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...

　　It’s a common question: ‘Will walking on a torn meniscus make it worse?’ Well, it may be cliche, but this will vary from case to case, as not all meniscus tears are equal. 　　Here, Six Physio's Ollie Errser delves into the detail. But first, let's first look at what the meniscus is and how it can be torn. 　　What is...

　　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....

　　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...

　　Numbers and records define Challenge Roth. Thousands of triathletes take part every year and it sells out in minutes. Everyone, including the very best in the world, wants to race there and it's famous as a place where records are broken, and legends and memories are made. 　　Who can forget Jan Frodeno’s 2016 iron-distance record-breaking time of 7:35:39? And before...

　　Shin splints and stress fractures are common injuries among athletes, especially endurance athletes. But how do you know which one you're suffering with? Here we explain the differences between the two, plus how to prevent and treat them. 　　Shin splints vs stress fractures: what's the difference? 　　A shin splint or medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is an inflammation of the...

　　Broadly speaking, the main leg muscles used in triathlons are the gluteals (bum), quadriceps (front of the thigh), hamstrings (back of the thigh) and calf (lower leg). 　　The gluteals are used to extend your hip when running and walking. The quadriceps are a group of powerful muscles that extend the knee and help to flex the hip. The hamstrings extend...

　　The biggest triathlon spectacle on the planet returns on 6 and 8 October, 2022 – the Ironman World Championship. So if you're inspired to get qualifying for next year's event, or if you're lucky enough to have already qualified, just what kind of costs are you looking at for the trip of a lifetime? 　　Unsurprisingly, Kona doesn’t come cheap, but...

　　So you've signed up to your first Ironman race – or you're at least thinking about it – and are now starting to think about training. But with the majority of an iron-distance race taking place on the bike – 180km to be precise – just how much training should you dedicate to the middle discipline? Okay, let's break it...

　　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...

　　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...