First Sprint Triathlon Blog

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I am less than 3 weeks away from my first sprint Triathlon.

As you may see from the blog I intended to do a Triathlon last year to prove to myself I had fully recovered from Malignant Melanoma. This goal was thwarted last year by a slipped a disc and 5 months of standing up with sciatica.

Undeterred I have entered the Castle Howard Triathlon on 21st July.

Before commencing training this year I lost 6 Kg over 4 months through diet changes, mainly reducing processed carbs, cooking from fresh and reducing portions.  My weight has come down to a steady 87 Kg with benefits seen in my knees and running/swimming/cycling times.

I have been training with a buddy who did the Castle Howard Triathlon last year and is fitter than me in all events - a good person to chase! I certainly have felt benefit in company and the motivation to continue training when we are tired or needing to push it to the max in cardio training.

Barriers have included injury - an ankle sprained slipping on ice set me back a few weeks with running and continues to swell with morning stiffness - and mental engagement during boring winter treadmill and turbo trainer sessions - both solved by through iPad entertainment.

Most surprising in the 13 weeks of serious training I have found that my cold/exercise induced wheeze has completely disappeared and that the real limiting factor has been cardiac reserve - also much improved with regular cardio training on treadmill hill profiles; exercise bike and interval training in the pool. Hill climbing is easier at higher speeds without breaks plus faster speeds on the flat and my running times have come down along with my swimming speed and power increasing. I haven't felt this fit since I was training 6 days a week for the Leeds University boat crew!

Time investment in training has not been insignificant with a weekly total of 6 - 7 hours; 3 hours in the gym running, cycling and stretching; an hour in the pool and another couple on the road bike at weekends with the odd run thrown in.  Fortunately I can use the prison gym when inmates are locked up at lunchtime so the impact on family life is minimised. The plan to the left is a rough guide of what I have aimed for.

Financial outlay has followed with upgraded bike components; a turbo trainer; polarised swim goggles and a new set of Speedo Jammers, two pairs of running shoes and bike shoes and pedals. I have just purchased a Tri specific wetsuit and still need to shell out for compression wear and Tri top for the day plus competition fees.


All in all the kit list is probably pushing £1k but I tend to take the opportunity to get the right kit and aim for top of mid range with a Scots "buy cheap buy twice" attitude and a healthy nose for possible bargains. Wiggle.co.uk have done well out of me but then I have benefit from their fantastic sales and loyalty discounts!

I overtrained recently and got a sore throat, but mainly have felt better and slept better than I have in years! It has been a great goal to help me see out my thirties in good shape and new goals for the future.

I aim to keep doing Triathlon till my knees or back give out or I stop enjoying the training.

I hope to raise funds for Medical work in Cambodia through this race - if you would like to donate to buy medicines to give out on my next trip to Cambodia email me on info@sinclairhealth.co.uk as I am in the process of getting a just giving account set up.


Dr Ben Sinclair Linked In Profile
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About Sinclair Health Ltd

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