SWIM

The swim will take place in a swimming pool or open water, such as a lake or the sea. If you’re taking part in an open water event you will need a wetsuit. It’s often possible to borrow or hire one of these for an event. 

Many local triathlon clubs have access to a lake where you can practice.

The swim start sees participants going off in groups, known as waves, with groupings based on your predicted swim time or age. You can do either front crawl or breaststroke in the event, whichever you prefer.

At Invictus Triathlon Club, we currently swim at Hindley Swimming Baths / Wigan International Pool and open water sessions are at Ecclestone Delph, Wrightington or 3 Sisters, Ashton.

BIKE

The bike route on your race will be signposted and have officials to help direct you. Most races are on roads open to other traffic but some do have closed roads specifically for the event. If you're nervous or new to cycling, it would be useful to practice riding your bike on quiet roads until you have built up your confidence.

As much as a bike is an essential bit of kit, it doesn’t need to be an expensive or brand new model. As long as it's been serviced and is roadworthy you can use it. Helmets are compulsory for all races with even the elite stars wearing them.

Invictus Triathlon Club runs organised rides usually on a Tuesday evening and Sunday (longer ride but in speed appropriate groups), and during winter our coaches arrange online turb sessions, so members can do a pre-defined session with other club members.

RUN

Running after the bike can feel a little different, your legs may feel a bit wobbly to begin with, but don't panic, it will get easier as you continue to run. There are usually drink stations on the run route, and again the route will be signposted and have officials.

Shoes are the most important part of your running equipment, and it is worth making sure your trainers fit and are comfortable.

Invictus Triathlon club training plan generally has 3 run sessions included, with Monday night a coached session at DW Stadium, Wigan, Thursday a canal run (summer) and loop run (winter) and long canal run on Saturday. The coached session are either interval based or return to a starting point, so all runners are included irrelevant of pace, and the Saturday long run we loop back every 10 minutes to the slowest runner, so no-one is left behind.