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Give it a Tri
Triathlon has come a long way since its beginnings in 1974 - in the UK there are clubs in every major town from Cornwall to Orkney. The appeal of the sport is that it gives you a full body exercise, so swimming is upper body and chest orientated and running / biking is lower legs, hips and waist.
Peter Holmes, Media Officer for the British Triathlon Federation, says: "Not everyone is going to be in that 0.1% of people who have the ability to be an elite athlete but for aspiring amateurs triathlon gives the opportunity for an amateur to compete in the world championships, so you are not just limited to doing the nationals and racing against the same guys." He recommends joining a club as you can get advice from other members and for those getting started speaking to a coach is useful to get a specific training program for your first event.
Options for women to participate are ever-increasing with a couple of high-profile women-only races opening up around the country. "The specific aim of these is to let women have a go at the sport under no pressure, they can literally turn up with an old push bike and try it out," says Peter. Look on the website to see if there's a club in your area: www.britishtriathlon.org
FOURTH DISCIPLINE
Due to the ‘grassroots' growth of the sport in the UK attracting mass participation there is a larger range of more cost-effective equipment. SGB looks at the 'fourth discipline', the transition when competitors change from swimming to cycling, and from cycling to running as this is all part of the final clock time; so kit and a quick change is of vital importance to the Triathlete.
Peter suggests retailers get in touch with local tri clubs to see what they want you to stock. He says: "A race belt which is quickly fitted after the swim to show the competitor's number is vital; once people get to a decent level, they invest in all-in-one suits so they can do all the disciplines in one outfit."
Hilly
Hilly have a comprehensive range of accessories including a one size fits all runners number belt with elasticated race number belt and four gel loops, which has adjustable toggle fasteners and reflective logo for increased night time visibility. There's also an arm gel carrier in supple neoprene with towelling back for additional comfort.
POOL OR OPEN WATER...
Orca
Orca aim to cater for entry- and intermediate-level triathletes looking for a balance of performance, durability and value. Orca's 226 range has set the benchmark in short-course triathlon technology. The fabrics are the key and Orca's new Aeroskn material features in the new RS1 Aero which has incredible aero and hydrodynamics so it's fast through water and air. The RS1 Killa uses Orca's famous Killaskn which is a high denier, light and breathable fabric.
Orca's entry level triathlon wetsuit the Orca Equip has been re-designed to feature ultra-flexible and comfortable flatlock stitched 1mm SCS neoprene sleeves thus providing more freedom of movement - perfect for those unfamiliar with swimming in a wetsuit. The Sonar is a intermediate level triathlon wetsuit which features HydroLift Buoyancy Cells - these cells of foam are positioned on the forearm area of the sleeves on the wetsuit and assist with the reduction of arm fatigue. The all new Orca 3.8 also features the HydroLift Buoyancy Cells, these have been pressed into a tyre tread-like surface, to grab at the water and moulded to increase the water catchment area. The Orca 3.8 is ideal for endurance distance swimmers with thicker neoprene completely around the torso area of the wetsuit, providing 30% more buoyancy.
The top-of-the-range Alpha has amazing flexibility, fit and comfort with a four-way Free Stretch lining. Their highly technical FreeStroke 3 System features panels each designed to address a key area of the stroke phase.
Aqua Sphere
As a division of Aqua Lung, Aqua Sphere's Martin Newton says, "We know water, we're not just about high-quality swimming masks - we've been dealing with neoprene wetsuits for over 50 years." Combine that with a collaboration with Ironman who have the experience and dedication to triathlon and you'll get a new line of wetsuits engineered to maximize an athlete's performance at competitive price points. Their new line will continue to be branded Ironman, but are powered by Aqua Sphere's cutting-edge technology. The wetsuits come in three classifications: Elite which is the ICON, Pro which has a mens RACER and womens WRACER, and Entry- Level PURSUIT.
GOGGLES FOR POOL AND OPEN WATER
Zoggs
Zoggs continues to extend and improve its product range to help triathletes perform to the best of their ability. Their Predator goggles are worn by 2008 Olympic Champion Jan Frodeno. New for 2009, is the introduction of a super stylish Predator Mirror which offers the ultimate in super soft comfort, fit and maximum vision. Its striking reflective look is combined with Curved Lens Technology lenses with 180-degree undistorted vision and an ‘easy adjust' silicone headstrap. With a distinctive feminine flair the Athena II goggle has created a name for itself in female triathlon circles, with its unique Quick Adjust strap system offering superb comfort and 180-degree vision.
For open water events the Predator Mask has all the benefits of the Predator wiro-frame but offers more protection and exceptionally wide peripheral vision.
Aqua Sphere
Aqua Sphere offers eye protection for dedicated or casual swimmers, enabling them to feel safe, comfortable and at home in the water. The company's numerous innovations include the Seal featuring 180-degree vision and Kaiman, a panoramic goggle. The Vista is now Aqua Sphere's fastest-selling swim goggle across the world - the hybrid blend of a goggle and a mask is permitted in pool or open water. Taking innovation from the Seal and Seal XP products and combining that with a sleeker profile indicative of a competitive swimming goggle, the Vista has a curved lens giving amazing wide-angled vision and comfort. Having tried the Vista, I'm very taken with the 100 per cent hypo-allergenic flexible silicone skirt which stops the googles from slipping and is therefore leak-resistant. Also this has less impact into the skin of the face. The Quick-Fit one-touch buckle enables swimmers to fine-tune their fit even while they swim. Aqua Sphere also have a women-specific range of goggles and masks launched last year for open water swimming as well as indoor swimming.
BIKE
Cannondale
The Slice Carbon is the bike of choice of two time Ironman World Champion Chrissie Wellington. With its High Modulus uni-directional full carbon frame it is a triathlon, time trial bike - designed to cut its way through the air as fast and effortlessly as possible. Tube profiles are optimised and sculpted for efficiency, with the rear triangle featuring Cannondale's unique Slice Aero Vibration Elimination (S.A.V.E) technology engineered into the seat-stays and chain-stays to eliminate road buzz and rider fatigue over long distances.
The Speed Shadow seattube neatly shields the rear wheel from drag and the one-piece bottom bracket and chain-stay ensure all power transfer from the rider goes into forward motion.
Cannondale's Gel Tactic gloves have a durable synthetic leather palm and gel padding for additional comfort. Breathable polyester aids cooling on the back of hand, terry cloth sweat wipe on thumb, with integrated pull tab and gusset closure fastening. Reflective piping aids visibility.
Specialized
Specialized Comp and Pro bikes are aerodynamically engineered to eliminate drag, spare energy and shave seconds from your time. The Body Geometry TriTip saddle features a thickly padded nose for comfort on those long miles. The Transition Carbon seatpost is perfectly shaped to cheat the wind. S-Works FACT N'Aero carbon monocoque fork is light and fast.The Specialized integrated brake system maintains an aero profile while still providing sure stops.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR FEET
With running and cycling when pain and blisters strike it's too late, so prevention is imperative for training and race day.
Specialized
Working with 3x Ironman World Champion Peter Reid Specialized created the ultimate tri shoe, the Body Geometry Trivent - temperature-controlled, patented BG outsole with carbon/glass fiber reinforcing for outstanding power transfer and heat shield reflecting road heat for cooler feet. Ultra wide opening and wide main strap means fast shoe changes in the transitions.
X-Socks
X-Socks come with a two-year guarantee and their range of technical socks are sport specific. Designed with Smart Compression Zones around the calf allowing the blood to flow back to the upper body more easily - putting less strain on the cardiovascular system. The knee-length running socks are perfect for marathons and endurance training as the anatomically shaped footbeds combine with AirConditioning Channels, the X-Cross Bandage, toe/heel protection.
X-SOCKS Run energizer - SRP £14.95
1000 Mile
The 1000 Mile Tri sock boasts excellent fit and comfort with an arch brace to keep the sock snug to your foot, a flat toe seam to avoid rubbing and top venting to allow your feet to breathe. The socks feature the unique properties of Marfil, which has the lowest weight of any fibre ever conceived and wicking properties that are second to none, so feet will stay cool and dry no matter how hard you work them. Sizes: 1000 Mile Women size 3-8.5 and men 6-14
Hilly
HILLY Clothing Ltd is one of the brand leaders offering socks, designed by running legend, Dr Ron Hill, MBE. A comprehensive range of technical performance socks and accessories incorporate key technical and design features to help reduce blisters and maximize comfort, essential for the rigours of the triathlon. The Monoskin Supreme Socklet offers supreme blister resistance with friction free Profilen in heel and toe, anti-microbial/anti odour properties with drirelease wool with Freshguard, anatomical design left and right socks and comfort with arch grip section, ‘Y' heel and Lycra. The TwinSkin Socklet absorbs friction whilst the Meryl SkinlifE inner sock wicks moisture to the outer cotton sock keeping the skin dry. It also has flat seamless toe construction to help prevent blisters. The Monoskin Lite Socklet is a ultra lightweight performance sock with superfine mesh on top to help keep the foot cool.
Saucony
Saucony have a long tradition in triathlon and have two particular shoes which have become favourites for the Triathlete. The Type A 2 which they term 'a race day shoe' has tri-specific midfoot drainage system, additional loops for speed in transition and a gusseted tongue. Made on a performance last it has a B/CR Forefoot Outsole, lightweight ionic grid and a air-mesh upper. The Fastwitch 3 is a more traditional road-racing shoe but one that has also been taken up by Triathletes, it combines a light and flexible midsole giving cushioning and support without adding weight and a soft lining for use with or without socks.
Brooks
Brooks Adrenaline is back again with their GTS 9. Their trustworthy "Go-to Shoe" has the signature midfoot wrap and forefoot capture that countless runners rely on and love. It also features BioMoGo, their biodegradable midsole technology.
Their Racer ST4 and T6 Racer both weigh next to nothing. With enough substance to conquer longer distances while being light enough for the 5K, they provide the right amount of protection to take you the distance.
Brooks Glycerin 7
With two layers of MoGo stacked in the heel and shock dampening e1 material sandwiched between, add to that a layer of tuned MoGo for extra softness and resilience in the forefoot and this high-end neutral shoe takes home the plush prize. Also features BioMoGo.
RUNNING AND BIKING TRAINING CLOTHING
Saucony
The Mens Ignite Tri Zip Tank Formula Red made in Saucony's Tri-Lete fabric is highly breathable and is treated to provide water-repellancy, and has long been a favourite of elite and age-groupers alike. This latest version adds more features to the established style, including: Antibacterial, salt and chlorine resistance, waterrepellancy which reduces weight, highcompression for improved fit and improved muscle performance and is breathable with flatlocked seams to minimise irritation and drag.
Mens Tri 8 Short Black and the Ladies Tri 5 Short Black have a quick drying chamois, aiding cycle comfort and are both in the Tri-Lete fabric. They incorporate an elasticated envelope-style back mesh pocket for gels and other storage. The Ladies Elite Bra Top Formula Red in the Tri-Lete fabric has a fully lined front for comfort and support.
Cannondale
Cannondale designers have developed a high performance clothing line using Re-Spun fabric. The men's and women's line takes discarded polyesthelene terephthalate (PET) the polymer most commonly used in soft drink bottles and reprocesses them into yarn; the solution is not only good for the environment but it's also good news for cyclists providing a lightweight, moisture wicking performance fabric.
Orca
Orca's Core range has in addition to the popular race suits: tri pants, singlets, looser fitting tops for men and women. The 226 range for 2009 includes new styles such as the Tri Crew - a looser fit crew t-shirt style top, and the popular Tech Pant with its hybrid chamois for additional padding
X-Bionic
X-Bionic have a full range of running clothing from shorts to underwear all of which contain climate control. Using the revolutionary XITANIT material the Fennec Running Shirt works like a shield reflecting the heat radiated by the sun making the durable shirt extremely comfortable.
X-BIONIC Fennec running shirt SRP £73.50
Brooks
Brooks clothing incorporates thermoregulating HVAC technologies, engineered knit fabric with more breathability in high heat areas that disperse heat for thermal balance and no added seams. The HVAC Short is a lightweight, ventilated split short with soft inner liner and moisture transfer waistband. The rapid moisture transfer HVAC T has a MP3-ready right side back zip pocket for keys and credit card with 3M Scotchlite reflective detail. The range also includes the Equilibrium Short Sleeve which is a great base layer for all kinds of activities. Element Sprinter with back mesh pocket provides a flattering fit and inner gusset for miles of chafe-free comfort.
For ladies Brooks have a new Pacer Support Tank and cute Pacer Bra Top with encapsulated compression liner for moderate support for A to B cups.
A stretch-woven shell paired with mesh inserts offers excellent movement from the Epiphany Stretch Short and the Pacer Short offers extra coverage and 100 per cent moisture transfer liner for dry comfort. New to the range, the Dash T sports pin tucks and a secret pocket for smoothie money or key. Finally, the gorgeous PR T features invisible front zip for added versatility and temperature regulation. I have one of these and the fabric is incredible, it moves with the runner beautifully. It also has the essential back zip pocket and 3M Scotchlite retro reflectivity detail.
BIKE WEAR
Gore
New for 2009 GORE BIKE WEAR has introduced the new XENON SONIC Bib Shorts which have the most complex seat insert ever developed. An aerodynamically-designed material has been integrated into the outside legs to provide improved performance through compression ensuring better blood circulation, performance and shorter recovery times after biking. Also new, the XENON AS jacket, for men and women has a significantly reduced weight - it's 20 per cent lighter at only 180 grams and packs down to an extremely small size. Made in WINDSTOPPER Active Shell material both men's and women's now have a ‘bite' patch on the collar to allow one-handed opening of the jacket and innovative grip elastic hem to keep the jacket in place while riding. New 360-degree reflective transfer prints are used for greater safety in twilight conditions.
XENON Jersey and XENON Singlet for both men and women, are designed to suit the body's climatic zones - five separate functional materials are used for Body Mapping so wearer comfort and moisture escape is substantially improved even at high temperatures. They also incorporate the new reflective transfer print.
Skins
Skins compression clothing is already been used by many cyclists, so with them in mind, their new range available from April is aptly named ‘Skins Cycle'. Men's and women's garments - shorts, bib shorts, longs and bib longs have a high-quality chamois designed and engineered in Italy. The pad has been constructed using using Elastic Interface Technology providing the best weight distribution on the saddle. Skins' three-way stretch fabric gives ‘engineered gradient compression' which applies pressure over specific body parts and a revolutionary cut provides greater movement and reduced friction in the riding position. Reflective strips and logos to enhance onroad visibility. All Skins' products have excellent wicking and optimise body temperature in cold or warm conditions. They are also treated with an antibacterial material and provide sun safety with 50+ UV protection.
SWIM TRAINING
Zoggs
Zoggs new Ultex swimsuits offer the ultimate in durability, lasting up to 1200 pool hours. The suits provide exceptional comfort and great stretch and recoverability, ideal for triathlon. All are UPF 50+ sun protection rated with a low absorbency quickdrying feature. New for 2009 is the Perth Raceback for women with medium leg and sizes 8-16 and the Perth Hip Racer for men, sizes 30-40.
The Zoggs Ultra-Fit cap has been designed to provide optimum fit and comfort while keeping water intake to a minimum. Its integrated ear piece supports and provides comfort to the ear, while its moulded design shapes to the head.
Shock Absorber
Shock Absorber spokesperson, Julia Nolan said: "We're delighted that we can now support female triathletes by teaming our leading sports bra technology with performance swimwear to create the ultimate triathlon sports bra." Wearing a standard sports bra is ineffective in water and is wet for the cycle and run. Shock Absorber's swimwear provides the solution by allowing women to wear just one sports bra throughout an entire race. Julia says: "The average breast bounces significantly during swimming, cycling and running, meaning female triathletes are at risk from breast damage, we aim to minimise breast bounce by up to 74 per cent." Stylish, carbon grey, chlorine-resistant fabric and quick drying inner and outer layers are used throughout the range consisting of: swimsuit, tankini, bikini, swim pant and swim short. To find out more contact your Shock Absorber sales representative or contact Gill Gosden on 01483 294501
Swimsuit with Integrated Sports Bra - sizes: 30-38 B-G £39.50 / Bikini with Integrated Sports Bra - sizes: 30-38 B-G £29.50 / Tankini with Integrated Sports Bra - sizes: 30-38 B-G £34.50 / Swim pant - sizes: 8-16 £11.50 / Swim Short - sizes: 8-16 £13.50
RECOVERY
Linebreak
Wearing baselayers benefit temperature regulation thus keeping you cool in the heat and less chilled in the cold, while always keeping your skin dry. Linebreak's Graded Compression and Temperature Regulation baselayers give support both during and after exercise helping you perform better for longer and recover afterwards. New features for 2009 include increased wicking properties with new vented zones in key perspiration areas. Worn prior to training helps prepare the muscles; after and during training the tights increase blood flow reducing the build up of lactic acid. For sprint sessions the tights give extra support and power to legs, reduce muscle vibration which causes of muscle tearing and soreness, also reducing chaffing and muscle and joint swelling. This all adds up to faster recovery and better quality training, which any triathlete will jump at.
Skins
Skins latest, revolutionary ‘ICE' styles, in tops and tights, create a cooling sensation over the body made possible by Microencapsulation Technology (MET), which embeds thousands of tiny menthol microcapsules into the garments. When these microcapsules are agitated (via perspiration, friction, pressure or rising body temperature), they release a cooling menthol substance which stimulates thermo receptors on the skin's surface.
Skins' Travel & Recovery tights will also be of great appeal to triathletes - these can be worn both straight after exercise and overnight to ensure rapid recovery from the exertions of hard training or a long distance race. They are incredibly effective, surprisingly comfortable and above all, they really work.
Skins Travel and Recovery tights, also ICE tights and long-sleeve top
Physicool
Physicool can utilize the benefits of both cooling and compression, to make post-exercise recovery and the prevention of injury much easier and more convenient.
It combines the compression of a cotton bandage, with 7-10°C of regulated, deep muscular cooling. Totally reusable, Physicool should form the backbone of any prehab routine.
By helping to regulate the heart rate Physicool optimizes the supply of oxygen to the working muscles. Scientific studies show athletes' perception of their own fatigue is dramatically reduced, enabling them to overcome their own psychological barrier to endurance event success, when used post exercise as part of an injury prevention routine.
Physicool can be used immediately after competition/training as a more convenient alternative to an ice bath, lessening the damage of impact injuries and speeding up the recovery of soft tissue injuries.
