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Introduction

Following two massive brain seizures in April 2004, the Orthopaedic Consultant at Royal Bournemouth Hospital in England informed me I needed an operation to remove dead muscle in my legs, caused by the trauma. The significance of this didn’t register at first, as I had already spent several weeks in hospital. Only after the operation did reality sink in and I realized the full extent of my injuries.

The seizures had cut off the circulation to my lower legs, causing a condition called Compartment Syndrome. The tendons in both ankles had been severed, leaving me with Drop Foot, an inability to raise my feet using the normal ankle reflex. From then on I had to rely on crutches and uncomfortable plastic ankle supports to get from A to B.

As a lifelong runner and fitness enthusiast, I was now facing the future as a cripple. Determined not to let my disability affect my overall quality of life, I began a gentle exercise regime of cycling and swimming. My dad had been a member of the British Army Water Polo Team and had taught me to swim early on, so at least I had this to fall back on.

The crutches and ankle supports soon went and I found that with a little effort I could walk unaided. One morning, out walking along one of my old running tracks, I decided to test my progress and broke into a light jog. That moment was the turning point in my rehabilitation and proved that, in spite of my injuries, I could still run, even if it was only to the end of the road.

My fitness improved and soon I was running, cycling and swimming on a regular basis. The owner of a local running shop suggested I take part in a triathlon and, with some trepidation, I agreed. I loved the sport from the start and entered as many events as I could, gaining experience and learning to overcome the fears I had around my disability.

After running the London Marathon in 2006, I set my sights a little higher and entered what many regard as the toughest one-day sporting event in the world. In August the following year, after 14 hours and 50 minutes, I crossed the finish line at Ironman UK.

Triathlon: Serious About Your Sport is aimed at anyone who wants to improve their knowledge of triathlon and explore their potential. Whether you are swimmer, cyclist or runner looking to branch out from your specialist sport or a triathlete looking for improvement, this book will guide you through the process.

The basics section, which sets out what lies ahead in terms of training and conditioning for this sport, is followed by a comprehensive look at Technique & tactics, which focuses on the individual skills needed for each discipline and how to combine them in training and in races.

Sections on Fitness & training and Cross Training look at ways of fine-tuning your body using sport specific workouts and strengthening exercises that are geared to the demands of triathlon.

Nutrition and fuelling are crucial to success, particularly in long-distance triathlons. Getting to know your body’s needs in training will help you maintain a good, healthy diet and improve your energy levels.

The Training programmes cover four triathlon distances: Sprint, Olympic, Half-Ironman and Ironman for four levels of ability ranging from unfit beginner to advanced.

Triathlon is a wonderful, life-affirming sport that will both challenge and enhance your current exercise regime. It is my sincere wish that you use the contents of this book to enjoy many seasons of swimming, cycling and running.

Adam Dickson (July 2011)