What I realized from my first duathlon and why each bicycle owner ought to strive one

As somebody who’s at all times recognized as a bicycle owner, moving into the world of duathlon felt like venturing into the unknown. On paper, it’s simply two runs with a motorcycle leg in between. How exhausting may or not it’s? Seems, fairly powerful.

For years, a superb good friend (and skilled triathlete) had been nudging me to strive multisport. So when he despatched me a hyperlink to The Huntsman Triathlon, happening just some miles from my childhood dwelling within the New Forest, it felt like the appropriate time to lastly say sure.

This isn’t a race report, so I gained’t get into the nitty-gritty of my efficiency. What I’ll say is: it was tougher than I anticipated, however I beloved each minute of it. My solely remorse? Not making an attempt it sooner.

Fascinated with giving it a go your self? Listed below are six issues I realized from my first duathlon, and why I feel each bicycle owner ought to strive one at the very least as soon as!

Working Is Laborious… However Weirdly Rewarding

First off, working is way tougher than I remembered. It hits totally different muscle tissues, stresses the physique in new methods, and particularly after years of specializing in the bike, felt like ranging from scratch. And but, that’s a part of what made it so rewarding. The progress got here quick. At one level in my coaching, I used to be getting PBs nearly each time I laced up my footwear. In comparison with biking, the place features got here slowly, working supplied an enormous motivational increase.

Unusually sufficient, I don’t assume my biking health helped my working all that a lot. However the reverse? 100%. Working has noticeably improved my endurance and energy on the bike. I’d encourage any bicycle owner trying to break by means of a plateau to throw in just a few right here and there, particularly within the low season.

Coaching Slumps Occur—And You’ll Pay For Them

A bout of sickness, blended with a splash of laziness, meant I missed a important block of coaching within the run-up to the race. Whereas I obtained across the course, the second run was brutal. I used to be working on fumes, prepared myself to the end. It was survival mode, plain and easy. That mentioned, it taught me a worthwhile lesson about consistency. You’ll be able to’t cram for races; each session counts.

Gear Is Good, However It’s Not Every little thing

One of many greatest eye-openers was how little tools actually issues for having a superb time. I raced on a 13-year-old Cervelo P3 constructed up primarily from salvaged elements. 23mm tyres, rim brakes and outdated aero tech… a relic by at this time’s requirements that regarded hilariously misplaced subsequent to a number of the fashionable aero rockets lined up in transition.

However what? I completely flew on that factor. I had a smile on my face the complete time, particularly when overtaking folks on far newer, fancier setups. I used to be fortunate to have the ability to have a TT bike to make use of, however don’t let gear be a barrier. When you’ve obtained one thing that works and also you’re excited to journey, that’s sufficient. As proof… the winner of my race gained it utilizing an ordinary street bike, and I even noticed one individual on a Brompton!

The Vibe Is Immaculate

I’ve executed just a few street races and time trials earlier than, and so they can typically really feel a bit critical, even intimidating. However the Duathlon and Tri scene? Completely totally different. It was fingers down the friendliest occasion I’ve ever been a part of. Everybody from seasoned rivals to first-timers was buzzing. I used to be cheered on by whole strangers lining the course and even inspired by different racers mid-race once I overtook them. I left feeling genuinely uplifted by the neighborhood vibe, so should you’re nervous about dipping your toe within the tri or duathlon world, don’t be. The persons are superior.

Transition Is Chaos, In The Finest Method

Transition could be one of the underrated elements of a duathlon. Think about sprinting right into a racking zone, mind fogged, legs like jelly, making an attempt to vary footwear or hop on a motorcycle with any type of grace. My method was surprising, nevertheless it was a lot enjoyable. That adrenaline kick between disciplines is in contrast to the rest, and it provides an entire new layer to the problem.

Trisuits Are a Crucial Evil

Let’s simply say: trisuits and exhausting carbon fibre saddles don’t combine nicely until you’ve constructed up some critical tolerance. I loaded up on VeloSkin chamois cream and nonetheless spent many of the journey shifting about within the seat, dreaming of my thick padded biking bibs again at dwelling. Lesson realized—both practice within the trisuit or put money into a brand new saddle. in all probability each.

So, Would I Do It Once more?

Completely. I’ve saved up the working since, and I’m already eyeing up extra occasions this summer time, together with just a few native TT’s. There’s a great deal of room for enchancment, which is half the enjoyable. For any bicycle owner caught in a rut, craving a brand new problem, or simply eager to shake issues up, strive a duathlon.

And should you do give racing a go, ensure you’ve obtained the right insurance coverage. Yellow Jersey’s Final coverage covers you for racing, and even protects your bike from theft in triathlon transition zones! T&C’s apply, which will be discovered right here: https://www.yellowjersey.co.uk/info-zone/