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!

And if you don’t believe us, here are some reviews from previous first-timers at the Reading Tri:

Feedback

“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 practise 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 practise 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 Event Preparation Morning
    On Sunday 17th 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 sprint distance bike route (done at the speed of the slowest rider) and optional recce of a single lap of the run course. Wetsuit hire is available and the session is led by two British Triathlon Coaches.

Watch this space for further details and to book! If you would like to register interest, email events@tri2o.club and we will keep you updated.