What is triathlon exactly?
Triathlon is a swimming, cycling and running event where the clock keeps ticking as you move from one discipline to the next.
There are short races (400m swim, 15km cycle and 5km run) ideal for novices and with just a little training are well within most people’s capabilities. Experienced athletes can progress to longer distances if they wish:
- – standard triathlon (1500m swim, 40km cycle and 10km run)
- – and the ultimate long distance event, IRONMAN or Outlaw Triathlons – 2.4mile swim, 112 mile cycle and 26.2 mile run (or even longer ultra distance events!)
Duathlon involves running and cycling and normally follows a run/cycle/run format over varying distances.
There are also Aquathlon events involving swimming and running.
Why should I join Deal Tri? How will it help me?
Benefits include:
- – training with like minded people
- – qualified coaches available for swimming and running
- – huge expertise amongst fellow club members who range from very slow to extremely fast
- – support from fellow club members during training and events e.g. this summer prior to some members racing half ironman for the first time, some experienced members held a session on practical bike mechanics and tricks and tips for racing half ironman
- – club swim training is members only
- – run training is possible as a guest but more expensive
- – access to England Athletics membership which reduces run race entry costs for affiliated races
- – regular email updates with regard to club events
- – club social events e.g. quizzes or this summer 2 day bike rides in France with a stop for lunch
Do I have to do all 3 disciplines?
Not all all, some members do only a single discipline, others 2 or 3 – everyone is welcome
I’m just starting out – is this club suitable for me?
Absolutely! The club caters for an incredibly range of both ages and abilities. Our youngest juniors are in primary school and most senior seniors are in their 70s and 80s.
We have people taking their first steps in the different disciplines or their first steps in putting them together in duathlons and triathlons etc. We also have experienced members who are stepping back a bit too and are more than happy to support new members.
I’m an experienced athlete – is this the right club for me?
At the sharp end of the club we have some very good athletes both in terms of speed, endurance and speed-endurance both in single disciplines and multidiscipline. The club has been represented at county, regional and national level via its members and in terms of triathlon / duathlon also at European and World age-group level so there will always be people to train with and test yourself against.
Can I check the club out before joining?
For both cycling and running it’s possible to attend some trial sessions as a non-member although we will always ask that if you enjoy the sessions you do with us that you consider joining the club. For swimming, a single trial can be done on arrangement with the swim captain as there are insurance considerations.
How much does it cost to join?
Our adult membership is £26 per annum although most members volunteer at club events throughout the year and just one volunteer event reduces your membership for the following year to £16. Please see our “Join Us” page for more details