Introduction

Ever been for a 1.5km swim, got out on the other side and thought "I really fancy going for a 40km bike ride", and then finished that and thought "What I need now is a quick 10km run"? Wait, let me rewind. Ever been for a 1.5km swim? Me neither. Well, these guys do it every day before breakfast. A breakfast that consists of cycling. Followed by running.

The basics

First, you love pain. Then, you apply that love of pain to the water, the wheels and the road. Different distances are recognised, from "sprint" (750m swim/20km cycle/5km run) to "ultra" (3.9km/180km/26.2 miles - yes, that's a full marathon on the end), but the most common - and the one competed in the Olympics - is that outlined above.

The competitor is racing against the clock, with the transitions between sections also timed. Certain rules apply: for instance, racers must have their helmet on before mounting the bike.

If you become proficient at the triathlon, perhaps you should think about grabbing a gun and stealing a horse and taking up the modern pentathlon.

Health benefits

As complete an all-round workout as they come, the triathlon combines the CV benefits of swimming, cycling and running and adds a dash of mega-endurance. These guys are nails.

Equipment, costs and practicalities

As with most specialist sports, equipment is big business for those with the means to afford it. Besides a good pair of running shoes, you'll need a decent bike in order to be competitive. The former will come in at around £80 minimum, the latter from around £500. Many race in cutoff wetsuits called trisuits, which retail at around £75.

If you want to join a club, here's a list of every one in the UK. Meanwhile, if you think you've got what it takes to go it alone, here's an event finder.

Trendiness rating: 7/10

The talented and humble Brownlees have breathed new life into a sport tainted by the whiff of self-flagellation.

Inside line

Helen Gorman, British Triathlon Federation: "Triathlon is a fast-growing, modern and dynamic sport. Participation grew by 10% last year as more and more people took up their personal triathlon challenge. The variation of disciplines ensures that triathlon will transform your fitness and keep you motivated. Kit need not be expensive - you can complete your first triathlon on a borrowed bike.

"Triathlon is a perfect sport for beginners, and with more and more new triathletes taking it up for the first time you are guaranteed never to be the only first-timer at an event. There are over 700 events in the UK, many of which are aimed at beginners. Most people start with a sprint distance event, where the swim section takes place in a swimming pool."

Find out more

triathlon.org - the official international governing body for the triathlon.

britishtriathlon.org - British Triathlon Federation.

You may also like

Swimming, modern pentathlon.

You might hate

Snoozing, archery.

Over to you

Are you a triathlete? Help us build up this resource by sharing tips, videos, links to clubs and anything else that beginners might find useful.