Its all about technique...

Whether you are looking at improving your swim time, conserving energy on a long run or simply riding in a comfortable position for an extended period, technique is often under-estimated and/or under valued. Those who have trained with technique have noticed a considerable improvement in times as well as finding that they are more comfortable in movement.

Pre season training is often the best time of the year to implement any new form of technique that you wish to carry through into the season. It allows for your body mechanics to adjust to new movement, with the emphasis of making the new movement become a habit and one that would need less focus upon once the season begins.

Personally, I would like to improve my swim time to assist me at the beginning of the race. My strengths are running and cycling, so by improving my swim times through the use of coaching and correct stroke technique, I would be hoping to improve my swim times, even by a fraction, to assist with better race times.

Similarly, with riding, correct technique may rest with your posture on the bike. An initial bike set-up would be recommended so as to ensure that your seat post and front head-set (handle bars) are correct to suit your size on the bike. Time trial bicycles are most often used especially with the longer triathlons. The advantage of extension bars at the front of your bike help to create an aerodynamic position whilst on the bike, while also taking away extra strain on the hamstring muscles, which you will need once on the run leg. So ensure a good bike set-up at a reputable bicycle store is done in advance.

With running as in swimming, even the slightest adjustments (which may feel a little uncomfortable at first) can assist the athlete greatly. A publication by Prof Tim Noakes called the Lore of Running provides fantastic insight into the mechanics of running with years of research and studies. At first you may think, "well we can all run, how hard can it be...?" This book together with other very interesting articles out and about, will prove how technical running can be and how to strive for the ultimate motion best suited for your physique.

In summary, I would highly recommend further self study into techniques that may assist you with your goals in the sport of triathlon and multi sport in general. Look forward at the prospect of un-locking little pockets of information specifically designed to ensure faster times, conservation of energy and better flexibility...