Royal Windsor Triathlon final event preparation tips

22nd May 2018

The Royal Windsor Triathlon is fast approaching, with just under a month to go until the big day on Sunday 17 June. Our event ambassadors and elite triathletes, Stuart Hayes and Emma Pallant, have shared their final event tips in order to make sure you’re fully prepared to tackle the stunning Royal Windsor Triathlon course next month.

TOP TIPS FOR EVENT DAY

A few weeks to go…

Stuart Hayes, 2012 London Olympian and World Series Race Champion

1) Get down to your local lake for some open water practice – work on sighting, swimming in large packs and going around the swim buoys.

2) Practice running off the bike – to start with your legs will feel like jelly, but as your body adapts this sensation will go away.

3) Practice your race nutrition – during your bike to run sessions will be a good time to see how your body reacts to the sports drink and gels you are planning to use on event day.

4) Make sure your bike is in good working order – look at booking a full service to ensure there are no problems that could catch you out during the race. Make sure you do this in plenty of time in case you do need to get anything fixed.

5) Go through all of your race kit before the race – lay everything out and go through your equipment for swim, bike and run, as well as nutrition, so you know you have it all and won’t forget to take it with you to the event.

1 week to go…

Emma Pallant, World 70.3 Silver Medallist and British Triathlon Champion

1) Start tapering down the week before the race – it’s always better to go into an event underdone than overdone, you want to feel fresh so that you are ready and raring to go race day.

2) Make sure you have tested your race day routine – train after eating your event day breakfast, test your goggles, do a session in your race kit etc. Make sure everything is comfortable and you’re happy with your routine so that the controllables are controlled on race day.

3) Be prepared for any weather conditions – take more kit and nutrition than you think you will need. It’s always good to have spares with you just in case anything unexpected happens, an extra layer, more socks, even two pairs of goggles!

4) Find something that gets you going on race morning – maybe a sweet treat that you have tested in training, or a coffee, a special perfume or a favourite song but have something that’s going to make you feel good, happy and ready to go!

5) Relax and look forward to it – the event will be just like a training session but instead of digging deep on your own, there will be heaps of people cheering for you, you’ll have water stations on the run and a nice big medal to come home to at the finish! Remember there is just one goal, to cross that line knowing you have nothing left to give but a smile 🙂

Final places are still available for the Royal Windsor Triathlon on Sunday 17 June. For more information and to sign up, visit www.humanrace.co.uk/windsor-triathlon.