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....

　　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...

　　Everyone remembers their first time: their first driving test, first kiss, or first day at work; the significance of the first is created because of all the unknowns. 　　Looking back at those first-time nerves, the genuine concern was the unknown of the challenge. So, with training for a middle distance as your first-ever triathlon the more you can familiarise yourself...

　　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...

　　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...

　　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...

　　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...

　　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...

　　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...

　　Brian Forgerty describes himself as a “part- time triathlete, full-time insurance broker, hoping one day to swap.” He’s also holder of the 2019 Ironman UK title, winning with a 10-minute cushion in a time of 9:27:12. 　　Brian started tri in 2012 after calling time on a football career, which involved playing for Burnley FC and semi-pro clubs around the northwest....

　　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...