Tri Basics

We think the best advice we can give you is to join Evolution Triathlon Club!

If you are looking at our website there is a good chance that you are interested in triathlon or improving your triathlon technique, your race times or just looking for some like minded people to train with. If you've clicked on to this page you may well be new to triathlon, so this is just a bit of information to give you some background about the sport and a little insight into how the club can help you get started with your first triathlon.

The great thing about triathlon, unlike most single event races, is that most people are racing against themselves more than others and as a result the atmosphere is very encouraging with people offering words of motivation to anyone who may need it.

A few basics

Triathlon is a multisport event made up of swimming, cycling and running. There are numerous different race distances including:

Novice 200m swim, 5km cycle and 2.5km run – these are great for any beginners who are either new to exercise but want a goal to keep them motivated or for any runners or cyclists who have not done a lot of swimming.
Sprints and Super Sprints 750m or 400m swim, 20km bike, 5km run
Olympic Distance 1500m swim, 40km bike and 10km run
Middle Distance or Half Ironman 1.2 mile (1.9km) swim, 56 mile (90km) bike, 13.1 mile (21km) run
Full Distance or Ironman 2.4 mile (3.8km) swim, 112 mile (180km) bike followed by a 26.2 mile (42km) marathon

Getting Started

You don't have to be all the gear and no idea but it does help to have good basic kit when competing in triathlon...

Swim

As many of the races are in open water i.e. lakes, rivers or the sea, it is recommended that you hire or buy a wetsuit. You will also need a decent pair of goggles. Swimming caps are usually provided by the event organiser.

Bike

Unless you have just won the lottery your old mountain bike will be fine to start with although changing from knobbly tyres to road tyres will really increase your speed. A good helmet is compulsory and a water bottle makes good sense.

Run

A good pair of running shoes – even those old smelly ones that you've hidden in the cupboard will do!

As you progress, trisuits, a road racing bike, cool shades to look good in will all add to your comfort and enjoyment – not to mention your race times!

Evolution Triathlon Club has a good range of athletes, from those who have never entered a triathlon but just like to have the coaching and encouragement that only a club offers, to those representing Team GB and everyone in between. So if you are new to triathlon then you need not worry about being too slow or not good enough, as we really have a mixed bag of abilities. Because of this we tend to have two/three groups on any runs and bike rides with the faster ones ahead and the slower ones behind, but most importantly no-one is ever left on their own. The swim sessions are coached and no matter what your ability you will get a lot out of them – including a good giggle. The main aim of the club is to provide a friendly, fun and encouraging environment for people to train, regardless of their abilities. Check out our training schedule.

So male or female, in peak fitness or just starting out, come along to one of our run, bike or swim sessions and see if it's the training environment you've been looking for... we've no doubt you'll soon be a regular!