Thank you to everyone who attended the FREE Triathlon Training Day in Esher on 26th June this year. Despite the weather, a fantastic day was had by all. The day proved to be a much-needed taster for what lies in store for us on 31st July/1st Aug, learning a few vital tips and techniques from the experts.

The day itself took place at the idyllic Dairy Crest Headquarters in Esher, Surrey. After a brief welcome by Alastair Campbell, the team were introduced to Tim Smale, who gave a quick talk on enhancing performance in sport, by establishing balance through the power of one's own subconscious mind, via Hypnosis. Tim runs his own practice called Mindworks (www.mindworkslondon.com), in the heart of London's St. James's and has kindly offered a free 1-hour mind coaching session to all members of the Leukaemia Research Triathlon Team.

The team were then taken to the outdoor pool where James, Terry and Keeley from SwimForTri put them through a 1-hr session focussing on Starts, turns around buoys, rough water practice and stroke technique. With the Swim being the majority of the team’s weakest discipline, everyone came away with a lot more confidence.

Lunch was then served after the team had completed a 5km run around the streets of Esher under the watchful eye of the roaming Channel 5 cameras. They have been filming Alastair as part of a documentary on his preparations and build up for the London Triathlon to be screened later in August.

Kevin Stewart, Race Director for the Michelob ULTRA London Triathlon then gave a full presentation on what to expect on race day. It was extremely insightful to the team as it gave everyone a better understanding on what happens on the day and what procedures to follow to be better prepared.

Greg and John from Tri and Run were on hand throughout the day giving expert advice on equipment, and demonstrating the latest gadgets and gizmo’s available on the market today. They gave a full run through of transition procedures, giving helpful tips on how to complete a successful transition and cut vital seconds off your time. Following this the team were then led out on an 18km cycle ride giving them the perfect opportunity to practice drafting and get tips off the experts.

After the slog of the bike leg, everyone congregated inside the pavilion for a nice cold beer (courtesy of our kind friends at Michelob) whilst Alastair closed the day’s proceedings with a few fundraising tips. He then made the announcement that if the Leukaemia Research triathlon team raises £100,000 collectively then he would match it with £100,000 himself! Now that has to be an added incentive to collect those last minute sponsors?

Leukaemia Research would like to thank the following people for their kind support:

London Bikeathon – 18th July

A strong field of 25 triathletes joined Alastair Campbell and 4,000 other cyclists for the annual London Bikeathon, which started at Royal Hospital, Chelsea on Sunday 18th July. Leading the field and with a few wrong turns by the Team Captain himself, the team managed to successfully complete the 26 mile course in good time. A great day was had by all, and it gave everyone the chance to practice a long distance bike ride and meet fellow triathlon team members before the big day.