Triathlons

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Updated 6 January  2006
Triathlon

For the latest details contact:
Cliff Steele

Latest results are here... 3-11-05

 

Dear Webmaster and all at De Laune CC
 
Having taken a look at your website, I thought you might be interested in posting this article about Triathlons or forwarding it to your members. It was written by our physiotherapist and clinical manager Helen Smith (MCSP SRP); Helen was the winner of last year's London Triathlon for her age group, and will be representing Great Britain in the World Triathlon in Honolulu in October, so she really is a great source of expertise and advice on the subject! Just click on this link www.physiointhecity.com/recentarticles.htm or read the whole article below, to see what she recommends as vital for preparation and preventing injury when competing in a Triathlon.

 

If you did wish to use the article on your website I would appreciate it if you could include a link to our site: www.physiointhecity.co.uk. We are a Private Physiotherapist clinic with 6 practices across London (including Canary Wharf, Wimbledon and Cheam in Surrey), offering top of the range treatment to both professional and amateur sports people. If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to telephone our main City reception 020 7283 0108 to chat to our area manager, Kim Israel.

 

Thank you for your time, and I wish you all the best success this season!

 

Kind regards,

 

Amy, Administrator, physio in the city.

 

 

Triathlons

So what is a triathlon?

The most common race is an Olympic distance comprising of 1500m swim, 40km bike and a 10km run. You are timed from the start of your swim to the end of your run and therefore any time in between, also know as transition, must be kept to a minimum. You will have to not only master the swim, bike and run but also master the skill of changing from a wet suit into your biking/running outfit.

It is a multi-discipline sport and therefore involves cross training, which is very good for you ,physically however injury issues can still arise.

Swimming

When competing in a triathlon you will normally do an open water swim. This differs from swimming in a pool, firstly, because you will have to wear a wetsuit.


* It is important that you swim in your wetsuit before race day.
* The wetsuit should fit properly. It can feel very claustrophobic if it is too small and if it is too big it may slow you down.
* Use a lubricant around the neck, underarms and in-between the legs to prevent chaffing, and it will also help the wetsuit to come off quickly when you have completed your swim. It is better to use a natural base lubricant and it is advisable not to use Vaseline as it will eat into the fabric.


Secondly swimming in a lake, river or sea can be scary if you have never done it before especially if there are several people flailing their arms about, which tends to happen in a race. It is advisable to attend an open water swim before you race. There are several lakes that you can swim in and prepare yourself for an open water swim.


Thirdly it is vital that you have a good technique as swimming is a very common cause of shoulder injuries. If you develop pain during swimming, which remains persistent or presents every time you swim then you should see a physiotherapist as they can limit the pain, reduce the risk of further injury and offer preventative advice.

Biking

This is the longest part of the race and it is therefore important that you get a bike that is comfortable. It is important to practice on your bike in your racing clothes to make sure that you feel comfortable. Most importantly you must concentrate on your technique. When pedalling you must push and pull in a circular motion so that you don’t put too much stress on any one muscles group. Pain will stop you from performing so if you experience any pain whilst cycling see a physiotherapist to get advice. The pain may be caused by a muscle imbalance or tightness, which can easily be corrected through exercises which will also prevent any further problems.

Running

Running is the final event and a common cause of all injuries, aches and pains. Correct footwear is essential if you are thinking of running any distance. It is advisable to visit a store that specialises in running so that they can advise you on choosing the correct shoe and also watch you running in the trainer. Physio in the city is now able to analyse your running style using video analysis which is more effective to pick up any problems or faults that may be causing pain or could cause injury in the future.

The triathlon is a great sport but there is no pleasure in competing with pain so if in doubt visit a physiotherapist for more advice.

Helen was the winner of the London Triathlon for her age group and has been selected to represent Great Britain in the World Triathlon in Honolulu in October 2005.

Helen Smith works at our City clinic


 
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