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Which triathlon do I choose this season?

Apr 06, 2021
Excitement is building for race season and I personally cannot wait to see you all getting stuck into your triathlons and challenges this year. All those finish line smiles!
 
 
 
Some of you may have races booked, some are still thinking about which ones to book, and some of you may just like to plan far ahead, into 2022 and beyond.
 
So I wanted to write some tips on what to think about when choosing which race/challenge is right for you. 
 
 
The main aim when choosing a race, is to choose one that really excites you. One that lights you up when things get tough in training. That should be aim # 1 for picking your race.
Here are some other considerations. You may have more to add so please feel free to comment below with your thoughts:
 
🎖Enjoyment- As we have just said, does the sound of the race really float your boat?
 
🎖Pick one that suits your strengths. Because you always look back fondly on the races that you do well in. Are you a great sea swimmer? Then book a race with a challenging sea swim as you will certainly come out ahead of the pack, this is a real skill to have so use it! Are you a mountain goat when running? Then book a tri with a hard hilly run at the end and you will be running away from your competition. 
 
🎖 If you have spectators coming, is the race suitable for a fun morning out? Your fans will love to support you, but sat on the edge of a dual carriageway for 5 hours to watch you zoom past is no fun for anyone! If they are having fun, you are having fun, and they will definately want to support you again 🥳 
 
🎖Location, location, location? 
Do you want a local, UK based, or International race?
There are pros and cons to all.
Pro to Local: You won't have far to go, no overnight stays, you will see people you know, and likely race on terrain you have been able to practice on.
Cons to local ... you will see people you know!!! 😜 And you won't be making a weekend or holiday out of it either.
 
Pros to racing in the UK (rather than International) is the ease of transporting your bike, it's the same language, friends/family can support you, you are more likely to be used to the weather, it can be cheaper, and easier to organise, and you can have a mini break! 
Cons to racing in the UK include weather, it can be changeable! You limit your choices of race, and did I mention the weather? It can snow in May! 
 
Cons of International races are hassle of taking your bike, booking accomodation, flying, and potential language issues. Food may not be the same as you are used to. If you forget anything its hard to fix or source new kit. A tri coach once said that for every race you do Internationally, it takes the same effort to get there as it does to race. If your season has 4 races, all International, they were saying it was equivalent in terms of stress to 8 races that season. I have raced abroad many times and I can agree with this wholeheartedly.  
Pros of racing internationally is the holiday afterwards! The experience of racing abroad is fantastic, the weather can be more stable, and a huge variety of races are open to you if you are willing to travel. You also get to see how other countries put on races.
 
 
🎖 Choose your distance. This is fundamental. Are you a short course triathlete, fast and furious? Or do you want to try a long distance tri or challenge? Once you have decided this, THEN you can narrow down and pick a race.
ps, we have all done it, but don't get talked into doing a race because your mate is, if its not the right distance for you!
 
🎖Cost - This is a very important aspect for many of us. There is no triathlon money tree so check out not just the cost of the race, but the cost of the whole event/trip, especially if you are racing abroad. It can add up!!! Especially if you need to buy kit especially for that race, plus accomodation, food, travel, insurance, bike box and so on...
 
🎖Weather - So you can't predict the weather, it can be cold and wet in the Med, it can be 30 degrees and sunny in the UK, all on the same day. But find a race where you stand a good chance of racing in weather that you are happy in. That said, even if you book a mid UK summer or Spanish race, don't shy away from training in the wind and wet, just in case the weather changes on the day and then you will be prepared.
 
 
🎖Push Yourself - So if you are a little nervous of an element of tri, whether it be a sea swim, a hilly bike or a challenging run, book a race at some point with that element in to push yourself (ok maybe not your first race!) If you ALWAYS do races that you feel you are confident in you may never discover those hidden skills and talents you may have.
 
 
If you know of any good races you have done in the past or would like to do, share them below. Recommendations always help others choose their next race
 
I dont know about you, but I'm fired up to race now. Lets Unleash our Mojo's 🥳 this season!