<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>CatMorrison - Duathlon247</title><link>http://www.duathlon247.com/index.html</link><description>Latest articles submitted by CatMorrison on Duathlon247</description><item><title><![CDATA[Why you should 'du' a duathlon!]]></title><link><![CDATA[http://www.duathlon247.com/article_5569.html]]></link><description><![CDATA[Duathlon&#039;s World #1, Cat Morrison takes an interesting look at the reasons why, if you haven&#039;t done already, you should take part in a duathlon! Having raced a good few of them, Cat is well placed to speak about the advantages and disadvantages (not that there are many) of racing duathlon. The multi world medallist can&#039;t recommend them highly enough and suggests that it would be good to see a few more triathletes giving this fun but tough multisport event a go!

Cat will be contributing regularly to Duathlon247 bringing us all her latest news plus her views on the sport. She&#039;ll also be talking about any progress (which we will hopefully be seeing) that is being made to improve the profile of triathlon&#039;s sister sport.



D Definitely worth a try. Whether you are a seasoned or novice triathlete, multisporter, runner or biker, or just someone looking for a new challenge, competing in a duathlon should be on your &ldquo;to do&rdquo; list.

For those new to the multi sport world, a duathlon is an excellent introduction. Competitive athletes will find that a little duathlon training does wonders for their overall fitness and triathletes will see improvements in transition skills and their ability to run off the bike. 

Most races will allow mountain bikes (but do check when you enter) so duathlons can be great for new comers and novices. Rake around in the garage or beg, steal or borrow from friends and family! There are also a variety of distances and terrains to suit all tastes. Consider a team event with friends and family.

 
U Undoubtedly the underdog to her big sister triathlon. However, from personal experience, I have to say that on the whole the duathlon scene is a big friendly place. Duathletes seem to be a little more laid back and welcoming than their triathlon counterparts (I can say this as I compete in both events!). The support that I have received over the years from the GB age group team has been fantastic.

A Advantages of duathlon include: watching lots of nice bottoms in lycra. Sorry, seriously &ndash; as I have already mentioned, duathlon is a sport for all &ndash; seasoned athletes and novices alike. If you are thinking about doing a triathlon, a duathlon can give you a taste for the event whilst taking out the swim which can be one of the stressful disciplines for many. 

The cross training aspect (bike and run) can be beneficial to many in preventing or managing injury.

Duathlons are a good way to kick start or finish off your season. When the weather is still a little inclement for donning that wetsuit, a duathlon can satisfy the need to compete. 


Duathlons are a great way to introduce children to multisport. Run-bike-run events can be organised very easily. Most kids run and many have bikes. Bikes can be shared if in short supply and for many a swim can be intimidating so a duathlon is a perfect introduction event.

T Travel the world! If you get really hooked, there are plenty of races all over the place that you can enter &ndash; double them up with your holidays (that should go down well with the kids and spouse) or get competitive and challenge yourself to qualify for the GB team. Just think, in 2010 you could travel as far a field as Edinburgh for the world duathlon championships!

H Hate it because it hurts so much to run twice!

L Love it because you love the hurt that comes with running twice!

Love it or hate it, duathlons are like marmite. Many people won&rsquo;t go near a duathlon. I know many talented triathletes who would make great duathletes but the very thought of having to run TWICE is enough to send them into a jelly-like state. I have to say that it&rsquo;s usually the good swimmers who shy away. Of course, there is always the exception to the rule: take Vanessa Fernandes as a super example.  BUT if running and biking are your strong points then make the most of them by facing up to the duathlon challenge.

O Overdraft. Be warned &ndash; duathlon, like triathlon (as many of you will know) involves toys (bikes, helmets, shoes, sexy lycra&hellip;.). And we all get caught eventually in wanting bigger, better, newer and shinier things as we get more and more involved. Remember that in the long run (no pun intended!)  the best and possibly least expensive investment you can make is in training your heart, lungs and legs.
 
N Next stop? Get out that race calendar and book a spot in an event that tickles your fancy!]]></description></item></channel></rss>
