ED’S LETTER
Writing this column at the very start of January, I’ve already had to move today’s planned early morning run session to lunchtime because of a layer of ice covering the paths near home. Add to that the endless thermals that are needed before venturing out on foot or bike – plus the fact that open water is only for hardened chilly dippers – and race season couldn’t feel further away. As always though, things come round quicker than you might think in the world of triathlon and by the time you read this, there’ll be only 12 short weeks until the first races of 2017 (hurray!). So although it might not feel like it, now is the time to start planning your pre-race preparation. There’s a lot you can achieve in this time as well. As coach Nick Beer explains in his feature (starting on p48) it’s enough time to boost your bike and run power, improve your swimming, shed any excess weight that might still be hanging around from the festive season and sharpen your triathlon-specific skills.
Many of you will be doing your first tri this year too and will probably be bit nervous about it. Believe me, we’ve all been there though and Team 220 are no exception… If it makes you feel better I’ll admit to once over-stretching myself somewhat with a race distance and coming in last (yep, last… but it was worth it for the unbelievable cheers of support), while features editor Matt confesses to turning up at his first-ever triathlon wearing a swimskin when the rest of the field were in full wetsuits. “A bit chilly,” is his analysis of that memorable race. So our advice to you? Train hard, rock up, do your best and even if things don’t go completely to plan, you’ll still have a great story to tell!
Finally, if you need some more advice or kit before you start racing, then this month sees the Triathlon Show: London 2017 taking place from 16-19 February at ExCeL. At 220 Triathlon we’re proud to be headline media partners and it’s the perfect place to buy gear, get training advice and find ways to hit all your goals. Book tickets now at www.triathlonshowlondon.co.uk using code 22010 to save 10%. I’ll look forward to seeing you there!