Welcome to the new look VO2 website. As you can see we are moving up in the world making it easier to get our news out to the tri world.  The season has well and truly kicked of for the duathletes and is kicking off for the triathletes. The athletes we are preparing for the Age Group Olympic Distance World Champs are only 5 weeks away and it is one of the most exciting training times for may athletes.

London Marathon
I know it is not a multi sport event but how can we not talk about it. Any sport that takes over London should get a mention in our book.
Our athletes had all had a great day their and all achieved their objectives.
James Parfitt            3hrs 04min34 sec
Stefan Stone            3hrs 08min 18sec
Jonathan Barnett         4hrs 00min 00sec
Denis Harris            3hrs 34min 51sec
Jonathan Walzak        4hrs 52min 30sec
Becky George            4hrs 58min 25sec

Well done to all of you

Other results
Jimmy George Team VO2      National Age Group Duathlon Championships (25-29)  4th
Ashbourne Duathlon Series Championship (25-29) 20th

Open Water Swimming tips
As the weather warms up we are able to start thinking about open water swimming. We have put together a quick guide to make sure you refresh or learn the basics of open water.

Swim a straight line
During your pool-based sessions incorporating the following drills to your sessions will help you develop you skills in a straight line. Many find themselves swimming much further than they need to and can become disoriented but by practicing these drills you will have the fundamental skill to direct yourself.

Sighting
Swimming like a water polo swimmer with your head up looking directly in front of you will help you to sight and direct your self. Don’t try to breath at the front save that as you have practiced in training and keep to the side. Swim 5 strokes normal then 3 water polo, this is just enough to help you to sight but not to much to slow you as the move you lift your head the more you will drop your feet and create drag.

Black line
If you are luck enough to have a lane to your self then this drill will help you balance your stoke. Swim straight down the line and close your eyes for a count of 5 then open. The objective is to keep your body over the black line. If you have drifted then there many be a stronger side to you stroke that you will need to correct.

Wetsuit
Your wet suit should fit you perfectly (no compromise!) sounds obvious but a ill fitting suit will hinder your swimming and all your hard work by restricting your range of movement and filling with to much water.
There are many great suits for sale on the market offering flexibility and adding obyancy spending as much money on your suit isn’t always going to get you the best suit for you so the best thing to do is to try before you buy.

Other equipment
Wearing none tinted goggles will give you clear vision in the water and when sighting. Wearing two swimming caps will also keep your head much warmer and keep’s you happier in the water and with the following tip help your goggles to stay in place. Put your first cap on then goggles then the second hat.

Open Water
Nothing beats practice and getting in open water will on doubt improve your swim but don’t spend too much time at it. Less is more.
The pool has many options to stop swimming and rest. If you are panicking you can always grab the lane rope or stop at the end of a lane. With open water this safety net is taken way but rembering the following will stop you getting in to any problems. Always swim with others never swim open water alone. You wet suit is also add’s bouncy so if you are in trouble just roll on to your back and put your arm up for assistance.