Contact the NSPCC Helpline
You can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000, emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk or completing our report abuse online form.
Our voice Helpline is currently available 10am–4pm Monday to Friday. You can still email help@NSPCC.org.uk or complete our report abuse online form at any time for free. You don’t have to say who you are.
If you think a child is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999 straight away.
18 or under?
Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help.
Endurance isn’t built overnight – it takes months of consistent preparation so it’s really important to give yourself plenty of time to train for your event.
With our training plans – and the tips below, you’ll help ensure that you arrive at the start line healthy, revved-up and prepared to enjoy a fantastic experience.
Preparing for an event requires focus and commitment but you need to hit the right balance between training and the rest of your life. While you definitely don’t need to become a hermit for 4 months – eating well, rest and relaxation are really important for your body and mind – you may have to sacrifice a few big nights out with friends and family as the training increases.
A diary will help you plan your training and by tracking your progress, giving you a motivational boost when you need it. It’s also an excellent way to log what’s working and what isn’t. Include basic information like time spent training, distance, location, heart rate (if you’re using a monitor) and most importantly, how you felt during and after the session.
In the early stages of your training, instead of focusing on how fast and how far you’re going, aim to train at the right effort, for the correct time. Getting obsessed with speed means you’re more likely to over-work your body and risk injury. Set your training sessions at a level and length for your ability level and finish goal – and don’t worry, speed and distance will come as your training progresses.
One training session is just that, a training session. Some will go brilliantly and you’ll feel totally enthused; some will be a hard, downbeat slog. This is completely normal. Training naturally has highs and lows. Remembering this and looking back at the progress you’ve made in your training diary, will help you stop any negative thoughts in their tracks. Treat each session as a fresh start – and an opportunity to improve your fitness, not to show you how fit you are.
Whatever the distance of your tri, there’s essential kit you’ll need – and it’s best to start gathering and testing everything way in advance of event day. It’s a good idea to get your bike professionally serviced or attend a maintenance course so you can do it yourself, and to practice puncture repair if you don’t feel confident.
