The Northumbrian Triathlon Training Tips
Signing up for a half or full iron distance triathlon is an exciting challenge. Whether it’s your first, tenth or hundredth it’s a big commitment and at times a daunting journey. Balancing the running, cycling, swimming and of course, recovery, requires careful planning and discipline.
But we have you covered, and we’ve put together our best training tips to help you get through the months ahead. We hope you’ll be able to enjoy your training (for the most part!) and arrive at the event in June feeling excited, full of adrenaline, and ready to take on the adventure.
Gear
You’ll need some good quality kit to get you through training and the race, and training with your gear will test the reliability of everything you’ll be bringing to the event.
- Wetsuits are mandatory for The Northumbrian, so we suggest you Invest in a well-fitting wetsuit and swim goggles for the swim leg
- Road or triathlon bikes are suitable for the bike leg. Make sure your bike is reliable, in good working condition and you have a safe helmet
- Shoes for the run should be comfortable above everything. Road or trail shoes are suitable for Kielder’s trail paths
- A triathlon race belt can ensure your transitions are smooth and you can carry your race essentials
For your first iron distance triathlon, you’ll likely only need these essentials, but more experienced competitors can explore more advanced kit to improve their performance.
Read our Triathlon kit list blog
Training
The volume, frequency and intensity of training may be different to what you’re used to, if this is your first journey towards a middle or long distance triathlon.
- Plan your sessions, alternating between running, cycling and swimming while building volume over time. This will prepare your body for the distances you’ll cover on the day
- Include strength training in your plan to make you stronger, and help prevent injuries as you put your body through increasingly demanding sessions
- Prioritise rest and recovery. This is as important as your training sessions, so make sure to schedule your rest days, but also listen to your body and be prepared to take breaks. Almost all training plans will factor in fatigue and small modifications without causing too much damage to your progress
- ‘Brick training,’ by including a run immediately after a bike session, helps to prepare your body for the demand of the race by replicating the exact conditions you’ll experience on the day. Start with a short run after a bike session, and build up the time on your feet over the next few months
- The Northumbrian includes an open water swim in Kielder Reservoir, so it is recommended you try some open water swimming before the event day to prepare yourself for the temperature and visibility conditions at the event.
Nutrition and Fuelling
You’ll need to focus on your nutrition and fuelling throughout training to ensure you’re recovering properly and feeling strong and energised for each training session.
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet of protein, carbs and fats will help your body to adapt and build a good base for training. Especially after a tougher session, hydration and electrolytes are important, as well as a balanced meal.
- Practice your race day fuelling during training, and definitely don’t try anything new on race day. From what you’ll eat before the start, to energy sources throughout the bike and run lap, you need to make sure your body responds well to your fuel
- As you won’t be able to consume fuel while swimming, the bike section will be crucial in ensuring you have enough energy for the run. Practice fuelling while on the bike and make sure to think about any food you may want to store in transition.
At The Northumbrian, we will have a selection of products from our fuel partner, Maurten, at the aid stations on the bike and run legs. Read their guides on fuelling and try some during your training. Each participant will be responsible for their own fuelling, and we recommend all triathletes carry their own water and fuel.
Most importantly, remember to have fun with it and stick to your plan as much as possible, but don’t panic if you have to adjust things slightly or adapt your training. The most important thing is arriving at the start line in June healthy, confident and prepared for the challenge ahead. We wish you the best of luck, and we’re looking forward to welcoming you to The Northumbrian this summer!
Entries for the Half and Full Iron Distance Triathlons are now open, as well as the 28K and 50K Ultra Trail Runs on the 27th and 28th June 2026. The 2026 Northumbrian will host the British and English Middle Distance Triathlon Championships. Enter now: thenorthumbrian.com
