If you are getting ready for any of this summer’s duathlons, no doubt you have been training consistently in the run up. With the next Dublin duathlon coming up in Phoenix Park, it might be time to make sure you have your preparation in order. Your chartered physiotherapist can give you invaluable advice on race preparation and can help you achieve your duathlon goals. Duathlons can be quite demanding on your body as you move from running to biking and back to running without any recovery time.

Here are some of Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic’s tips in the lead up to your race:

• It may sound obvious, but getting your bike checked by a professional in a cycle shop can help you avoid unnecessary accidents. You don’t need a top of the range bike, just a safe one.

• You need to concentrate on building your running skills. Your physiotherapist can help in advising on the proper training and running techniques which are least likely to cause damage.

• Make sure to do a light warm up and some gentle stretching before you start.

• keep up your fluid intake.

• Practice getting on and off your bike quickly and get used to safe bike handling techniques.

• Reduce your training in the week before the race. Avoid unnecessary strain on your muscles and do not exhaust yourself.  If you have built up your strength over a period of time and prepared well you should enjoy the duathlon experience.

Your physiotherapist can help in a number of other ways. Try doing some Pilates to increase flexibility and help get you in the right frame of mind for concentrating on the race. Have a look at your posture also. The experts at Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic can work with you to improve posture and so reduce the risk of race injury. It will also help you perform at your best. In the unlikely event that you do get injured during a duathlon, do not hesitate to contact us, as a course of physiotherapy can reduce pain and recovery time. In the meantime enjoy the duathlon season!