{mvonbe@essex.ac.uk}

What is Triathlon?
Triathlon is the combination of three very different sports: swimming, biking, and running. They are performed in succession. Born in the U.S. in 1978, triathlon is now part of the Olympic Games. They are multiple distances ranging from the Olympic distance (1.5k, 40k, 10k) to the Ironman (3.8k, 180k, 42.2k). It is a complete discipline in the sense that it uses all body’s muscles. The three sports are practiced linearly and, with the advantage of cross training, they reduce the risk of injuries.
The Essex Blades Triathlon Club seeks to perpetuate the tradition of having a small group of motivated individuals who strive at various levels from staying healthy to being the best they can. Each year, the British University Championships organises a Sprint distance (750m, 20k, 5k) and an Olympic distance race where we hope to send a large delegation. For the coming year, the executive committee has decided to offer the possibility to its members to prepare for a long distance triathlon such as a Half or a Full Ironman. The club also welcomes duathletes (run, bike, run).
One of our members and new president was part of the Belgian national team sent to the ITU Triathlon Long Distance World Championships (4k, 130k, 30k) over the summer where he earned the gold medal in the 20-24 age group. Triathlon is an exhilarating experience and an enriching journey for all who seek new challenges. It can be arduous, sometimes painful but, in the end, always extremely rewarding because it will help you discover sides of your personality you did not know existed.
How far can you go? If you want to know, don’t hesitate, join the Essex Triathletes!
We are a small friendly group of individuals who love challenge. Our aim is to get fit and have fun doing it!
Training sessions will be structured so that beginners and more experienced members can learn from each other and at the same time have a quality session.
We also compete in most associated events, for example long distance running and many cycling events.
We are affiliated with the Human Performance Unit so quality advice is never far away.
Club Committee
Training Times
Day
|
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
Sunday |
| AM |
|
|
|
Spinning at Sports Centre |
|
Brick session - Cycling then running 10AM Sports Centre |
VC Revolution Ride 9AM |
| PM |
Swimming with swim club 9-10PM Clacton |
Running |
|
Running |
Swimming with swim club 9-10PM Bramston Leisure Centre, Witham |
|
Swimming with swim club 9-10PM Leisure World, Colchester |
Swimming
This year we have teamed up with the Swimming and Water Polo Club so we can offer you more quality pool time.
Meet at 8PM SU Bar on Campus for ALL sessions.

| Monday |
Coached Clacton Masters Session |
Clacton Leisure Centre 9-10PM |
| Friday |
Alternating weeks between Swimming and Water Polo |
Bramston Leisure Centre 9-10PM |
| Sunday |
Swimming and Water Polo |
Colchester Leisure World 9-10PM |
A session fee of £60 gets you access to all these sessions for the entire year.
Cycling
A lot of informal cycle training is done by our members. Sunday mornings we are invited to train with local cycling teams - VC Revolution & Interbike. The ride starts at 9.10AM.
Running
New running hours need to be assigned.
Brick Session - Cycling then running
Day: Saturday
Location: Sports Centre (by the tennis courts)
Details: Ride followed by run.
How much does it Cost?
Club membership for students is £15 per year. Sessions and affiliation to the Swimming and Water Polo Club costs and extra £60 for the year.
Casual Training
If you cannot make the times above, members also train at other times and you should be able to find a training partner.
If you have any questions on training do not hesitate to get in touch!
How do I join?
To sign up as a member of this club please ensure that you have first registered to www.essexstudent.com and click on the membership payment icon (add to basket) at the bottom of the page, then you can pay via Debit or Credit Card through the online payment system. Alternatively you can sign up as a member of this club by enquiring at the Students' Union Reception by providing your PRID number on your student card.