STAR LETTER
CANI DO IT?
Around six months ago I fulfilled a long-time dream of mine and expanded my little family to include an adorable one-year-old vizsla, whom we’ve named Bessie. In another life I was a keen trail runner, but recently running around after the kids has taken full precedent.
Now with our new ball of energy, we’ve been doing some run/walks and learning the ins and outs of harness running and commands. It’s hectic but a lot of fun! Hopefully by the end of the summer we’ll be ready to enter our first 5km canicross event.
I wondered whether you had many other readers who are also taking a plunge in the canicross world or, alternatively, any seasoned professionals who could offer us some tips or share their stories? Thanks! Eliza Shelby
220 replies: How exciting, Eliza, and what a great way to get back into running with your furry friend. Head to 220triathlon.com for some tips from Lindsay Johnson at ‘Cani-Fit’ and we’ll let you know if anyone replies.
Got an opinion to share? Then email us at fao220@220triathlon.com
THIS MONTH’S LETTERS
BUDGET ENERGY
Wanted to chip in after reading your ‘tri on a budget’ article in the last issue (403). I’d like to think I pride myself on not spending crazy money on triathlon, despite the three sports it involves.
“I used to be a keen trail runner, but recently running around after the kids has taken precedent”
My best move was to stop spending huge amounts on snacks. I quickly realised that the cost of one energy bar (around £2) was the same cost as buying a jumbo pack of oats (50p), bottle of golden syrup (80p) and a bunch of bananas. Just heat it all in the oven on 180°C for 35mins and you’ll have a whole tray of flapjacky goodness. I just can’t bring myself to ‘splash out’ on shop-bought bars anymore.
The same can be said for training, in a sense. Instead of buying a super expensive indoor bike trainer or spending hundreds on laneswimming sessions, which incidentally I couldn’t afford anyway, I get outside in all weathers on the roads and in free rivers or protected bays for my swim, bike and run sessions. Stay safe, but give it a go. Triathlon can definitely be accessible for all if you put your mind to it! Keelan Brockhurst
220 replies: We couldn’t agree more, Keelan. There are certainly many ways to make triathlon training and racing more affordable. Find more tips at 220triathlon.com.
SHIVERING TIPS
In response to Leila’s ‘case of the shivers’ (issue 401), I sea swim in Scotland all year round, and skins in winter, so have had a lot of practise in the art of warming up.
My top tip is to take a supermarket insulated ‘freezergoods’ bag (mine was £1.50 from Aldi) and, while swimming, have your towel wrapped around a hot water bottle and your base layer/ woolly hat in the bag keeping cosy.
When you get out, your towel is warm and you wrap that around you, put on your hat and base layer, then empty the hot water bottle into the bag and stand in it, thus warming your feet while you fiddle around getting your top-half layers on.
Note: Do NOT do this with bare feet. Keep your swim socks on, otherwise you will scald your feet. Once your top half is dressed you can then sort out your feet and bottom half.
I find that if my feet are warmed up then the rest of my body warms up much quicker. And if still cold, some jumping jacks or a brisk jog up and down the beach soon gets the circulation going. Carolyn Dyson
220 replies: Great tips, Carolyn. We agree you can’t beat a freezer bag packed with warm clothes and a hot water bottle! Just be really careful if you’re exposing your feet to hot water. It’s very easy to burn cold, numb feet as the sensation is compromised. So we’d recommend a separate thermos of lukewarm (not hot) water for warming your feet, while the hot water bottle can be tucked inside your clothes for added body warmth!
WRITE IN AND WIN!
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AMP Human Recovery Kit worth £90
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1 @triathlon_worldrecord_andy Day 10 of Guinness World Record; 70 consecutive 70-mile triathlons in 70 days done! 1/7 of the challenge done! That’s a total distance of 703 miles covered so far.
2 @yiannis.christodoulou Quote of the week! No matter how many times you get knocked down, keep getting up & move forward.
3 @berkshiretrisquad Once again, a great BTS social event at Lee Valley Velopark.
4 @becksywecksy First swim of 2022! About time. Swim therapy at its best. Missed these lido skies…
5 @jase140.6 The final .2 #26.2 #manchestermarathon
6 @triathlonboon Had the most amazing trail run this weekend in West Bay, Dorset! Over 250m elevation climbs along the Jurassic Coast cliffs! Can’t wait to explore more runs in the Cotswolds this weekend!
7 @tri_dad86 Another Friday and another brick.
8 @lionelwille_tricoach Sharing a passion!
9 @road_between_140.6 #workharddreambig #triathlonmotivation