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Triathlon
Triathlon is a multi-sport event combining 3 activities: swimming, biking and running.  In a  triathlon race competitors undertake a swim, followed by a cycle and finally a run.  The distances of each vary depending on the level of the competition and the course location, and some swims take place in a pool, while others take place in open water, such as the sea or a loch.

The sport of triathlon also includes duathlon, which is a bike-run-bike, and aquathlon, which is a swim-run and a common race for younger athletes.

Edinburgh Leisure offers juniors aged 8yrs+ the opportunity to try triathlon with our junior coaching programme.  Local triathlon club coaches work alongside our Edinburgh Leisure coaches to deliver a progressive programme of training that leads to competitive opportunities and club membership, allowing budding triathletes to fulfil their potential and take their involvement in the sport to the highest level.

The Programme
Our triathlon programme is designed to introduce participants to the sport and develop their skills so they can take part in competitions and eventually move into a local triathlon club.  We have links with local clubs, ensuring the opportunity is there for athletes to progress into a club and beyond! 

Participants in our programme* take part in one swim, one run and one bike session each week, developing the fitness and endurance required to complete a triathlon.  They will work on the technical elements of each of the three disciplines and their endurance so they can sustain these activities for long periods of time even when tired, as they would in a race.  They will also learn about transition techniques (how to change from swimming to biking and biking to running as quickly and efficiently as possible) and equipment maintenance, such as how to fix a puncture, so they can competently take part in a triathlon, duathlon or aquathlon.

Competing in local junior aquathlons forms part of our annual triathlon coaching calendar so there will always be a competition or challenge for the athletes to work towards.  The programme planner below provides you with an overview of what triathletes on our programme will be doing throughout the year and the aims for each term:

Annual Triathlon Programme

Term	Dates	Description
Spring 1	Jan-April	Focus on the technical elements/technique of each event, including transition skills. Progress cards for all children to let you know how they're doing.  These will be presented at the end of term. End of term time trials.
Spring 2	April- July	Preparation for taking part in Junior Aquathlons throughout the summer, including those included in this programme. Junior Aquathlon (QCC's)
Autumn 1	Aug-Oct	Junior Aquathlon Progress cards for all children to let you know how they're doing.  These will be presented at the end of term.
Autumn 2	Oct-Dec	Focus on fitness, flexibility & conditioning in triathlon. Transition Skills, Equipment Maintenance. End of term time trial triathlon. (QCC's)

Focus on fitness, flexibility & conditioning in triathlon.
Transition Skills, Equipment Maintenance.
End of term time trial triathlon.

In addition to the physical benefits of taking part in sport, youngsters in our programme will develop discipline, determination and goal-setting skills, all useful tools for school, other sports, work habits and for the rest of their life.  All this in a fun, relaxed social setting where they will make new friends.  So what are you waiting for?  Come along and give Tri and try!

*  Please note:  There is a minimum requirement for entry to this programme:  age 8 or older with the ability to swim 100m, deep water confidence, ability to tread water and an inside leg of 26.5” (so they can reach the pedals on the bikes we use for bike training)

If you have any questions on the programme or would like further information on anything, please call Jane, our Athletics Development Officer, on 0131 458 2177 or email her at janescott@edinburghleisure.co.uk

Where and when are the sessions?

The coached sessions take place on a Friday and Saturday in Leith and run in line with the school term, as outlined in the table below:

Activity	Day	Time	Location
Bike	Friday	4-4.45pm	Leith Victoria
Run	Saturday	1-1.50pm	Leith Academy
Swim	Saturday	2-2.50pm	Leith Academy

For information on term dates and to book your place contact Leith Victoria Swim Centre on 0131 555 4728

How do I get started?

You don't need much to get started, however our “What do I need to bring” leaflet details exactly what you will need for training each week and the extras you will need on race day, click here for a list of what you will need.

Holiday Activities

We also run Triathlon activities during the school holidays.  For more information please call Jane on 0131 458 2177 or click here.

Triathlon Clubs
Together with Triathlon Scotland, Edinburgh Leisure is developing a development pathway that progresses from grassroots participation into club level triathlon, where athletes can train for and take part in competitions at both a local and national level.

The Edinburgh & Lothians based triathlon clubs that currently have junior provision are:

Edinburgh RC
Training Venue:  Inch Park, Edinburgh
http://www.edinburghrc.co.uk/

G.R.C Tri
Training Venue:  West Calder High School
http://www.grctri.co.uk/

Each club is affiliated to Triathlon Scotland, the governing body for the sport in Scotland.  They take part in competitions each season as well as regional & national championships.  For more information on triathlon nationally please visit www.triathlonscotland.org

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