1 PREP IS CRUCIAL

Make like a pro and follow Commonwealth gold medallist Jodie Stimpson’s prep guidelines for a speedy, stress-free race day

The night before a race, I run through each discipline in my head to visualise what I’ll need. Then I lay out all the kit on my bed and pack it in my bag. That way I don’t have to do it in a rush in the morning.

I’ll work through the swim, bike and run and, in the process, lay out my wetsuit, two pairs of goggles, two hats (it’s always good to have spares), my tri-suit, race belt, bike helmet, bike shoes, glasses, nutrition, water bottles, run shoes, my timing chip, towel, talcum powder, sun cream and heart rate monitor, as well as any postrace clothing. Then it all gets packed into my race bag, except for my tri-suit, which I wear to the site.

I also plan my breakfast and leave the ingredients out to save time in the morning. For me, it’s oats for breakfast and rice for lunch.

“I’ll work through the swim, bike and run and, in the process, lay out all my kit”