Your emails & pictures
TRAILTASTIC
Just opened your 400th issue and loving all the tips and advice. I 100% agree with hitting the trails as a way to boost running gains. Having lived in the Lake District for just over a year now (moved from busy Brum), my go-to running route is always super muddy, mucky and honestly just brutal – especially coming back from the Christmas festivities.
I’ve seen such an improvement in my racing times on the flat, which I have to attribute to beasting myself on some crazy ascents round Windermere. The best thing is that I no longer run on heart rate or pace as there’s just no way to stay in the zones, so I’ve started running on feel and just enjoying the ride.
I’ve never seen such great results, so there must be something in throwing the rules out the window sometimes. In response to your advice on using a heart rate monitor, I’d encourage all those reading to ditch the tech once in a while and look around you. You won’t regret it! Luke Kingsfield
220 replies: You’re certainly right Luke, enjoyment is key when getting out there on a run. And what a playground to run in! Enjoy those trails.
EQUAL REPRESENTATION
I just wanted to send a message to say how much I love the equal gender representation in 220 Triathlon magazine. I’m reading February’s issue and it really struck me how all the equipment, interviews and writing are by/aimed at both men and women. It’s such a breath of fresh air in a sport which still sometimes has a way to go in making triathlon accessible for all. Thank you! Katie Rance
220 replies: We’re so pleased to hear that you’re enjoying the magazine and that you appreciate the equal representation, Katie.
CASE OF THE SHIVERS
A letter to all the Dryrobe-wearing chilly dippers out there. How do you warm up after your swim? I manage a dip most weekends, either down at the local open-air lido or in the lake a short drive away, but always struggle getting warm again afterwards. I’m normally shivering for hours once I’ve got out and changed, even if I’m only in for a few minutes.
I’ve got the bobble hat and massive Dryrobe-type coat with fluffy lining inside, which I LOVE. And the hubby always brings hot chocolate for a warm, sugary hit. But still, I struggle. What am I doing wrong? Thanks in advance for any advice. Leila Denaman 220 replies: A common issue Leila. We recommend you layer up, get moving once you’re out and be careful how long you spend in sub-10°C water. For more advice, though, be sure to check out our open-water swimming tips over at 220triathlon.com.
FESTIVE BIKE-SPIRATION
Over Christmas my brother and his girlfriend decided to complete the Festive500 to make the most of their days off together. Now I’d never heard of this before but apparently it’s huge in the bike world. They managed to do 500km in five days from after Boxing Day to NYE. It was horrible, rainy and cold. I know this because I was roped into being the support vehicle for the last day. Not the most glamorous job, but the cake supply was flowing so I didn’t mind.
They completed it, but decided to keep going. Now a month later, they’ve managed to get out on the bike at least every day between them, which I think’s crazy. But it did get me scrolling on your website for bike-challenge ideas and I landed on your bikepacking routes.
The bike’s my weakest discipline, and that’s something I want to change. So I thought, screw it, this summer I’ve decided to jet off to Spain to ride the Camino de Santiago. It’s my turn to be that crazy cyclist, wish me luck!
Rog Taplyn
“I’ve started running on feel and just enjoying the ride”
220 replies: What a great challenge, Rog. Wishing you all the best on your adventure and make sure you get back in touch to let us know how you got on.