification necessities and course of.
Since getting again on the bike I’ve since found that I actually don’t like going quick downhill, I nearly cease when cornering – Eastbourne Normal Triathlon has three useless turns, switchbacks, and takes me 4 occasions over the very uncovered Beachy Head! I’m additionally frightened of automobiles – so at the very least Eastbourne being closed roads appealed to me. The British triathlon web site very helpfully has a listing of all registered triathlon races within the UK, the place you’ll have the ability to examine if the occasion you propose to participate in has closed roads if that is one thing that considerations you!
Transitioning from Aquathlon to Triathlon
I began my bike coaching indoors utilizing Zwift climb portals in the course of the chilly winter months. Initially, I used to be hesitant to scale back my swim/run classes, however exhaustion and pneumonia pressured me to regulate. I compromised by slicing some lengthy “sluggish run” classes in favour of biking.
Because the climate improved, I cautiously ventured outdoor on my hybrid bike, HEIDI. Though assured on her, HEIDI was sluggish, prompting me to improve to a street bike, ROXANNE. I initially thought-about skipping the street bike and going straight for a Triathlon bike. This, it appears, is a mistake lots of people new to triathlon make. Initially, using ROXANNE was disastrous; I used to be terrified, ceaselessly used the brakes, and cried from frustration. Nevertheless, with perseverance, I improved and not cry throughout rides, a lot to my husband’s aid.
Zwift helped with health however didn’t put together me for real-life using abilities. It’s a helpful complement, however not a alternative for outside biking. My early rides had been sluggish and difficult, even getting overtaken by somebody on an elliptical and pushing ROXANNE dwelling after a puncture. Studying to repair a puncture and understanding my tires was essential.
Steadily, my confidence and velocity improved. A motorcycle laptop has been invaluable for monitoring and setting velocity targets, although my husband jogs my memory it’s additionally for navigation.
Issues I learnt
Indoor biking will get you match, however outside biking with enhance you bike dealing with
The distinction between tubeless and tube tires
Bike computer systems are supposed for navigation however make improbable speedometers
Time to go racing
My season started with the Arundel commonplace distance triathlon in Could. The occasion, organised by Uncooked Power, occurred on a hilly course in lovely environment. Regardless of having completed their occasions earlier than, I underestimated my preparation time, resulting in a rushed begin. My swim went effectively, however my transition (T1) was chaotic. There’s far more to think about in a Triathlon Transition in comparison with an Aquathlon Transition. Finally, I bought on my bike, my favorite a part of the race, however T2 was worse as I hadn’t observed the totally different exits for bike and run legs. Regardless of a robust run, I used to be shocked to complete third, catching the triathlon bug.
Issues I learnt
-Arrive early to arrange your self and your tools.
-Working towards Transitions is essential.
-Know the course route.
I returned to coaching with a brand new focus, including transition apply. Subsequent, I did the Cotswolds 113 Center Distance Triathlon Relay with my buddy Martine. I swam 1.9km, she biked 90km, and I ran 21.1km. The day earlier than, we familiarised ourselves with the course and arrived early on race day. I positioned myself behind wave 2, benefiting from a rolling begin. After handing over to Martine, who completed her leg 45 minutes forward of schedule, I loved working a half marathon with out the previous bike leg. We exceeded expectations, ending second within the Feminine relay crew.
Then got here the Eastbourne World Normal Distance Qualifiers. Regardless of panicking about package selections and a brand new hydration system, I felt prepared on race day—solely to get up with a flat tire. Attributable to dangerous climate, the occasion was modified from a triathlon to a duathlon (5km run, 40km bike, 10km run). I nailed my transitions and loved the bike course regardless of the wind. Nevertheless, I struggled in the course of the 10km run because of under-fuelling and dehydration, ending in sixth place. Although exterior automated qualification for the World Championships AG crew, I may nonetheless get a roll-down place. I entered one other Normal Duathlon to enhance my working off the bike. At Goodwood, I improved considerably, ending fifth with the quickest T1.
Issues I learnt
-Plan your vitamin fastidiously.
-Follow working off the bike.
-Keep calm when issues don’t go to plan.
Seven months into my first triathlon season, I take pleasure in calling myself a triathlete. I’ve the Brighton Normal Triathlon developing and am contemplating the European Normal Distance Qualifiers in Bournemouth. I additionally participated within the European Aquathlon Champs in Portugal, ending fifth, which jogged my memory how a lot I like being a part of the British Triathlon Age Group Workforce. Checking my rating on “My Tri Rating” has turn out to be a brand new post-race ritual.
Issues I learnt
It all the time rains on race day.
You may’t rely solely on being a very good swim runner in triathlon.
Anybody can do it; it’s by no means too late to start out.
Everybody names their bikes—what’s yours known as?
