Training & Preparation

First-timer?

Every year, we welcome newcomers to multisport at the Reading Triathlon, taking part in their first ever race. We know it can be daunting, so we’ve tried to make the set up as friendly and non- intimidating as possible. By contrast, we also have regular attenders coming back year on year, including some who attended the very triathlon hosted on site back in 1983! They return because they love the race and they love the atmosphere. So if you’re coming as a first-timer, be assured that there will be marshals and fellow participants who will be delighted to help you and put you at ease – don’t hesitate to ask; we’ve all been there!

TRI SKILLS MORNING – Saturday 22nd August 8 – 11 am – only £30

Please email coaching@tri2o.club to find out more and book on.

This is a fully coached morning, jam-packed with invaluable advice, practice and opportunities to prepare for any triathlon or multisport event. It’s ideal for newcomers to the sport, but also of value for more experienced athletes looking for extra tips and advice. The morning will be completed as a group, led by one or two fully qualified and experienced British Triathlon Coaches, depending on attendance numbers.

It includes:
– Introductory talk, safety briefing, open water & wetsuit know-how
– Guided coached lap of the lake (500m) with technical advice, skills coaching (sighting, drafting, etc)
– Coached transition session (at the race site, with bike racking available to use) covering T1 and T2, mount & dismount, travelling with your bike, transition set up, etc.
– Guided recce of Super-Sprint bike route (12km); nobody will be left behind or be forced to ride at a speed that isn’t comfortable for them
– Optional 1.8km recce of the run course (can be run or walk)
– It will include technical and skills coaching, and loads of opportunities to ask questions!

Wetsuit hire is available if you get in touch beforehand providing your height & weight to get the correct size. We will email all participants the day before the event with full details, so please ensure your email address is correct when you sign up, as well as your emergency contact details. Refreshments available at the lake kiosk.

DIRECTIONS:
As you enter the hotel car park, park in one of the bays on the right. Then follow the signs to open water swimming. You will see the lake in front of you – head down the path to the left, in front of the building, towards the tables on a pontoon under a gazebo, and we will meet you there. If you’re not sure, ask any of the staff for Georgia or Jennie and they will show you where to go! Leave your bikes etc in your car, but bring all your swimming gear to the lake.

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Required kit:
– Goggles
– Suitable swimwear or trisuit
– Towel
– Clothing for cycling (unless you’re wearing a trisuit)
– Bicycle
– Helmet
– Cycling and/or running shoes
– Race belt if you have one (not necessary if you don’t)
– Sunglasses if you wear them for cycling and/or running
– Water bottle and snacks – it’s a long morning!
– Sunscreen if weather appropriate
– Check the weather forecast for deciding relevant layering

Feedback about the Reading Triathlon from previous first-timers

“Really great race, really enjoyed my first ever triathlon, such a friendly, encouraging event.”

“Thanks to the whole Tri2O team and the marshals and helpers for making my first Tri such an amazing experience at Reading today. Great course and support all the way round.”

“This was my first triathlon and I was overwhelmed by how well organised, friendly and safe the event found. Thank you!” 

“Fantastic day & great event set up! The Tri2o event team were awesome! This was my first ever tri and I was very nervous, however all of the event staff were very friendly and I’m glad I have joined the club. Thank you so much for making my first triathlon brilliant.”

And remember, our race has NO cut-off times – we celebrate everyone’s achievements regardless of how long it might take you to get to the finish line. If you are worried about this and are taking part in the standard distance, do get in touch with us beforehand at events@tri2o.club and we can hopefully put your mind at rest, and discuss with you whether an earlier start time might make you feel more comfortable.

If you are a nervous swimmer, you can request a “Nervous swimmer” hat at registration; the swim safety team will then know to keep an extra special eye on you.

There are some key pieces of advice from our Events Team which will help you make the most of
the day:

  • Do swim in open water at least a few times before race day, ideally in the wetsuit you’ll be racing in.
  • Do practice running after riding your bike – even just 15 minutes easy running after a ride, once a week, will make all the difference to getting used to that “jelly legs” feeling!
  • Do train in your intended race day kit a few times.
  • Do practice your eating and drinking plan in training.
  • Do read all the race info and watch the briefing as far in advance as you can! Don’t leave it till the night before!
  • Do write a kit list, and get it all ready the day before your race.
  • Do check your bike a week before (here’s a great video from GCN Global Cycling Network to show you how) and then again the day before.
  • Do give yourself plenty of spare time on race day so you’re not feeling rushed or under pressure.
  • Do think about joining a local triathlon club (we can thoroughly recommend Tri2O Triathlon Club, obviously!) for support, camaraderie and access to great coaches.
  • Don’t be tempted to cram in a load of panic training in the week before your race – make sure you are well rested and fresh come race day.
  • Do remember why you’re doing it, and try to have fun – feeling nervous is totally normal, to be expected, and is all part of the excitement of doing something new and challenging! Smile at the marshals and spectators and it really helps!

Training Plans

There are loads of free training plans available online for beginners. We like this 8 week plan featured in Triathlete magazine, for Sprint Distance Triathlon.

Event-specific Preparation

We’re delighted to be able to offer you support in a few ways for the Reading Triathlon.

  1. Swimming at the lake
    You can swim at the race venue lake all year round on Saturday mornings, and from late April, mid-week swims are available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings are also added to the programme. The Hi5 Open Water Swim Centre is a NOWCA partner venue, using the latest timing and safety management systems. All you need to know is on their website here and Jamie, who manages the swimming at the lake is also our Race Director, so you are in good hands!
  2. Open water swim coaching
    There are highly qualified and experienced triathlon coaches offering 1-2-1 open water swim sessions at the venue, during the opening times mentioned above. This is particularly helpful if you are a nervous swimmer, or new to open water, but swimmers of all abilities can and do benefit from coaching. Please email either events@tri2o.club or fill in the contact form here to arrange a session.
  3. Reading Triathlon Tri Skills Morning
    On Saturday 22nd August, Tri2O Triathlon Club is hosting a 3 hour fully coached Event Preparation session at the race venue, which includes a guided lap of the lake, coached transition session, guided recce of the super-sprint distance bike route (done at a speed that is comfortable for everyone – no racing!) and optional recce of a single lap of the run course. Wetsuit hire is available and the session is led by one to two British Triathlon Coaches, depending on numbers.

If you would like to register interest please email coaching@tri2o.club.