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
