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With the holidays period now behind us and as we return to our daily routines of early alarms, finding the right PE kit and homework book, etc, the focus for a dedicated few is firmly fixed on Bahrain’s first ‘half distance’ or ‘70.3’ triathlon, writes Ed Zakery.
Challenge Bahrain is taking place on December 6 and will take competitors through a 1.9km swim around Bahrain Bay, a 90km bike ride through Muharraq and down around Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and finishing up with a 21.1km run around Al Areen Wildlife Park and BIC.
The moniker ‘70.3’ is used, equating to the exact number of miles participants exercise.
This outstanding event will play host to more than 60 of the biggest names in international triathlon, along with hundreds of enthusiastic ‘age groupers’. We should all be proud of our island hosting the richest triathlon race on the planet!
As amateur athletes we, of course, do not have the same access to coaches, facilities and nutritionists that the professionals do, but thanks to that great invention of Sir Tim Berners-Lee, we have the internet at our disposal.
The exponential growth of the sport of triathlon has led to many articles, guidelines and plans on training, nutrition and equipment, all at our finger tips.
As we take to our training plans and commence our daily exercise it is important to remember we do this for fun and as a way of challenging ourselves to push the limits and speak proudly of our accomplishments.
In order to achieve this, acknowledging what allows us to train and those that support us is important and worth remembering as we get into the swing of things.
The summer season is still present and with high temperatures and humidity beating down on us it is essential to stay hydrated.
The term ‘bonking’ would normally bring sniggers from the back of the classroom, but it is a serious term you must avoid at all costs! To ‘bonk’ is to have the feeling of running out of energy, the point where your body has depleted its glycogen reserves and feels like you absolutely have no energy or fuel in your body.
Ensure your water intake is regular and supplemented with essential electrolytes as under the intense heat and physical exertion water is not always enough. Remember if you are thirsty and your mouth is dry, it’s too late as you are already dehydrated. Drink sips ... and often during training.
What we put into our bodies gets turned into fuel we burn. Fill an unleaded car with diesel and see how far it goes. Likewise fill our tanks with the right kind of food. If the intake is not providing the nutrients, minerals and vitamins required to compliment the exercise the chance of injury and fatigue will increase.
Keep a balanced diet focusing on lean meats, vegetables and fruits, staying away from fatty and processed foods; however, there is nothing wrong with rewarding yourself with your favourite filthy burger or big breakfast! A cheat day is a good way of rewarding yourself for the exercise you’ve done, just don’t have a cheat day every day!
Listen to your body, learn to feel and spot the signs of dehydration, fatigue and injury and never be embarrassed about pulling up and taking a rest.
Triathlon is about breaking down the barriers of our mental and physical constraints not jeopardising our wellbeing and family life. Muscle burn is great and something we want to feel but feeling light-headed is a sure sign to reel it back and take a breather.
Make time for your family and rest.
Triathlon is a selfish sport as we put in numerous training hours and often neglecting those around us. Without the support of family and friends it would be impossible to compete.
Skipping a run to go to the cinema with the kids or having an early night in because you are feeling drained only confirms your priorities are in the right place and you have an understanding of this demanding sport.
Lastly, it is important to take a step back and a deep breath to remember we do this for fun, for the thrill, for the enjoyment and camaraderie that comes with supporting and challenging ourselves and our peers to better ourselves and cross that line. It is what keeps us coming back to this crazy sport, so if you are not enjoying it, you are not doing it right!
Over the coming weeks the Bahrain Triathlon Club will be providing more in-depth articles on varying topics associated with the great sport of triathlon; covering areas from the ever critical nutrition to training techniques and maintaining that elusive work/ life/ family/ training balance. Join us as we gear up and countdown to December.
We are grateful to our sponsors for the 2014/2015 season including Reza Hygiene, Apache Capital, McLaren Group, Trowers & Hamlins, Propel Consult and InTouch Clinic.
* For further details on the Bahrain Triathlon Club email bahraintriathlon@gmail.com or visit www.bahraintri.com and for more information on Challenge Bahrain visit www.challenge-bahrain.com.bh
