The bad news? It doesn't happen overnight. Its an apprenticeship. Your best long distance race is NEVER the first one. Its more likely its going to take 3, 4 years maybe even longer. The first one is a voyage into the unknown going somewhere your body and your brain has never been. The next one you learned some stuff so its likely to be stronger but it takes time to build that really deep fitness and mental fortitude it takes to race long. Sure you can complete faster but you arent pushing until you have learned about yourself. Maybe tradesmen know..an apprenticeship is 4 years for a reason.

First timer on the full IM distance, what’s folks thoughts on wearing cycling shorts/top for full cycle? I have trisuit I wore at Celtman solo, comfort wise was fine but thinking will it be comfortable do the full cycle? It’s a zone3 trisuit. I appreciate time will be lost being a fashionista with multiple outfit changes 😁

Sean and I were chatting on our call this morning about lists of 'The hardest' etc and we gave it a bit of thought. First up is our top 10 Scottish Triathlons of all time ( well in the 35 years we have been part of it). 1. Abefreldy - just has to be. 70.3 is the racers distance on a tough course in one of the most scenic parts of these islands. 2. Celtman - this is a really special one for far too many reasons but it is genuinely up there with the hardest races on the planet. Location is magnificent, Course is challenging, the feel and vibe of the thing just enthralling 3. Aviemore - yeah its off road but the Long Hard Durty has history. Originally based in the borders it was a bit of a 'cult classic'. Now established in the fabulous Cairngorm national park its possibly the most beautiful location. It is also a racers race, so that ticks some boxes. 4. Gullane beach - possibly the most challenging Std you are likely to race. Beach swim, sand dunes to run through and on and a rolling technical bike. Its a classic 5. Bishopbriggs - one of only 2 pool swims to make the list. The only fully closed road race in Scotland. Superbly run, beginner friendly and still draws full aero set ups. Sells out as soon as it opens for good reason. 6. Craggy Island - sadly no more. An off road classic. The original version where you had to swim to the island from the mainland made this a genuinely unique experience. 7. Ayr Sprint ( now replaced with Irvine) - another unique race run by the super guys at Ayrodynamic tri club. Two features - a river swim upstream and downstream and riding on the Electric brae ( an optical illusion where you have to hit the wee ring and pedal hard on what looks like a downhill) 8. Monikie - another hard Std distance. Lake swim and run in a country park with a challenging bike route. Not a lot extra just a solid race experience 9. Lochgilphead - low key and family friendly but the mention here is this race helps ensure that pool stays open! 10. Loch Lomond - this is gone now too due to traffic but it was a proper jewel in the crown. Swim in the famous loch and then a super fast bike course. Always produced something. The year they mismeasured the swim and it went from 1500 to 2200 was great for the swimmers

So my one and done iron distance tri is now a duathlon. (Still one and done, trust me). I don’t do duathlon as I hate it, but nothing I can change for Sunday so what advice do folks have for the first run, is 6.1km and we are off in age group waves. Mentally I am good, in a way becomes tougher race as swim is the easy bit for me. More about pacing and nutrition to review. So fire away, all insights appreciated. Cheers Tom

My Garmin 735xt smartwatch has finally given up, with the battery lasting about as long as a Meat Loaf 80’s power ballad. Could anyone out there recommend an alternative model (Garmin or otherwise) that doesn’t break the bank please? Was thinking of buying another 735xt but it’s at least 5y old tech so maybe there’s a better one out there? Any suggestions greatly appreciated! Cheers