Kat Matthews looked to have climbed from the canvas for a thrilling comeback victory in the recent Pho3nix Sub8 Project. But the reality belies a more introspective approach to pacing we can all learn from. 　　Once a pass happens late in an iron-distance marathon, the vanquished rarely recovers. So, for any fan of the sport, the drama towards the end...

　　To do an Ironman safely, your body needs three years plus of endurance training, which may include marathons, long-distance cycle sportives and triathlons. This will also see you train through two winters. 　　Your longest phase is always base and your shortest phase is your final peaking phase. If you miss the solid, consistent block and foundation of base training, which...

　　If you’ve already done other middle-distance races – and we’re assuming you have if you’re chasing a personal best (PB) for this 
distance – you’ll have had real opportunities to learn from each 
of those experiences. 　　So to start, review your previous races and write down what went well and what you could have improved. 
This list will provide you...

　　If April is apparently the cruellest month (maybe T.S. Eliot was thinking about that fallow period between the end of the duathlon season and start of the tri calendar), then September is our favourite month for triathlon racing in the UK. 　　There’s that softer bucolic light, the warm – but not too warm – autumnal sunshine and some truly classic...

　　Knowing when and how to fuel your long-distance triathlon requires meticulous planning, practice and patience until you know what works for you and when. 　　So let's dive right in – breakfast. Though following a similar carbohydrate template to the other distances, you might want to consume some protein to stimulate the post-race muscle process. 　　Take five-time Ironman world champion Daniela...

　　From swims in a surfer's paradise to iconic Alpine, here we’ve compiled a list of some of the toughest, craziest and memorable sprint- and Olympic-distance races on the planet. 　　In terms of qualifying criteria, we’ve capped the total race distances at 60km and have picked the optimum water temperature at 21C (warm, but not too warm to make it a...

　　Set against the stunning backdrop of the Lake District, home to some of the country’s most brutal climbs, the Helvellyn Tri has built up a reputation as one of, if not the, most testing triathlon challenges in the UK. 　　Both Brownlees have conquered the course, in 2007. Although Jonny was too young to take part, his father was happy for...

　　For many, taking on a middle-distance triathlon is hard enough, but what if you want to make it extra challenging? Well, then you'd probably want to take on one of the toughest 70.3 races in the world... 　　To help you on your masochistic pursuit of a challenge, we've pulled together a list of middle-distance races that'll really test you. 　　11....

　　You've trained for months, honed your nutrition plan and tapered like a pro. But when it comes to triathlon race day you've forgotten your goggles/timing chip/run shoes/bike (delete as appropriate). Admit it, we've all done it. 　　But help is at hand in the form of the 220 Triathlon race day kit checklist. Here to replace that post-it note covered in...

　　An Ironman is a long-distance triathlon race organised by the Ironman franchise. The term ‘Ironman’ has now become synonymous with races of this distance. A full Ironman has the following format: 3.8km swim, 180km bike, 42.2km run. 　　What does an Ironman consist of? 　　The first leg is a 3.8km open-water swim in the sea or a lake. Athletes will run...

　　Many people assume you should be riding long and slow over the winter. But is this right? 　　Strict, steady winter base training can be effective for professional riders, who can log 30-hour plus weeks. The sheer volume they’re able to do provides the training stimulus and gives them the deep base of endurance fitness they require for the heavy racing...

　　Training to 'compete' at a middle-distance race in order to qualify for the world champs is a big prospect, because now you not only need to focus on your strengths and weaknesses and compare them not just against the clock and your ability, but also against your competitors. 　　Play to your strengths 　　You also need to start thinking tactfully, choosing...