{"id":13067,"date":"2022-04-14T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-04-13T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/?post_type=purple_issue&#038;p=13067"},"modified":"2022-04-19T15:08:18","modified_gmt":"2022-04-19T13:08:18","slug":"how-to-tri-on-a-budget","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/2022\/04\/14\/how-to-tri-on-a-budget\/","title":{"rendered":"How to tri on a budget"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image alignfull article-in-image photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1448\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/9ceaa93f-05c8-4a6d-bdfd-49c849f5b3d9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-13057\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/9ceaa93f-05c8-4a6d-bdfd-49c849f5b3d9.jpg 1448w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/9ceaa93f-05c8-4a6d-bdfd-49c849f5b3d9-212x300.jpg 212w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/9ceaa93f-05c8-4a6d-bdfd-49c849f5b3d9-724x1024.jpg 724w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/9ceaa93f-05c8-4a6d-bdfd-49c849f5b3d9-768x1086.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/9ceaa93f-05c8-4a6d-bdfd-49c849f5b3d9-1086x1536.jpg 1086w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1448px) 100vw, 1448px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h1 class=\"has-text-align-center\">HOW TO TRI ON A BUDGET<\/h1>\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center sans-serif article-full-lead\">Triathlon has never been known as a \u2018cheap\u2019 sport, but in a postpandemic era, with living costs hitting astronomical new highs, how is it possible to continue racing your beloved hobby without overly compromising either your bank balance or your experience? We investigate&#8230;<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center sans-serif article-full-byline\"><strong>Words <\/strong>Tim Heming<strong> Images <\/strong>Steve Sayers<\/p>\n\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap article-full-body sans-serif\">Anyone who has ever packed a transition bag understands why triathlon is not \u2013 and never will be \u2013 the cheapest of sports. The typical triathlete has way more gear than they need, but even stripping it back to essentials there\u2019s still a lengthy checklist to tick off. Then there\u2019s race entry to consider, and by the time travel, food, accommodation and some nervous, late kit purchases are included, the cost starts to add up. However, there is choice.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">While \u00a31,200 for a wetsuit, \u00a310,000 for a bike and another five-figure sum entering enough Ironmans to qualify for a legacy place in Hawaii might be out of reach, you can compete in second-hand neoprene and on a bike one-10th of the price and still be competitive. And while a Pacific-island adventure has obvious allure, there are great races available on home soil, too.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"article-subhead\"><strong>THE TRI LANDSCAPE<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">There\u2019s no denying costs are on the rise. Brexit, a pandemic and global conflict have all contributed to inflationary pressures, and triathlon is not immune. Gary Roethenbaugh from the Triathlon Industry Association (TIA) and founder of Multisport Research says the appetite to spend is still there but the sport needs new blood.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">\u201cWe\u2019ve had two years of no new starters due to the pandemic,\u201d Roethenbaugh says. \u201cIt puts triathlon at a disadvantage because unlike running it\u2019s inextricably linked to<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">the event landscape.\u201d Roethenbaugh believes 2022 will prove to be a \u201ctransitionary year\u201d, with those reluctant to sign up for organised events continuing with informal activities such as Everesting or Strava challenges. \u201cBut because the majority come to tri from a run background, and because the pandemic sparked a boom in running, 2023-24 should see triathlon as a beneficiary,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image size-large article-in-image photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/DSC0311-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-13516\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/DSC0311-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/DSC0311-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/DSC0311-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/DSC0311-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/DSC0311-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Drilling into the detail, TIA\u2019s recent research shows the intent to buy running shoes (63%) over the next few months far outstrips any other purchase. It also shows around a quarter are considering buying a new wetsuit in the first half of 2022 and one in five a new bike. Tellingly though, more than one-in-three are reluctant to spend because they already have the required kit.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Roethenbaugh also thinks the desire to be more environmentally friendly is creeping into the psyche, such as buying more second-hand products and making demands on race organisers to go green. \u201cIt\u2019s part of the COP26 zeitgeist,\u201d he says, referring to 2021\u2019s summit in Glasgow.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"article-subhead\"><strong>TRAINING &amp; COACHING<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">However much the sport is dressed up, there will always be a purity to tri: you can run and cycle from your doorstep, and \u2013 as long as swimming pools remain open \u2013 head out for a dip. Training can almost always be done, and usually at low cost.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Yet all of us need a bit of guidance from time to time, especially if we\u2019ve a lofty event goal and aren\u2019t 100% sure how to navigate to the finish line. \u201cI definitely think coaching is a \u2018nice to have\u2019 rather than a \u2018need to have\u2019, especially when starting out,\u201d says Adam Gibson, head coach of GreenlightPT in Milton Keynes. \u201cThere\u2019ll be plenty of good \u2013 and maybe some bad! \u2013 advice at your local tri club or training squad, so that\u2019s a good place to start.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image alignwide size-large article-in-image photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/DSC0450-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-13517\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/DSC0450-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/DSC0450-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/DSC0450-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/DSC0450-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/DSC0450-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Whereas a one-to-one plan might set you back between \u00a350 to \u00a3250 per month, you\u2019ll pay the equivalent for an annual club membership, and the value will quickly be recouped through kit discounts or pool time.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">\u201cIf someone wants to step up from that, it\u2019s better to read books, listen to podcasts and make your <span>own informed training plans rather than use a free generic plan [although <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/220tri.com\">220tri.com<\/a> does have a wealth of great, free training plans available to download],\u201d Gibson adds. \u201cOnce you understand the basic principles you should be able to apply these to the sessions you have time for. A tri coach is the next logical step. Personalised training plans avoid ongoing costs. You usually submit information to a coach and they\u2019ll knock something up for you to get on with.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">\u201cThe top tier option would be having a coach reviewing and adjusting your training on a weekly basis. Just be careful you\u2019re getting what you pay for. There are plenty of horror stories of athletes paying for what is technically a copy and paste job.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">\u201cUltimately, it comes down to where you are in your \u2018triathlon journey\u2019 and your budget. Some people have had great results without any coaching, but don\u2019t underestimate the value of having someone with the right skills and knowledge in your corner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">The TIA research backed up Gibson\u2019s view that <span>triathletes take differing approaches. One in four (26%) used a free training plan last year, 28% hadn\u2019t had any coaching, and 22% were coached through a club. In addition, 29% also used training platforms such as Zwift and TrainerRoad.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"article-subhead\"><strong>KIT&amp; NUTRITION<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Triathletes can be obsessed with kit and brands love them for it. But while a featherlight tri bike and the latest <span>carbon-plated trainers undoubtedly aid performance, bigger gains will always be made through training. Net result? You can keep kit costs down and still revel in the sport.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">The pandemic saw a cycling boom through a combination of furlough, working from home, quieter roads and the push for better health. It also led to a thriving second-hand market, not just for workhorse commuter bikes, but for pre-owned premium bikes with warranties. For example, Cycle Exchange is offering a 2018 Pinarello Dogma F8 Sram Force AXS road bike for \u00a34,695 \u2013 marked down from \u00a36,750.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image alignwide size-large article-in-image photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"702\" src=\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-8-1024x702.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-13343\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-8-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-8-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-8-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-8.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">It isn\u2019t just the bike, though. \u201cWhen Boris [Johnson] said openwater swimming is a good thing, wetsuit sales went crazy,\u201d says Dean Jackson, founder of Huub. But supply and distribution issues coupled with nervous companies initially pulling back on orders due to an uncertain outlook, has led to many being short of stock.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">\u201cWe continued buying knowing that when we came out the other side, we might be the only ones with product,\u201d Jackson adds. \u201cNow it\u2019s a mad rush. Factories that previously had a minimum order of 500 wetsuits are demanding 3,000. It\u2019s why anyone ordering custom kit might have experienced issues.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Overheads have soared. Jackson estimates the cost of raw materials for neoprene has risen by 15%. Container costs have tripled, with ships on a go-slow to save fuel resulting in longer lead times.<\/p>\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-color uagb-block-4742385e-431b-4cce-a597-b6e775340987 article-boxout\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-center article-subhead\"><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-ccp-secondary-dark-color\">MAKE YOUR OWN ENERGY BALLS<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-ccp-secondary-dark-color\">These spiced peanut balls are perfect for those who crave savoury foods rather than the standard sugary on-the-bike feeds. Plus, they\u2019re particularly effective in hot weather to replace some of the electrolytes that are lost through sweat.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image size-large article-in-image photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"702\" src=\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-3-1024x702.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-13338\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-3-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-3-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-3-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-3.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-ccp-secondary-dark-color\"><strong>INGREDIENTS <\/strong><br><strong>100g<\/strong> skinned unsalted peanuts <strong>20g<\/strong> milled chia seed <strong>160g<\/strong> crunchy peanut butter (Whole Earth works best)<strong> 40g <\/strong>porridge oats, <strong>plus 2tbsps<\/strong> extra to coat <strong>1\/2 tsp <\/strong>salt <strong>Pinch<\/strong> cayenne pepper <strong>Pinch<\/strong> chilli powder<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-ccp-secondary-dark-color\"><strong>1. <\/strong>Place the peanuts in a food processor and pulse until roughly chopped. Add the chia seed, peanut butter, porridge oats, salt and spices and give the mix a quick blast to combine.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-ccp-secondary-dark-color\"><strong>2<\/strong>. Take small handfuls of mixture, about 12g each, and roll into balls in the palm of your hands.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-ccp-secondary-dark-color\"><strong>3. <\/strong>Spoon 2tbsps porridge oats into a bowl and then toss the balls in the mix to cover completely. These will keep for a couple of weeks, stored in a plastic bag or airtight container. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Labour is also up, and the larger surfer wetsuit market has taken priority over swim wetsuits.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Where does this leave the consumer? \u201cWe\u2019ve got to get away from the mentality of \u00a399 wetsuits,\u201d Jackson says. \u201cIf you get a wetsuit for \u00a3150 you should be pleased with yourself. We\u2019ve done well with our ex-demo line. If a suit comes in for a size swap, we sell it as an ex-demo. So, you can get an incredible suit for \u00a3150-\u00a3200.\u201d Moving forward Jackson expects wetsuit prices to rise by 10-15%, although he is dismissive of recent eye-catching four-figure prices.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">With retailers taking around 50% of the sale price, direct-to-consumer selling is seen as the golden ticket by sports nutrition brand 33Fuel, which has grown steadily over the past decade.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">\u201cThere\u2019s no doubt that the pandemic put a huge squeeze on supply chain logistics, but being online-only gives us more headroom,\u201d says its co-founder Warren Pole. \u201cWe can spend more making a better product while retaining better prices. We aren\u2019t the cut-price option as our ingredients cost more, but our products are priced competitively to be comparable to the market leader.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Pole explains how 33Fuel has been forced to absorb rising overheads. \u201cConsider how many pairs of hands a delivery goes through, from the raw materials to the customer. For every 10 people, suddenly five are isolating. It hit all e-commerce retailers. For example, Royal Mail and Parcel Force use the hold of passenger planes and there weren\u2019t many flying. Courier costs roughly&nbsp;<span>doubled and in many cases are still rising. Then there\u2019s Brexit. If you\u2019re sending or receiving anything from within the EU, you have to supply paperwork. Even if no duty is applied, it\u2019s several hours of work.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-color uagb-block-e2566413-d50f-407f-af10-0e12821b3df5 article-boxout\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-center article-subhead\"><em><strong>220\u2019S  TOP BUDGET KIT PICKS<\/strong><\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/DSC0235-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-13518\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/DSC0235-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/DSC0235-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/DSC0235-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/DSC0235-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/DSC0235-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>BOARDMAN SLR \u00a3550 <\/strong><br>Half the price of the carbon version, this entry-level bike boasts great value with a triplebutted aluminium frame, full-carbon fork, and 8-speed Claris gears. <em><a href=\"http:\/\/boardmanbikes.com\">boardmanbikes.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>ENDURA FS260-PRO HELMET \u00a389.99 <\/strong><br>Versatile and durable with 14 sizeable ventilation channels. <em><a href=\"http:\/\/endurasport.com\">endurasport.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>GIROJAG MITTS \u00a319.99<\/strong><br>Lightly padded, fingerless gloves, with four-way stretch Lycra and small velcro top closure. <em><a href=\"http:\/\/wiggle.co.uk\">wiggle.co.uk<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>HUUB COMMIT LC TRI SUIT \u00a3119.99<\/strong><br>Stylish design, lightweight fabric, a silky tri-specific pad, and angled pockets for gels. <em><a href=\"http:\/\/huubdesign.com\">huubdesign.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>DHB AERON 2.0 WETSUIT \u00a3180<\/strong><br>Quality, entry-level wetsuit . Yamamoto neoprene provides buoyancy and flexibility, with extra stretch nylon backing. <em><a href=\"http:\/\/wiggle.co.uk\">wiggle.co.uk<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>LOMO VISTA GOGGLES \u00a310<\/strong><br>Mirrored goggles with UV-protection and a split headband for comfort. For open water and pool. <em><a href=\"http:\/\/lomo.co.uk\">lomo.co.uk<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>PINNACLE RADIUM ROAD CYCLING SHOES \u00a399.99 <\/strong><br>Quick to fasten with a dial-closure system, and an aeriated upper with comfy padded collar. <em><a href=\"http:\/\/evanscycles.com\/\">evanscycles.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>TOPEAK TOPLOADER TOP TUBE BAG \u00a332.99<\/strong><br>Large, padded, and easy to fasten and access. <em><a href=\"http:\/\/extrauk.co.uk\/\">extrauk.co.uk<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>UNDER ARMOUR CHARGED PURSUIT 3 RUN SHOE \u00a355 <\/strong><br>Padded, lightweight shoes, with comfy sock liner and \u2018compression moulded foam\u2019 midsole for impact absorption. <em><a href=\"http:\/\/underarmour.co.uk\">underarmour.co.uk<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>CAMELBAK PODIUM BOTTLE \u00a311<\/strong><br>Fits into a standard bottle cage and has a selfsealing valve with a twistlocking top. <em><a href=\"http:\/\/wiggle.co.uk\">wiggle.co.uk<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>HIGH5 ENERGY GEL \u00a31.26 <\/strong><br>Made with fruit juice plus vitamin B6, one gel provides 23g of fast-releasing carbs. <em><a href=\"http:\/\/wiggle.co.uk\">wiggle.co.uk<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif\"><strong>COROS PACE 2 MULTISPORT WATCH \u00a3179.99 <\/strong><br>Two-hundred sport profiles including swim, bike, run metrics, solid GPS and optical HR sensor. <em><a href=\"http:\/\/coros.com\">coros.com<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Pole\u2019s tips for keeping consumer costs down is to think of sports nutrition as a \u201csupplement\u201d and use sparingly. \u201cToo many brands sell it as a mainstay of the diet,\u201d he explains. \u201cIt\u2019s just not true. You should be eating far more real food than sports nutrition. Most people will experience a significant uplift in performance simply by drinking more water and eating more veg and less ultra-processed foods.\u201d [See this month\u2019s budget recipes on p75.]<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"702\" src=\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-7-1024x702.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-13342\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-7-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-7-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-7-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-7.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"article-subhead\"><strong>RACE ENTRY<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">If Ironman is the benchmark for triathlon events, then news it\u2019s selling places to its World Championship event in Utah in May because not enough qualifiers want to go is a worrying sign for the sport.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">But it might also be a cue to nab a bargain entry, because while some 2022 events are sold-out \u2013 often due to deferrals from previous cancellations \u2013 others are offering juicy discounts to entice sign-ups.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\"><span style=\"color: rgb(18,18,18)\">While few have gone as far as the Professional Triathletes Organisation (the PTO marketed its middle distance races in Dallas and Edmonton this summer for just under $400 and then slashed the price in half within days), UK race organisers are making concessions.<\/span><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Boxout-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-13520\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Boxout-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Boxout-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Boxout-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Boxout-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Boxout-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">The World Triathlon event in Leeds, run by British Triathlon, is offering entry for \u00a399 for its standard distance, with 10% off at time of print. The Castle Series, which hosts a series of event weekends across the UK in locations such as Hever Castle in Kent is offering 15% off.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">\u201cAll established events have seen a drop-off,\u201d says Allison Curbishley of Events of the North, who are launching The Northumbrian, based at the picturesque Kielder Water in <span style=\"color: rgb(0,0,0)\">June. \u201cEveryone was running, cycling <\/span> or swimming through the pandemic and we thought we\u2019d see a surge in entries once restrictions were lifted. But it\u2019s a different world now and we\u2019ve got to work to entice people back in a safe environment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">The Northumbrian is priced competitively at \u00a3155 for the middle distance and \u00a3295 for full-irondistance entry, with both options including an event-branded cycling jersey. They\u2019re hoping for around 400 entrants for the first year. \u201cThe main thing is to showcase the race for next year. We\u2019ll make sure we put on a show and won\u2019t scrimp on anything so people say it was epic.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-color uagb-block-9ecaa216-4809-41b3-aeca-f5aef8902729 article-boxout\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-center has-ccp-secondary-dark-color has-text-color\"><strong><span class=\"has-inline-color has-ccp-secondary-dark-color\">CAN YOU DO IRONMAN ON THE CHEAP?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif has-ccp-secondary-dark-color has-text-color\">Compared to almost all other sports, long-distance tri is an expensive pursuit. However, unless you\u2019re the rarest of breeds, you won\u2019t be doing one every week. So, in the context of an annual goal, it\u2019s easier to justify the price. At least, in theory. The big difference between racing Ironman and a different brand is in the cost of entry. Other expenses, such as accommodation, travel and kit purchase remain the same. But for Ironman you\u2019re likely to find up to a 100% premium over the same distance if you want to race in the UK this summer. At time of print, Ironman had released additional race places for some of its most popular UK events, including the previously sold-out Ironman <span>Wales, Ironman UK in Bolton, and the new Ironman 70.3 race in Swansea. Ironman Staffordshire 70.3 in June has Tier 5 slots available at \u00a3369, plus a 10% \u2018processing fee\u2019 through Active to total \u00a3406. You could also choose Weymouth 70.3 in September which has Tier 4 places available for \u00a3319, plus the 10% fee, and remains your cheapest M-Dot option. Compared to the Castle Series middle-distance equivalent, the Gauntlet at Hever Castle in September, which with the current 15% saving is \u00a3204, it\u2019s a substantial mark-up. The new Challenge Wales in Pembrokeshire is \u00a3214 when the Active fee is included, and the Outlaw Half events range from around \u00a3230-240. The Northumbrian is cheaper still at \u00a3155 for the middle distance.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">The expanding Outlaw series of UK races are not immune from the economic landscape either. \u201cOur entries are down this year, some of which we\u2019ve put down to people going back to races where their entry had been deferred,\u201d says Helen Gorman from organisers One Step Beyond. \u201cNext year, we\u2019ll do a price freeze on the half and the full distance. It\u2019ll remain \u00a3215 for the half and \u00a3315 for the full. We\u2019ll also open entries earlier with payment plans in place and those entering on the first couple of days will get a discount that <span>we\u2019ve never given before.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image alignwide size-large article-in-image photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"702\" src=\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-10-1024x702.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-13345\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-10-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-10-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-10-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-10.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Gorman says costs have risen by 20% or more, including signage, barriers, toilets, security, hosting and food \u2013 \u201cIt\u2019s not just athletes, but 300 essential volunteers to feed.\u201d OSB have responded to rising fuel and travel costs by paying travel expenses for volunteers, but the idea of removing the race T-shirt to save money is a misnomer. \u201cThe real cost to the T-shirt is a lot lower than the perceived cost,\u201d she explains. \u201cThe bigger issue we have is people being devastated when T-shirts don\u2019t fit!\u201d<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"article-subhead\"><strong>TRAVEL &amp; ACCOMMODATION<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">\u201cWe need to champion British racing. There\u2019s a lot to be said for sticking your bike in the car and only needing one night\u2019s accommodation \u2013 nearly all our events have onsite campsites.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Gorman is making the case for racing in the UK. While you might expect that, there are cost benefits to racing on home soil.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">\u201cThere\u2019s no compromise in quality, but it\u2019s budget-minded,\u201d she adds. \u201cWe\u2019re aware triathlon can be an expensive sport, but compare it to other sports where you race more regularly and it\u2019s not that much more.\u201d<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"no-tts wp-block-image alignwide size-large article-in-image photo\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"702\" src=\"https:\/\/dj9jqhxgw9833.cloudfront.net\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-9-1024x702.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"no-tts wp-image-13344\" srcset=\"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-9-1024x702.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-9-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-9-768x527.jpg 768w, https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-9.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">UK racing certainly has advantages. You remove the cost of flights, transporting a bike (and the worry of it arriving intact) and the additional logistical hassles of racing overseas.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">While travel restrictions are starting to ease, there\u2019s also none of the stress or cost of pre-and post-flight testing. You might just have to compromise a little on the road surface and the sunshine isn\u2019t always guaranteed.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">While fuel costs are pushing 170p\/ litre, getting anywhere is expensive, but sharing transport wherever possible helps, and gives you someone to dissect the event with on the journey home.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">Triathlons in the UK are typically during peak seasons, so cut-price accommodation will be limited, but whether you choose a hotel, Airbnb or even hire a campervan, how you stop over is likely to be as much about personal preference as cost savings.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"article-full-body sans-serif\">A hotel room could be sought for around \u00a3100, AirBnB is slightly cheaper if you\u2019re prepared to settle for one room in a house, and campervans start from about \u00a370 a day. One way you can almost guarantee to save is to camp, where pitches are likely to be around \u00a330 a night. But you might just need the weather to hold for longer than the race.<\/p>\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-uagb-section uagb-section__wrap uagb-section__background-undefined uagb-block-cfa27a42-d27f-4552-9d14-7993006913ab article-boxout\"><div class=\"uagb-section__overlay\"><\/div><div class=\"uagb-section__inner-wrap\">\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>WAYS TO KEEP COSTS DOWN<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center article-full-body sans-serif\">Get on <strong>mailing lists<\/strong> to know when entries open and take advantage of<strong> Early Bird discounts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Factor in the <strong>overall cost<\/strong> of doing the race \u2013 not just the entry fee<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Don\u2019t write-off UK races.<\/strong> Established brands such as Outlaw and Castle Series put on great experiences, and try new races such as the Northumbrian&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Switch distance<\/strong> to race shorter, faster\u2026 and also slightly cheaper<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Share transport<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Book early<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Consider<strong> camping<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Reduce the<strong> length of the stay<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Search online <\/strong>for second-hand bikes but check them out thoroughly and make sure there\u2019s a warranty<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Look for <strong>ex demo model wetsuits<\/strong>, or <strong>hire a suit<\/strong> (approx. \u00a330 for a fortnight \/ \u00a360 a season)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Order ahead <\/strong>and avoid next-day<br>delivery charges<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Make your own race nutrition<\/strong> (see Energy Balls sidebar, far left)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><strong>Run and cycle from your doorstep<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Join a <strong>club&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Consider a <strong>customised plan <\/strong>rather than ongoing coaching<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Keep<strong> educating yourself!<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>HOW TO TRI ON A BUDGET Triathlon has never been known as a \u2018cheap\u2019 sport, but in a postpandemic era, with living costs hitting astronomical new highs, how is it possible to continue racing your beloved hobby without overly compromising either your bank balance or your experience? We investigate&#8230; Words Tim Heming Images Steve Sayers [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":13345,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ub_ctt_via":"","purple_page_number":"22","purple_custom_meta_purple_page_number":"22","purple_seq_number":"1","purple_custom_meta_purple_seq_number":"1","purple_source_article":"article_22-1.xml","purple_custom_meta_purple_source_article":"article_22-1.xml","purple_source_issue":"May-2022","purple_custom_meta_purple_source_issue":"May-2022","purple_external_id":"May-2022-22-1","purple_custom_meta_purple_external_id":"May-2022-22-1","purple_issue_code":"|0000083689||","purple_custom_meta_purple_issue_code":"|0000083689||","purple_android_product":"com.im.220mag.403","purple_custom_meta_purple_android_product":"com.im.220mag.403","purple_ios_product":"com.im.220mag.403","purple_custom_meta_purple_ios_product":"com.im.220mag.403","purple_web_product":"","purple_custom_meta_purple_web_product":"","purple_publication_id":"69718c89-6ce1-4a00-8e50-78dba8209b85","purple_migrated":"","kt_blocks_editor_width":"","apple_news_api_created_at":"2022-04-14T12:32:49Z","apple_news_article-theme":"","apple_news_api_id":"293c0f23-0791-4383-9e81-5c366ef0c436","apple_news_api_modified_at":"2022-04-19T13:08:28Z","apple_news_api_revision":"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQ==","apple_news_api_share_url":"https:\/\/apple.news\/AKTwPIweRQ4OegVw2bvDENg","apple_news_coverimage":0,"apple_news_coverimage_caption":"","apple_news_is_hidden":false,"apple_news_is_paid":true,"apple_news_is_preview":true,"apple_news_is_sponsored":false,"apple_news_maturity_rating":"","apple_news_pullquote":"","apple_news_pullquote_position":"","apple_news_article_theme":"","apple_news_sections":"[]"},"categories":[24],"tags":[63],"apple_news_notices":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-10.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"15","apple_news_title":""},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-10.jpg",1500,1029,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-10-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-10-300x206.jpg",300,206,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-10-768x527.jpg",768,527,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-10-1024x702.jpg",800,548,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-10.jpg",1500,1029,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/47\/2022\/04\/Untitled-10.jpg",1500,1029,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"HOW TO TRI ON A BUDGET Triathlon has never been known as a \u2018cheap\u2019 sport, but in a postpandemic era, with living costs hitting astronomical new highs, how is it possible to continue racing your beloved hobby without overly compromising either your bank balance or your experience? We investigate&#8230; Words Tim Heming Images Steve Sayers&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13067"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13067"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13067\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13713,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13067\/revisions\/13713"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13345"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13067"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13067"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/220triathlon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13067"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}