One of the many great things about running is that you need little more than a pair of decent trainers, comfortable running clothes and a water bottle to get started. When you begin going the distance, though – endurance races, marathon training, or trail runs, for example – you’ll need to think about taking extra gear, including plenty of food, water, energy gels, suncream, a camera, and so on. Here, we look at seven key clothing and accessory staples that’ll see you through every running scenario.

1. Hydration vest - SPLURGE

For a hydration vest that goes the distance, reach for the ADV SKIN 12 by Salomon. Designed with endurance races and long-distance runners in mind, this one’s packed with practicality and promises not to weigh you down. For on-the-go water access, it carries 12 litres in the two soft bottles (included). Plus, it boasts extra space for a 1.5 litre reservoir. Not forgetting somewhere to stow your other running essentials, it features an expandable storage compartment, one back pocket, two front zipped pockets, two shoulder pockets and one stretch top pocket. What more does a run-thirsty athlete need?

2. Hydration vest – SAVE

For a budget-friendly alternative to Salomon’s vest, try this lightweight hydration pack by UTOBEST. It has space for two 350ml soft flasks to the front and is compatible with a 1.5 litre bladder to the back. Alongside the two water bottle pockets, it features one main compartment and three small storage compartments for keeping those little extras safe. Plus, with reflective strips to the front and reverse, this vest packs an extra punch when it comes to running or riding in dark conditions.

3. Running armband

Who said you can’t keep in touch on the track? A smartphone armband like this one by Ronhill says otherwise. This is the easy way to keep your phone closeby so you can run hands-free, whilst still tapping into the tech that spurs you on – whether that’s your tracking apps, favourite tunes, telephone calls, or all of the above. Simply strap it on, secure it and you’re ready to run.

4. Waist belt

A good running belt will take care of your possessions without slipping, bouncing, or chafing whilst you’re in motion. This FlipBelt is a reliable option, with its pull-on, buckle-free design and slip and bounce-free fabric. The moisture-wicking material stays soft and dry even when you’re working up a sweat, whilst four pocket openings provide the perfect drop-off for your earphones, phone, cards and cash. An internal key loop provides extra peace of mind, even amidst the most overgrown trails.

5. Triathlon tribelt

Triathletes, have you ever wished for an easy way to secure your race number in place during transitions? A triathlon belt is your answer. It’s a stretchy waist belt that buckles shut so you don’t even know it’s there and it allows you to quickly and prominently display your number during your swim, run and cycle. This ZONE3 design boasts all of the above, plus three loops to store your energy gels in. Handy.

6. Storage-ready shorts

Sure, you can slip on a decent pair of shorts and complete your run in comfort, but these men’s High Point 2-in-1 shorts by Brooks are the smart, storage-ready option for gents looking to blaze a trail. Designed especially with trail running in mind, this pair features a 360-degree waistband pocket for packing in the snacks – as well as larger items, like soft flasks. The functionality doesn’t end there. Split sides enhance your range of motion for those uphill climbs and overgrown trails are no problem, either; the superior ripstop fabric stops unwanted tears in their tracks - even in the most rugged environments.

7. Pocket leggings

Leggings with pockets are always a firm favourite with runners. Easy slip compartments offer the perfect place for cards and a phone. There’s a reason this Zero Gravity pair by Sweaty Betty have been voted “Best Leggings” in the Women’s Running Awards. Not only do they wick away sweat during intense sprints; they feature a back zipped pocket for safe storage and two side slip pockets for easy on-the-go access to your essentials. Finished with a flattering high-waisted design, adjustable waist and bum-sculpting technology, you can count on this one-and-done wonder pair to boost your running, storage and body confidence game.

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This International Women’s Day, we've partnered with Brooks to meet two women who, after joining run clubs, Gorp Girls and Club 99, feel empowered to achieve more as women in sports. Now, they hope to inspire other women to enjoy all that outdoor exploring has to offer. We catch up with them to find out what they love about running, being part of a female sporting community, their top training tips and more. 

Phoebe and Helmi have always been keen runners. In fact, the sport has played a key role in their mental health. Phoebe grew up in the picturesque county of Cornwall. “I always loved exploring when I was little”, she tells us. “I have an active family so running and swimming was always what we did growing up. I found it therapeutic and it helps my mental health”. Meanwhile, Helmi started running when her grandmother became ill. “I ended up doing my longest run ever, going from a 5K to a 30K because I was using running as a way to process what was happening”, she says.

A sense of understanding, security and empowerment

Since joining run clubs, (the Gorp Girls and Club 99) both women say they’ve felt a greater sense of belonging within the female sporting community. “There’s no pressure to perform and people are considerate”, says Helmi. “There’s a shared understanding of the different challenges that we face as women. For example, safety and running or walking at night. Also, the outfits. I want to wear tiny running shorts and a sports bra when it’s warm, which can sometimes be more uncomfortable when you’re around a group of men”, she continues. Phoebe agrees: “It really gets you out at nighttime and feeling like you’re safe in the city which can be really hard for women at times. When you’re with a group of women, you feel empowered and that really transfers to real life as well. When you have a really strong body of women behind you it inspires you to do other things”, she says. 

Alongside the empowerment she finds in the community spirit of a female run club, Phoebe tells us that it enhances her sense of self care and self love. “I have met so many amazing people through running. I’ve also found a bigger love for myself, because I’m looking after my body when I run. I feel like running is self care and self love. As well as an appreciation for nature, I have seen so many beautiful scenes”, she continues.

Runners’ highs, mental health boosts and self esteem

Running clearly plays a huge role in maintaining healthy, happy lifestyles for these ladies. Phoebe enjoys the feeling of escapism: “I love the freedom of getting out of my head and into my body”, she says. “It's such a freeing thing to dedicate that hour – or even half hour – to yourself. We lead busy lives and our brains are split into so many pieces, so for that hour or however long I’m running for, I know that time is entirely dedicated to me and that really inspires me to keep going”. Helmi admits that she doesn’t get runner’s highs after every run “but when I do, I feel like I’m flying – it’s like main character energy”, she tells us. 

Phoebe notes how her strength and endurance has improved since joining the running community and this brings a great sense of pride. “I can get out and do a 20K run now. It’s definitely a challenge, but I feel such pride after I’ve done that. I love that running allows me to take risks and really push myself”. Helmi agrees that running has helped her in all aspects of life. “It makes me feel more confident and has brought me new friends. It’s helped my mental health, made me fitter, made me stronger – both mentally and physically. It’s helped me in every way”, she says.

6 top tips for female runners

It’s great to see Phoebe and Helmi’s passion for running. Since finding an extra confidence boost within the female running community, they’re thriving. So, do they have any training hacks or tips for fellow female runners? Here’s their top six. 

1. Stretch.  “I need to stretch, always, before and after [a run]. I sometimes forget and I know that’s really bad, so just honouring your body by stretching before and after is really important” – Phoebe. “Yes, always stretch. Even when you can’t be bothered and you want to just jump in the shower. It’s going to save you a world of trouble” – Helmi. 
2. Go out early. “If you just get up a bit earlier you can fit it in. Even if it’s just a 2K run. It doesn’t have to be long. A quick 15 minute run can completely change your day. You begin with that attitude and it flows through to the rest of your day” - Helmi. 
3. Make no excuses. “Put your shoes on and get outside. Don’t think about it too much. It’s amazing to think of the relationships you’ll find and the happiness it will bring to your life. Don’t overthink – just get involved” - Phoebe. 
4. Don’t stop! “If you’ve started to run and feel like you have to stop, don’t. Just slow down! Even if it feels like you’re slow motion jogging, just slow down instead of stopping. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Even when you think you don’t have the energy, running gives you energy. So always remember that, when you’re thinking of the excuses not to do it. Future you will feel better!” - Helmi. 
5. Beginners, get comfortable running – then join a club. “Before joining a run club, get used to running on your own. Not because you’ll be left behind, but because it’s not fun when you feel like you’re struggling. Once you’re comfortable, just go for it. There’s always going to be someone who is in a similar boat to you” - Helmi.
6. Don’t focus on speed. “Fast doesn’t always mean the best. Sometimes the slow paced, long runs feel a lot better on my body than when I absolutely peg it. For me I’d much rather get slow, longer runs in and listen to my body. I used to not listen and just go hard. My body wasn’t ready for that” - Phoebe.

In the case of Phoebe and Helmi, confidence comes from clubbing together with like-minded women – but the right gear certainly helps. We asked for their thoughts on the latest collection from Brooks, as both are wearing pieces from the collection. Phoebe is wearing Brooks’ running shoes, which she tells us are “so light and the cushioning is incredible”. In fact, she’s impressed with the full range: “The shoes, the leggings, the shorts, the track jackets – you can really tell every single detail has been thought about and that Brooks put themselves into a runner’s mindset. That’s so important when you're making running products because, say you’re doing a long run or an ultra, if the product quality isn’t good, that’s going to affect your outcome”, she says. Helmi meanwhile, is rocking a neon pink jacket – also from Brooks. “I have other running jackets which can feel crunchy or loud when running. This is so smooth. It’s easy to run in very light and waterproof”, she says. 

So, what’s next for Phoebe and Helmi? Both fancy an ultra marathon. Phoebe would like to challenge her body and see how far she can go. “Also to discover and explore new places. Running is such an amazing way of exploring the city”, she says. Helmi is keen to travel for her first ultra: “There’s one happening in May in Finland, which a couple of the other girls in our run club are going for. Also, because I’m Finnish, it would be quite cool to do that in Finland”, she says. 

So, whilst being a female in the sporting community can still come with its downfalls, Phoebe and Helmi highlight the empowered route to running with confidence. “Women continuing to hold space and be unapologetically themselves and crushing it – as well as people appreciating them for who they are, is SO important”, says Phoebe. We couldn’t have worded it better ourselves. 

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So, you’ve signed up to an endurance event (good choice), but where do you start when it comes to preparing? There are a few points to consider, to make sure you get the most out of your event, whether you’re taking part as a newbie or an elite athlete. We caught up with personal trainer, fitness instructor and resilience coach Slav Josephson to get the lowdown on his top prep tips for endurance events. (To follow Slav or support him on his next challenge click here).

1. Consider the extras in your kit

When it comes to endurance events, the kit will take a little more consideration than a marathon, for example. Slav notes the importance of “proper trail shoes – like mid to high trainers”. You’ll be traversing rugged terrains in all weathers so specialist shoes will stand up to those demanding environments. Aside from the obvious gear and safety requirements, Slav recommends running sticks - they’ll help you to navigate tricky obstacles without breaking your stride. Finally, “a GoPro or phone camera”, says Slav, “you don’t wanna miss the views!” We couldn’t agree more. 

2. Train in your gear

Once you’ve chosen the right gear – and all the extras you’ll need to embrace the adventure – Slav recommends training in your gear before the big day. Of course, when it comes to your running shoes, you need to wear them enough during training so they’re comfortable in time for your endurance event, with no rubbing or blisters. Slav also recommends training with your backpack and running sticks so you get used to having them with you when you hit the trails. 

3. Adjust your training

Whether you’re taking on an endurance event to finish it, or you’re in it for the camaraderie and breathtaking views, you can’t go wrong in adjusting your training to meet the demands of endurance events. “I’d incorporate high elevation into one of my weekly runs”, says Slav, “as well as a brick session run – usually followed by a bike or mountain hike, or even a treadmill session or spin”. Brick training refers to training that features two different disciplines – usually a run followed by a biking session. Many athletes find it useful for getting their bodies used to moving from one sport to the next in a single session, without experiencing the dreaded “jelly legs”. 

4. Train hard, but don’t stress over speed

The best part of an endurance event is the breathtaking views and sense of camaraderie amongst your fellow participants. Whilst Slav recommends preparing your body by gradually increasing your mileage and speed, he also notes the importance of not stressing over pace and speed. When training his clients in the past, he notes that they appreciated having “no stress over cut times. “If you don’t make a certain point, you can turn around and still finish the race. Just a little shorter”, he says. Reaching personal bests are great but with an endurance event, the very act of finishing it will give you a huge confidence boost. “Just go out there and do your best under the circumstances”, says Slav. 

5. Master the endurance mindset

By their very nature, training for endurance events can take their toll as your body and mind push past boundaries you may not have come up against before. Whilst this will undoubtedly take willpower and determination at times, remember not to compare yourself to others. Your own progress is what counts. “Like with any other training, be prepared for bad days. Realise that it’s the bad days that create us”, says Slav. On the days that feel hard, remind yourself why you’re doing this, don’t take yourself too seriously and of course – think about those incredible views from the top. 

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Feeling inspired? 

We thought so! Learn more about THE ROC events below:

THE ROC Wales (11th May 2024)

THE ROC England (7th September 2024)

THE ROC Scotland (5th October 2024)

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After a near-death experience with sepsis in 2021, the first endurance event that personal trainer Slav Josephson took on after leaving the ICU, was THE ROC Trilogy. He caught THE ROC bug and has since been encouraging his clients to take part, too. So, why do people of all backgrounds love THE ROC Trilogy so much? What makes it so unique? We caught up with Slav to find out. 

1. It’s inclusive and beginner-friendly

The beauty of THE ROC Trilogy? It’s a challenge like no other, but you don’t have to be an elite athlete to take part. Slav believes it’s the idea of cut-off times that puts people off taking part in endurance events. With THE ROC Trilogy, you needn’t worry about that. “THE ROC is super good with stuff like this”, says Slav. “Even if you don’t make the cut-off time, the team still lets you finish the race. With THE ROC Wales for example, you have a time to meet at a certain point up Snowdon. If you don’t make that time, you can just turn back and finish the race, without running the full distance, you will still get your medal just with a different ribbon. If you want to encourage people to do events like this, that’s a massive part of it, because then they’re not scared about not completing it”. 

2. The breathtaking views

THE ROC Trilogy offers views like no other. During THE ROC Wales, you’ll witness panoramic views from Snowdon. THE ROC England will see you biking past Coniston water. THE ROC Scotland promises tip-top views of Ben Nevis – to name just a few of the highlights. Slav’s favourite one to take part in is ROC Wales. “Wales in particular is just on a different level”, he says. “You start off at the sea on the beach, go through the forest, pass waterfalls and rivers. The 50k distance goes by just like ‘that’ because you’re just like ‘wow, wow, wow’. It’s like the whole world is condensed into one spot”. One thing that’s an absolute must on your packing list: a camera. 

3. It’s a huge confidence boost

Speaking of THE ROC Scotland, Slav says it’s the toughest challenge he’s ever taken on but that the feeling of completing it has boosted his confidence. When he took part, it was during the peak of a bad storm. “People who were supporting me were like ‘we’re getting weather warnings and they’re shutting train stations – but Slav is doing THE ROC!”, he says. “I literally had cramps everywhere but when I crossed that finish line, the feeling was unexplainable. A massive chunk of people never turned up and a big chunk didn’t finish. Being part of those who finished, it makes you realise your strength and you can transfer this into everyday life. When something happens in your life – like my illness – you think ‘if I can do that, I can cope with tasks in everyday life, as well’”, says Slav. If that’s not a good reason to take part, we don’t know what is.

4. The warm welcome

THE ROC Trilogy welcomes you into an inclusive community. “It’s nothing like the other big brands of triathlons where you’re literally just a number”, Slav says. “THE ROC is very family oriented. Everyone knows your name and there’s lots of chat before the race. There’s no egos. If anything needs sorting out, the team will do their best to help. With other brands, if you need help with anything, they will just send you a link to the rules”. As well as the support from THE ROC’s event organisers, Slav notes a great sense of camaraderie amidst his fellow participants. He says: “This guy, Iain, he wins everything. I don’t know how he does it. People who win other events I’ve taken part in, they wouldn’t just stop and chat to you – because they’re winners. Iain [winner of THE ROC] stops and talks, we message on Instagram. That’s the great thing about THE ROC”. 

5. It enhances your training regime

Training for THE ROC Trilogy involves strengthening all areas of your body through swimming, biking and running. This enhances your training regime and reduces your chance of injury in all disciplines. Taking part in an endurance event like THE ROC “will keep you in your training regime”, says Slav. “The fear factor makes you get out there and train, be nervous about it, and makes you feel alive. It’s the mental aspect, too”, he continues, “you finish the event and think ‘oh, maybe I’m better than I think”. 

If Slav’s story has left you feeling inspired, why not sign up? 

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Feeling inspired? 

We thought so! Learn more about THE ROC events below:

THE ROC Wales (11th May 2024)

THE ROC England (7th September 2024)

THE ROC Scotland (5th October 2024)

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To follow Slav and support him in his next endurance triathlon, click here.

Looking for fresh training motivation? Want to make a difference with your running? Signing up for a charity run may just do the trick. Other than raising money for a great cause, there are SO many reasons to get involved. Here, we take a look at why you might like to sign up for a charity run. 

Enjoy extra support

Once you’ve signed up for a charity run, you’ll find you get plenty of support from your chosen charity before, during and after the race. Each charity has its own way of supporting runners but fundraising tips, training plans and branded T-shirts are all pretty common. Some charities even offer post-race massages and parties, or waterproofs and extra kit on the day, to make sure unpredictable weather can’t rain on your parade. 

The fun of fundraising 

The joy of charity running can begin long before the start line. If you plan to go the extra mile with your fundraising, what better time to arrange a social event and help spread the word? Whilst pre-run fundraising events aren’t a requirement, they’re the perfect excuse to get creative, get your friends together and get your sponsorship form filled. 

The roar of the crowd

Most charities have designated cheering points where supporters can give you an extra-loud cheer and shout out your name on the way past. They’ll usually direct your friends and family here, too, so they can get a good view. A roar of cheers from family, friends and other supporters will have you feeling like a superhero for the day. 

Make a positive difference

Lacking motivation? Nothing gets you up and running like making a difference to a cause you care about. When you’re on those last few miles and your energy might be flagging, the thought of running for a charity close to your heart will help spur you on to the finish line. This is your moment to give something back. 

Raise awareness

With lots of spectators and even the chance of media coverage, marathons and other running events are the perfect place to spread the word about your chosen charity. Plus, any fundraising efforts in the lead-up to the event provide a precious opportunity to chat to your sponsors about how your charity makes a difference. 

Raise extra money through Gift Aid

If your sponsors are UK tax payers and fill out a few extra details on your sponsorship form,  the charity you’re running for can claim tax relief, which puts even more money into the charity pot. This is known as Gift Aid and makes a huge difference to your fundraising efforts. 

Reach your goals

Training for a charity run will boost your fitness, help you to set and achieve new personal bests and give you motivation to achieve your goals. On those days when you’d rather snuggle back down under the duvet, having your charity at the heart of your training will give you a good reason to get up and achieve great things. 

Socialise and have fun 

You can always count on a charity event to play host to all sorts of weird and wonderful costumes and of course, plenty of fun. They’re also a great opportunity to network with like-minded people and make friends. The positive atmosphere and sense of camaraderie at these events can be addictive.  

The charity runner’s high

There’s the runner’s high and then there’s the charity runner’s high. Can you imagine completing the race and thinking about how all your hard work will help to change lives? Not much can beat that finish-line feeling after a charity run. 

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How did you first start fundraising? What was your motivation?

My brother, Graham, passed away from a rare strain of meningitis in 2019, aged 20. Since then, life hasn’t been the same for myself, my family, or  his friends. This is  something that will never make sense. Graham didn’t have any of the usual meningitis symptoms; he was fit, healthy and young. The illness took him within hours.

Why did you choose the Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF)?

Since Graham’s death, I’m committed to raising as much money as I can for the Meningitis Research Foundation and for me, raising awareness is equally as important. When you’re at university, you think you’ve got your whole life ahead of you, but meningitis can strike very quickly. I encourage everyone to look up the symptoms of meningitis. It can affect anyone at any time. Being knowledgeable about this killer disease could help save the lives of those close to you.

What support do you get from the Meningitis Research Foundation? 

The MRF are very supportive. They offer  regular fundraiser check-ins, training webinars, a Facebook group for fellow marathon runners and  of course, massage and plenty of food and drinks at the end of the marathon!

What do you get from fundraising?

The key benefit for me personally is raising awareness, so I feel like I’m making a difference. There are also other benefits I’ve found such as meeting other people who have sadly suffered similar loss. I’ve made lots of friends through running and it’s given me the chance to spend time with like-minded people.

For people starting out, what are your top tips?

You don’t have to be a runner to run a marathon. Running events are about bringing people together and doing something positive. The main thing is to enjoy it. Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone also gives you a great sense of achievement and is great for building resilience.

What are some of the most memorable ways you’ve raised money for MRF?

The Richmond Half Marathon was the first event I ran in Graham’s honour. Lots of Graham's friends and family ran it too. Most of us had never ran 5k prior to this, but everyone completed it. It was the first time I realised I could use running as a ‘force for good’, and since then I’ve ran in five events on behalf of MRF.

What are your goals for this year?

My personal running goal is aiming for a PB of sub 3hrs 25 in the 2024 TCS London Marathon . I’d better continue with the training!

My ongoing life goal is to raise both money and awareness for the Meningitis Research Foundation. So far we’ve raised over £36,000 in memory of Graham and I will continue to fundraise to defeat meningitis. If I can help raise awareness and it saves another family from going through what my family have been  through, then I will have made a difference.

I think Graham would be really proud of us. My just giving link is https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/RyanW2024

Learn more about MRF and how you can get involved here.

Fancy trying something new? Triathlons may be the thing for you in 2024. The challenge of mastering three disciplines to complete a triathlon attracts people of all ages and abilities to try the sport that combines swimming, biking and running. Getting to the stage of crossing the finishing line of this exhilarating sport involves physical and mental strength – and it’s totally worth it!

Professional triathlete and British Triathlon accredited coach, Natalie Lawrence shares five tips on how to get into a triathlon and why you might like to get started:

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1. It’s a hugely rewarding achievement

Sometimes the best rewards come from stepping out of your comfort zone. Overcoming self-doubt and feeling a little scared means that being consistent with training and getting to the finishing line will be even more rewarding. For beginners, I recommend starting with a super-sprint, or sprint distance race. These are typically short swim legs of around 200-400m and they’re based in the pool or open water. See if you enjoy it before investing more time (and money) into the sport. Then you could try a longer, more challenging event. Events like the Outlaw Triathlon Series offer long distance events as well as sprints, aquathlons (swim-run) and aquabikes (swim-bike), which are ideal for a first event. Not only that, but you can watch more experienced triathletes do their thing, too

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2. Make friends and discover new communities

Triathlon is a lifestyle sport that can fit into the time that you have available. Having four young children myself and running a coaching business, I schedule time for training so that I don’t feel guilty for interrupting family life. Triathlon is a friendly and sociable sport, so you’re likely to meet lots of like-minded people. Finding your tribe can help you to feel more connected and self-confident, which you can achieve by being part of a club or group, or simply just through chatting to others at events. Many of my lifelong friends have come from the sport and I continue to make new connections the more I’m involved in the community. 

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3. Invest in your lifelong fitness and health 

The commitment of working towards a big goal has physical, mental, social, and emotional benefits. By spreading training across three disciplines, you create a broad fitness base using different muscles and energy systems. Spreading your time across swimming, cycling, and running also reduces your injury risk and provides an endless source of learning. I recommend strength training alongside triathlon as it is important for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and overall strength and power improvements. All this training, of course, must be supported with good nutrition and recovery. Once you’ve mastered these aspects, you’ll not only be a good triathlete, but will have improved your long-term positive health.

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4. It doesn’t have to cost the earth 

Triathletes can be flashy with their shiny bikes and fancy gadgets. However, it doesn’t have to cost the earth, especially at beginner level. There are events where the swim takes place in a pool, so you just need your regular swimwear, and if you already own a bike, you have a head start. Many events can be completed on mountain or hybrid bikes. You need a cycle helmet and, of course, a pair of running shoes – but you might not need much new equipment to get started. As you progress in the sport (note: it’s very addictive), there are plenty of second-hand triathlon bargains, as well as free training advice and programmes available on the internet. When you start, the hours you put into training are much more important than the pounds you invest into gear. It would be worth investing in a coaching plan as you progress, to give you the best tools for achieving your multisport goals.

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5. You are never too old to Tri 

It’s never too late to start! This is the beauty of triathlon; it welcomes and caters for all ages. Whether you’re a beginner or want to compete for your country at the world championships, there are age groups up to 90+ at all triathlon events! If you are fit, healthy and up for the challenge, there’s nothing to stop you from taking on your first triathlon. Plus, you never know who you’re inspiring along the way.

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Natalie Lawrence is an ambassador for the award-winning Outlaw Triathlon Series, which features events from sprint to long-distance. She combines professional sport with being a mum to four young children and running a coaching business for all levels of triathlete: www.nlfitness.net

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Triathlete and Hits Radio DJ Hattie Pearson is here to share her best triathlon tips for beginners. From her top hacks for gearing up without it costing a fortune, to keeping motivated and of course, crossing that finish line, here’s the lowdown on setting yourself up for triathlon success. Over to you, Hattie. 

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1. Set your goal and go smash it!

Choose an event that’s suitable for you and that you think you’ll enjoy. Book something that’s challenging enough that you’ll feel you’re pushing yourself, but nothing too difficult that you’ll end up injured because, where’s the fun in that? Find an event that’s local to you to save on travelling and additional stress. There are hundreds of events nationwide. 

After doing one sprint distance triathlon in 2021, I knew I wanted to up the distance; that’s when I applied to be part of Team Outlaw and got a place to compete in my first ever middle-distance triathlons at Outlaw Half Nottingham and Outlaw Half Holkham. I loved every minute!  

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2. Beg/borrow/buy second hand

Triathlon can be — but doesn’t need to be — expensive and very addictive. I’m telling you now, because once you’re in, there’s no looking back! Starting out, you definitely don’t need all the gear. Think of people you could potentially borrow from if you don’t have specific items. There is so much second-hand kit available online too; think of all those now-unwanted lockdown purchases. You could find an absolute steal and save yourself a fortune. I did my first triathlon on a hybrid bike with a rusty chain!

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3. Safety first 

Make sure you’re safe! Open water swimming comes with risks, and that’s why it’s always important to do it as part of an organised group. 

In terms of the cycling element, you’ll see bikes that are worth thousands of pounds that look like spaceships, but as long as yours is road worthy and safe, it doesn’t need to be anything special — put a baguette in a basket on the front of your bike if you really want to! Oh yeah, and don’t forget your helmet! You don’t need to spend thousands on a new bike; just hop on the saddle, give it a peddle and see whether you get the bug.

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4. Group training FTW

Whether it’s your local park run, your regional triathlon club or some colleagues from work who like riding their bikes at the weekend, try to find others to train with. Triathlon is a solo sport when it comes to race day, but when you’re putting in the hours of training, you want to have fun and making it social makes it less daunting. From joining communities like 10IronWomen and Manchester Triathlon Club, I’ve made friends for life and learned so much from more experienced athletes who are willing to share their tips.

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5. Smile for the camera!

Don’t worry about your time or pace on your first time out. You’re a newbie to the sport and there’s no need to put added pressure on yourself to be doing as well as Colin from accounts whose been doing triathlons for 30+ years! Bring supporters along with you. Recruit your friends or family to be there cheering you on and soak up the atmosphere. You’ve put in some hard work and the very least you deserve is a hug at the finish line and a lift home! 

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Hattie Pearson is a HITS Radio DJ and an ambassador for Outlaw Triathlon. You can use her discount code  – HATTIEXOL24 – for 5% off your race entry and Outlaw will donate a further 5% to Hattie’s chosen charity, Fund Her Tri.

https://www.instagram.com/hattiepearson/

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