Triathlon is the most natural of sports.

At first glance this statement seems to make no sense. If you are contemplating your first triathlon you will have your moments of doubt. What is natural about plunging into open water, riding a racing bike through the streets while clad in, well, apparently not much, and following it up with a lung-busting run on legs that surely scream out with fatigue and despair? What is natural about such an ordeal?

There is no doubt that triathlon is a challenge, both mental and physical, but always bear in mind that it is a challenge that brings together three very natural activities. Swimming, cycling and running are each simple activities that represent pure athletic pursuit at the same time as they symbolize human endeavour, the pitting of oneself against the elements. Triathlon harnesses all three of these simple activities and creates a seamless whole that satisfies some essentially primal urges. This is where the spiritual element of triathlon kicks in.

In short, triathlon is a sport of natural beauty and completing your first triathlon is a deeply satisfying experience. The act of crossing that finish line transforms you into a triathlete, and how many people may lay claim to that?

The second simple beauty of triathlon lies in the fact that it is achievable. In a very real sense it is a matter of putting one foot in front of the other. This is the thought to hold onto, not only throughout your training, but as the alarm wakes you on race morning.

Butterflies in the stomach are perfectly natural and understandable. Do not be fazed, simply go about your breakfast and pre-training rituals. A light breakfast of toast or fruit is in order, perhaps even a sports bar of your choice. It is important not to try anything new. Now is not the time to experiment. Stay with the tried and tested. Those butterflies will be enough for your stomach to have to contend with.

It is a good idea to arrive at the race with plenty of time to spare. The technical side to triathlon demands your bike be set up for the race, complete with pump, basic tool kit (spare tube and tyre levers) and your drink bottle. It may sound obvious, but make sure your bottle is topped up with water or your favourite sports drink. If you have practised mounting your bike with your cycling shoes already clicked into the pedals, do not forget to check that your shoes are set firmly in place. Your helmet needs to be left in the transition area with your

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