ED’S LETTER
Around this time it’s inevitable that after wishing you a happy new year, most triathlete buddies will swiftly move on to the important topic of conversation. Namely: ‘So, which races have you entered this year, then?!’ Yep, as we lurch into the new year trying hard to forget about the number of mince pies consumed and turbo sessions missed, it’s time to get back on track – and setting some race goals is the best way to find that new season motivation. Perceived wisdom tells us that picking an ‘A’-race (your biggest, shiniest, main goal for 2017, usually towards the middle to end of the season) and then working back from it, adding some smaller races along the way for practice, benchmarking and fun is the way to go. So if this is your plan, then don’t miss our huge events calendar (p118), where over 200 UK races are waiting to tempt you. Also this issue you’ll find our guide to 70.3 distance (p36) if you’re looking for a bigger challenge, plus our advice for nervous newbies (p55, including lots of open-water advice!) if you’re about to dip your toe in the triathlon waters for the first time.
Hopefully this all sounds good – but one caveat I would add is not to be disappointed if plans go awry for some reason, or if your triathlon year takes a turn for the unexpected. Some of the best races I’ve done have been at short notice when everything just came together for some reason – and some of the most memorable (for the wrong reasons!) the ones where I tried to meticulously stick to a training plan, only to be derailed by something out of my control.
If you need yet more motivation, then here at 220 we’re excited to announce that we are now headline media partners for the Triathlon Show: London 2017. Held 16-19 February at ExCeL and organised by Telegraph Events, you’ll find over 300 exhibitors in attendance as well as many other attractions including wetsuit testing and running assessment – making it the perfect place to buy gear, get training advice and find ways to hit all your 2017 triathlon goals. Book tickets now at www.triathlonshowlondon.co.uk using code 22010 to save 10%! Enjoy the issue – and here’s to a great year!
Helen Webster, Editor