On this article, BTF x YJ age group ambassador Kate Wright talks via her transition from aquathlete to GB age group triathlete
If you’re coming right here for triathlon ideas, from a triathlon skilled, you may be disillusioned. However in case you are eager to not make all of the errors that almost all newcomers make, then you might be in the correct place. I’m assured that I’ve not too long ago made all of the errors the consultants can have lengthy forgotten about – so that you gained’t have too. You’re welcome.
When folks hear (I imply once I inform them) that I’m within the British Triathlon age group group they typically assume that I race triathlon. I imply it’s not a ridiculous assumption to make.
The reality is till this yr I’d solely really raced one triathlon. The Age-Group Staff, actually, affords alternatives to symbolize Nice Britain in numerous Multi Sports activities groups – duathlon, cross triathlon and duathlon, winter triathlon and duathlon, aquabike, combined group relay, and (my occasion) aquathlon! I’ve represented the group on 6 events (in 3 World, and three European Championships) and I’ve even managed to get my arms on 2 silver (European Championship) and a Bronze (World Championship) medals.
It has been an unbelievable journey and I’ve been extraordinarily lucky. BUT with medals comes expectation (my very own). Once I first certified, qualifying itself felt like successful a gold medal. Issues then escalated fairly rapidly, together with my expectations. I had my first style of standing on a world podium and it’s onerous then to be content material with something much less. I used to be bitterly disillusioned with eighth place on the world championships in Ibiza in 2023 (which is insane) and I began considering that 2023 could be my remaining yr! (drama queen). Fortuitously I refocused, and was rewarded with a silver (European medal, in Menen) later that yr. Menen was a agency reminder of how a lot I like being a part of the age group expertise. I additionally knew although I used to be prepared for a brand new problem – I wished one thing that made me really feel the best way I did when aquathlon was all shiny and new.
I made a decision I’d make triathlon my focus in 2024, quick time period purpose was to finish an ordinary distance triathlon, with a long run purpose of sooner or later qualifying to symbolize the Age Group group. The very first thing I did was enter some native triathlons (Arundel, Eastbourne and Brighton). I’m terrified / excited – I believe triathlon may go well with my character – I’m a kind of extrovert / introvert, threat avoiding, thrill seekers.
Going from Aquathlon to Triathlon, you may assume, is simply including a motorcycle. It’s not (it’s additionally including bike insurance coverage). It’s been a steep studying curve! As an Aquathlete (swim, run) the bike is my apparent weakest self-discipline! I’m a nervous rider, that’s assessing the dangers all the time – which is definitely extra exhausting than the driving!
My bike expertise pre 2024 was restricted to a motorcycle sportive (2015), an ordinary distance Duathlon (2017) and a dash triathlon (2021) – which was the final time I had correctly ridden my bike. So my place to begin wasn’t significantly excessive, in contrast to the elevation in each Arundel and Eastbourne – Eastbourne proudly boasts to be one of many hardest triathlons within the UK on its web site!
Having by no means raced an ordinary distance triathlon earlier than, you possibly can think about my terror when it was introduced that Eastborne could be the 2025 World Triathlon Championship Age-Group Staff qualifier (for British Triathlon)! I then had this loopy concept that maybe 2024 could be the yr I tried to qualify for the British Triathlon Age Group Staff. That’s me, at all times shifting the goalposts – Long run purpose, quick time period purpose!
If you’re involved in collaborating in an age group qualifying occasion (or alternately you wish to ensure that the occasion you join isn’t one) yow will discover a full listing of all qualifying occasions on the British triathlon web site which even have info on the qualification necessities and course of.
Since getting again on the bike I’ve since found that I actually don’t like going quick downhill, I nearly cease when cornering – Eastbourne Commonplace Triathlon has three lifeless turns, switchbacks, and takes me 4 occasions over the very uncovered Beachy Head! I’m additionally frightened of autos – so at the least Eastbourne being closed roads appealed to me. The British triathlon web site very helpfully has an inventory of all registered triathlon races within the UK, the place you’ll be capable of verify if the occasion you propose to participate in has closed roads if that is one thing that issues you!
I began my bike coaching indoors utilizing Zwift climb portals in the course of the chilly winter months. Initially, I used to be hesitant to scale back my swim/run classes, however exhaustion and pneumonia compelled me to regulate. I compromised by reducing some lengthy “sluggish run” classes in favour of biking.
Because the climate improved, I cautiously ventured outside on my hybrid bike, HEIDI. Though assured on her, HEIDI was sluggish, prompting me to improve to a street bike, ROXANNE. I initially thought-about skipping the street bike and going straight for a Triathlon bike. This, it appears, is a mistake lots of people new to triathlon make. Initially, driving ROXANNE was disastrous; I used to be terrified, often used the brakes, and cried from frustration. Nevertheless, with perseverance, I improved and not cry throughout rides, a lot to my husband’s reduction.
Zwift helped with health however didn’t put together me for real-life driving expertise. It’s a helpful complement, however not a substitute for outside biking. My early rides have been sluggish and difficult, even getting overtaken by somebody on an elliptical and pushing ROXANNE house after a puncture. Studying to repair a puncture and understanding my tires was essential.
Progressively, my confidence and pace improved. A motorbike pc has been invaluable for monitoring and setting pace targets, although my husband jogs my memory it’s additionally for navigation.
Issues I learnt
Indoor biking will get you match, however outside biking with enhance you bike dealing with
The distinction between tubeless and tube tires
Bike computer systems are meant for navigation however make incredible speedometers
My season started with the Arundel commonplace distance triathlon in Could. The occasion, organised by Uncooked Power, happened on a hilly course in stunning environment. Regardless of having executed their occasions earlier than, I underestimated my preparation time, resulting in a rushed begin. My swim went properly, however my transition (T1) was chaotic. There’s way more to think about in a Triathlon Transition in comparison with an Aquathlon Transition. Ultimately, I bought on my bike, my favorite a part of the race, however T2 was worse as I hadn’t seen the totally different exits for bike and run legs. Regardless of a robust run, I used to be shocked to complete third, catching the triathlon bug.
Issues I learnt
-Arrive early to arrange your self and your tools.
-Working towards Transitions is essential.
-Know the course route.
I returned to coaching with a brand new focus, including transition apply. Subsequent, I did the Cotswolds 113 Center Distance Triathlon Relay with my pal Martine. I swam 1.9km, she biked 90km, and I ran 21.1km. The day earlier than, we familiarised ourselves with the course and arrived early on race day. I positioned myself in the back of wave 2, benefiting from a rolling begin. After handing over to Martine, who completed her leg 45 minutes forward of schedule, I loved working a half marathon with out the previous bike leg. We exceeded expectations, ending second within the Feminine relay group.
Then got here the Eastbourne World Commonplace Distance Qualifiers. Regardless of panicking about equipment decisions and a brand new hydration system, I felt prepared on race day—solely to get up with a flat tire. Attributable to unhealthy climate, the occasion was modified from a triathlon to a duathlon (5km run, 40km bike, 10km run). I nailed my transitions and loved the bike course regardless of the wind. Nevertheless, I struggled in the course of the 10km run attributable to under-fuelling and dehydration, ending in sixth place. Although exterior automated qualification for the World Championships AG group, I might nonetheless get a roll-down place. I entered one other Commonplace Duathlon to enhance my working off the bike. At Goodwood, I improved considerably, ending fifth with the quickest T1.
Issues I learnt
-Plan your diet fastidiously.
-Follow working off the bike.
-Keep calm when issues don’t go to plan.
Seven months into my first triathlon season, I take pleasure in calling myself a triathlete. I’ve the Brighton Commonplace Triathlon developing and am contemplating the European Commonplace Distance Qualifiers in Bournemouth. I additionally participated within the European Aquathlon Champs in Portugal, ending fifth, which jogged my memory how a lot I like being a part of the British Triathlon Age Group Staff. Checking my rating on “My Tri Rating” has change into a brand new post-race ritual.
Issues I learnt
It at all times rains on race day.
You possibly can’t rely solely on being a great swim runner in triathlon.
Anybody can do it; it’s by no means too late to start out.
Everybody names their bikes—what’s yours known as?
