Olympian urges people to take up the triathlon

Andrew has provided tailor-made training tips for would-be triathletes.

Credit: Andrew Hodge

18 May 2009

Olympic gold medallist rower Andrew Hodge is encouraging people to take up the challenge of the Mazda London Triathlon for WaterAid.

The triathlon is Britain's fastest growing sport and, by raising money for WaterAid, athletes can help some of the world's poorest people gain access to clean water.

WaterAid is the Official Gold Charity for the Mazda London Triathlon, taking place on 1 and 2 August, where competitors will take in several famous London landmarks as they swim, cycle and run their way to the finish line.

As well as encouraging people to take part in the race, Andrew Hodge has also come up with tailor-made training tips to assist would-be triathletes with their preparation for one of the ultimate fitness sports.

It's a great feeling knowing that you've pushed yourself to achieve something  - Andrew Hodge

He said: "I'm thrilled that WaterAid is Gold Charity for the Mazda London Triathlon and anyone who takes part for WaterAid has my full support. It's a great feeling knowing that you've pushed yourself to achieve something; plus, doing it for a cause you believe in really gives you an extra inspiration." 

Athletes taking part in the event on behalf of WaterAid will be helping people who themselves face a daily challenge of walking miles to collect water. Every step will help to bring them closer to safe water and a better quality of life.

All individual places for the Mazda Triathlon have sold out but charity places are still available through WaterAid. You can also enter as a relay team which means one person swims, the second cycles and the third person runs. 

Triathlons used to be considered for iron men only. But things have changed and it is now Britain's fastest growing sport. Involvement from celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Craig Doyle and Kate Silverton has helped to raise the profile of the sport.

Event Fundraising Manager Charlotte Biddle said: "People don't need to be intimidated by triathlons. I speak from experience as I took part in this event for the first time last year – and believe me, I'm no fitness fanatic! It felt great crossing the finish line and raising the money for WaterAid; it made all the training worthwhile!"

Andrew Hodge's training advice:

1. Mental preparation
To race effectively, everything that isn't moving you forward must be relaxed. The best way is to ensure that you are focused on the job in hand; enjoy the fact that you're going to try and get the most from your body - and yes, this will include a certain amount of glorious pain!

2. Getting ready for the big day
Rest well - the best form of rest is on your back. I know this won't be possible for most of you, but if you can find an excuse to check something you wrote under your desk sometime ago that might require a couple of hours, that would be great!

Eat well - lots of carbs, and make sure that you are drinking 5-6% of your body weight from at least a week before the event. Hydration takes time to build up, and will be an asset. 

3. Making sure you don't give up when training 
Use someone close to you to help you out the door to train. It's always hard to find the motivation, but if you can use those around you it will really help. After all, just because you race by yourself, doesn't mean you're not in a team sport!

4. General fitness
Do something everyday. We were given legs for a reason! Use them!

For more information please contact events@wateraid.org, call 020 7932 232 or visit http://www.wateraid.org/londontriathlon.  

Ends

For further press information please contact Mel Tompkins meltompkins@wateraid.org 020 7793 4995.

Notes to Editor

• The Mazda London Triathlon takes place on 1 and 2 August at London's ExCel centre in Victoria Dock and is televised on Channel 4.
• There are three different distances available: SuperSprint (400m swim/ 10km bike/ 2.5km run), Sprint (750m swim/ 20km bike/ 5km run) and Olympic (1500m swim/ 40km bike/ 10km run).
• You can enter as a relay team where one person does the swimming, the second does the cycling and the third does the running.
• Andrew Hodge won gold medal at the Beijing Olympics in the coxless four.
• At least 4000 children die every day as a result of diseases caused by unclean water and poor sanitation.
• 884 million people in the world do not have access to safe water. This is roughly one in eight of the world's population.
• WaterAid projects providing safe water, sanitation and hygiene education cost just £15 per head.