If you did wish to use the
article on your website I would appreciate it if you could
include a link to our site:
www.physiointhecity.co.uk. We are a Private
Physiotherapist clinic with 6 practices across London
(including Canary Wharf, Wimbledon and Cheam in Surrey),
offering top of the range treatment to both professional and
amateur sports people. If you have any questions or queries
please do not hesitate to telephone our main City reception
020 7283 0108 to chat to our area manager, Kim Israel.
Thank you for your time, and I wish you all
the best success this season!
Kind regards,
Amy, Administrator, physio
in the city.
So what
is a triathlon?
The most common
race is an Olympic distance comprising of 1500m swim, 40km
bike and a 10km run. You are timed from the start of your
swim to the end of your run and therefore any time in
between, also know as transition, must be kept to a minimum.
You will have to not only master the swim, bike and run but
also master the skill of changing from a wet suit into your
biking/running outfit.
It is a
multi-discipline sport and therefore involves cross
training, which is very good for you ,physically however
injury issues can still arise.
Swimming
When competing
in a triathlon you will normally do an open water swim. This
differs from swimming in a pool, firstly, because you will
have to wear a wetsuit.
* It is
important that you swim in your wetsuit before race day.
* The wetsuit should fit properly. It can feel very
claustrophobic if it is too small and if it is too big it
may slow you down.
* Use a lubricant around the neck, underarms and in-between
the legs to prevent chaffing, and it will also help the
wetsuit to come off quickly when you have completed your
swim. It is better to use a natural base lubricant and it is
advisable not to use Vaseline as it will eat into the
fabric.
Secondly
swimming in a lake, river or sea can be scary if you have
never done it before especially if there are several people
flailing their arms about, which tends to happen in a race.
It is advisable to attend an open water swim before you
race. There are several lakes that you can swim in and
prepare yourself for an open water swim.
Thirdly it is
vital that you have a good technique as swimming is a very
common cause of shoulder injuries. If you develop pain
during swimming, which remains persistent or presents every
time you swim then you should see a physiotherapist as they
can limit the pain, reduce the risk of further injury and
offer preventative advice.
Biking
This is the
longest part of the race and it is therefore important that
you get a bike that is comfortable. It is important to
practice on your bike in your racing clothes to make sure
that you feel comfortable. Most importantly you must
concentrate on your technique. When pedalling you must push
and pull in a circular motion so that you don’t put too much
stress on any one muscles group. Pain will stop you from
performing so if you experience any pain whilst cycling see
a physiotherapist to get advice. The pain may be caused by a
muscle imbalance or tightness, which can easily be corrected
through exercises which will also prevent any further
problems.
Running
Running is the
final event and a common cause of all injuries, aches and
pains. Correct footwear is essential if you are thinking of
running any distance. It is advisable to visit a store that
specialises in running so that they can advise you on
choosing the correct shoe and also watch you running in the
trainer. Physio in the city is now able to analyse your
running style using video analysis which is more effective
to pick up any problems or faults that may be causing pain
or could cause injury in the future.
The triathlon is
a great sport but there is no pleasure in competing with
pain so if in doubt visit a physiotherapist for more advice.
Helen was the
winner of the London Triathlon for her age group and has
been selected to represent Great Britain in the World
Triathlon in Honolulu in October 2005.
Helen Smith
works at our
City
clinic
