As somebody who’s at all times recognized as a bicycle owner, getting into the world of duathlon felt like venturing into the unknown. On paper, it’s simply two runs with a motorcycle leg in between. How onerous may it’s? Seems, fairly robust.
For years, a great good friend (and skilled triathlete) had been nudging me to attempt multisport. So when he despatched me a hyperlink to The Huntsman Triathlon, going down just some miles from my childhood residence within the New Forest, it felt like the fitting time to lastly say sure.
This isn’t a race report, so I gained’t get into the nitty-gritty of my efficiency. What I’ll say is: it was more durable than I anticipated, however I beloved each minute of it. My solely remorse? Not attempting it sooner.
Occupied with giving it a go your self? Listed here are six issues I discovered from my first duathlon, and why I believe each bicycle owner ought to attempt one a minimum of as soon as!
Working Is Exhausting… However Weirdly Rewarding
First off, working is way more durable than I remembered. It hits completely different muscle groups, stresses the physique in new methods, and particularly after years of specializing in the bike, felt like ranging from scratch. And but, that’s a part of what made it so rewarding. The progress got here quick. At one level in my coaching, I used to be getting PBs virtually each time I laced up my footwear. In comparison with biking, the place positive factors got here slowly, working supplied an enormous motivational enhance.
Unusually sufficient, I don’t assume my biking health helped my working all that a lot. However the reverse? 100%. Working has noticeably improved my endurance and energy on the bike. I’d encourage any bicycle owner trying to break via a plateau to throw in a couple of right here and there, particularly within the low season.
Coaching Slumps Occur—And You’ll Pay For Them
A bout of sickness, blended with a touch of laziness, meant I missed a vital block of coaching within the run-up to the race. Whereas I obtained across the course, the second run was brutal. I used to be working on fumes, keen myself to the end. It was survival mode, plain and easy. That mentioned, it taught me a precious lesson about consistency. You’ll be able to’t cram for races; each session counts.
Tools Is Good, However It’s Not All the pieces
One of many largest eye-openers was how little gear actually issues for having a great time. I raced on a 13-year-old Cervelo P3 constructed up primarily from salvaged components. 23mm tyres, rim brakes and previous aero tech… a relic by immediately’s requirements that appeared hilariously misplaced subsequent to a few of the fashionable aero rockets lined up in transition.
However what? I completely flew on that factor. I had a smile on my face the complete time, particularly when overtaking individuals on far newer, fancier setups. I used to be fortunate to have the ability to have a TT bike to make use of, however don’t let gear be a barrier. When you’ve obtained one thing that works and also you’re excited to trip, that’s sufficient. As proof… the winner of my race gained it utilizing a regular highway bike, and I even noticed one individual on a Brompton!
The Vibe Is Immaculate
I’ve executed a couple of highway races and time trials earlier than, they usually can typically really feel a bit severe, even intimidating. However the Duathlon and Tri scene? Completely completely different. It was fingers down the friendliest occasion I’ve ever been a part of. Everybody from seasoned opponents to first-timers was buzzing. I used to be cheered on by whole strangers lining the course and even inspired by different racers mid-race after I overtook them. I left feeling genuinely uplifted by the neighborhood vibe, so in the event you’re nervous about dipping your toe within the tri or duathlon world, don’t be. The persons are superior.
Transition Is Chaos, In The Finest Method
Transition is likely to be probably the most underrated components of a duathlon. Think about sprinting right into a racking zone, mind fogged, legs like jelly, attempting to vary footwear or hop on a motorcycle with any kind of grace. My approach was surprising, however it was a lot enjoyable. That adrenaline kick between disciplines is in contrast to anything, and it provides a complete new layer to the problem.
Trisuits Are a Essential Evil
Let’s simply say: trisuits and onerous carbon fibre saddles don’t combine effectively except you’ve constructed up some severe tolerance. I loaded up on VeloSkin chamois cream and nonetheless spent many of the trip shifting about within the seat, dreaming of my thick padded biking bibs again at residence. Lesson discovered—both practice within the trisuit or put money into a brand new saddle. most likely each.
So, Would I Do It Once more?
Completely. I’ve stored up the working since, and I’m already eyeing up extra occasions this summer time, together with a couple of native TT’s. There’s a great deal of room for enchancment, which is half the enjoyable. For any bicycle owner caught in a rut, craving a brand new problem, or simply eager to shake issues up, attempt a duathlon.
And in the event you do give racing a go, be sure to’ve obtained the right insurance coverage. Yellow Jersey’s Final coverage covers you for racing, and even protects your bike from theft in triathlon transition zones! T&C’s apply, which could be discovered right here: https://www.yellowjersey.co.uk/info-zone/
