Sri Chinmoy AC UK Resources

Sri Chinmoy's writings on Sport & Spirituality

Sri Chinmoy and the concept of Self-Transcendence

Tarit's Tips - Marathon and Half Marathon Training

Multiday Running - an interview with Abichal

Prachar's Marathon Schedules - the Australian approach!

7 Steps to a Successful Marathon - legendary article by Arpan

Sri Chinmoy AC - Ongkar's article on our early years

Sri Chinmoy Marathon Team articles - more articles

The swim section is in Portishead's fabulous Open Air Pool, which is both heated and spacious. The course is 8 lengths of 33m each, totalling 264m.

WAVE START: Before race day, everyone will know which "wave" they are in (the start will be divided into waves of 25 swimmers at a time, going off about 10 minutes apart). Also, within each wave, swimmers will be starting 10 seconds apart so we will issue you with different coloured swim caps to help us count your lengths and record your time. Make sure you wear the swim cap we give you, not a different one (unless you wear your own swim cap underneath ours - that's OK).

All frontal swim strokes are allowed (British Triathlon Rules don't permit backstroke in pool swims) but you are responsible for looking where you're going and avoiding any collisions. In our previous events, most swimmers did front crawl ("freestyle") but there were plenty doing breaststroke or their own "unique" stroke. So long as you are confident you can complete the 8 lengths, we won't be worried about your style.

If you haven't done a "wave start" event before - and most first time triathletes won't have - here is how it works.

When your particular wave is called to the start, all 25 swimmers will get into the pool - 5 in each lane - at the shallow end. One swimmer in each lane will be instructed to start swimming (eg. all the swimmers in red swim caps) then 10 seconds later, the next swimmer in each lane will start (eg. those in blue swim caps) and so on. Everyone will get a short countdown - 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, Go!

DIRECTION: Each lane will be designated as either clockwise or anticlockwise, so make sure you know which side of the lane you need to stick to.

LAST LAP WARNING: When you have done six lengths, the marshal at the shallow end will tap you with a float so you know you have just two lengths to go before you get out. You'd be surprised how easy it is to miscount when you're in the pool, so this way you don't have to worry about anything except your swimming.

SPECTATORS: There is plenty of seating in the poolside area for spectators - all family members and supporters are welcome! After 9.30, the pool will reopen for normal use so there will be no readmission after that time for spectators (athletes will be able to get back in though, and can use the changing/showers/lockers)

We strongly recommend having a practise swim at Portishead Open Air Pool, so take a look at their web site for opening times etc: Portishead Open Air Pool.

Any questions about the swim? Email me at [email protected] as I'd be more than happy to answer. There are NO stupid questions, so if you aren't sure about something, get in touch.

A few notes re rules and safety...

This will all be covered in pre-race briefing and the race-info pack I'll send out to all entrants nearer the time, but here is some important info for reference:

OVERTAKING: Overtaking is allowed in the pool, but you must be careful and avoid doing anything that might impede another swimmer. If you want to overtake, you must look to see that the middle of the lane is clear so that you can pull out into the middle and overtake. If someone coming the other way is already out in the middle of the lane, let them either complete their overtake or come past you before you pull out.

It's also possible to overtake at the end of the lane - if a swimmer has caught you up and is right behind you, the best thing is to stop when you reach the end of the pool and let the faster swimmer turn and kick-off first. That way you can turn, kick-off and follow them. This benefits the faster swimmer (who is able to go full speed instead of being stuck behind the slower one) and also the slower swimmer (because following a swimmer uses less energy thanks to them breaking the surface tension in the water - you can actually "slipstream" behind them and may go faster as a result).

GETTING OUT: You must get out of the pool at the shallow end after completing eight lengths. To avoid danger to the marshals who are counting lengths at the pool end, you must walk along the end of the pool and can only start to jog - if you want to - when you turn the corner and are at the side of the pool. There is a handrail here if you feel wobbly after the swim, so use it if you need to. The exit to the transition area is at the deep end, under the diving boards, so walk/jog down the side of the pool and out of the door at the end to get ready for the cycling.

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The run route is 4km long, and takes in three laps of the Lake Grounds at Portishead Esplanade. The finish is on the grassy area of the Lake Grounds about 100m from the Pool entrance. The run, as with all sections of the Try-a-Tri, is held under British Triathlon Rules.

From the transition area, you cross Esplanade Road and run along the pavement opposite the sea front with the lake on your left. At the end of the Esplanade, turn left by the toilets (these public loos will be open during the race if you need them) and head around the perimeter of the Lake Grounds via Lake Road, running either on the verge or close in to the side of the road.

DRINKS will be provided every lap, and at the finish too (small bottles of mineral water that you can carry with you).

TOILETS are also available every lap (at the corner of Lake Road / Esplanade Road).

SPECTATORS can view the race from the Esplanade, the finish line on the Lake Grounds or one of two cafes on the course (one at the poolside, one in the Lake Grounds further along the front).

FINISHING: The complete loop is 1.3 km long, so after doing three laps you will be told to turn left to the finish line. After your glorious finish, take another drink if you need one, get your breath back, and then we'll present you with your race memento and tee shirt. We will have photographers on hand to snap you as you cross the line, and when you are receiving your presentation - family and friends are welcome to join you for the presentation photo.

Any questions? You can email the race director at [email protected] with any questions about this event or Try-a-Tri in general, I'm happy to help.

A few more notes re rules, safety & course layout....

All this will be covered in the race briefing and the race-info pack sent out prior to the event, but here it is so you can refer to it any time:

DRINKS: Near the finish is a drink station so grab a bottle of water here if you need it and carry it with you to sip on the way. You'll pass the drinks station on each lap during the run, and again when you have finished. Bottles must be disposed of in a bin, by handing them to a marshal or else just carry it to the finish - chucking them away on the course is not permitted as it's a trip hazard as well as a litter nuisance.

TOILETS: At the end of the Esplanade, there are public loos which will be open so you can use these during the race.

LAKE ROAD: A marshal just past the loo building will direct you to turn left and run along the left side of Lake Road - here you can run on the road if safe to do so or on the verge. The road will be open to traffic but there are speed bumps and any cars will be going very slowly. Look out for cars pulling out of parking spaces and obey any directions/warnings from marshals.

NO HEADPHONES: Please note that headphones cannot be worn during the run - it wouldn't be safe because of traffic, other runners etc. - you need to be able to hear what's going on around you. Sorry about this, but it's necessary.

NUMBERS: You must wear a race number on your front during the run section - see the notes about the bike course for more info.

ROAD CROSSING: You must obey the marshals at the road crossing (as you come out of transition to start the run). They have no authority to stop the traffic, so if a car is coming, they will have to make you pause and catch your breath until it's passed. Minimal traffic is expected, of course, but if by any chance you are asked to wait, please be understanding and take it as an opportunity to have a breather for a few seconds.

There is one short section where you have to run behind a safety barrier - this is just where you pass transition at the end of each lap - please don't try to overtake on this narrow section. The barrier is there to stop you running into other runners just joining the course - it makes sure the first-lap and second-lap runners are going in the same direction and can "merge" safely.

Quite a lot of safety notes about such a short run! All pretty obvious stuff though, and I hope I've made it clear why we need a few rules for everyone's safety.

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