New to triathlon and wondering where on earth to start?
We have regular weekly training sessions in swim, bike and run, with qualified club coaches to help you develop your skills and fitness levels. We particularly pride ourselves on bringing beginners into the sport, with all disciplines having beginners sessions.
All our sessions cater to beginners, and the best thing to do is just come along and try a few sessions out!
Check out our Calendar and Facebook page for session dates, times and locations. There are sessions almost everyday which try to cater for all levels, we’re a friendly bunch and we never leave anyone behind!
We know being new to a club can be daunting, but remember everyone starts somewhere and has been there before you so you will be warmly welcomed to our club family! For a less intimidating introduction to our club we have a team of friendly faces for you to contact and meet, these are our Age Group Reps. Feel free to make contact with any questions you might have, or just to know a friendly face at your next training session.
If getting in the pool or joining the squad swims worries you, our Saturday technique session at City Baths is a great place to start. We have lanes that cater for all swim abilities, and the coaches will be able to assess your swimming level and let you know whether you should join the squad sessions, or attend a few technique sessions before doing so. Swim sessions are £4.00 for members and £5.00 for non‐members. Non‐members can join 1 session and should be people who are considering joining the club.
The bike Turbo sessions run from October until April on Thursdays, and have a varied programme for all abilities so anyone can benefit from attending these. Sessions are £2.50, non members may attend 3 tasters at £2.50, but must join after that. The summer Thursday and winter weekend bike rides are open to Chester Tri members, non-members may join us for 3 rides after which it is hoped they they will join the club.
A great place to start is our Tuesday night run group from Total Fitness. You don’t have to be a member to join the run and you will meet our coaches and club members who will happily give you the advice you are looking for. The Tuesday night run is split into groups by ability. Speak to one of our coaches who will help you join the right group.
We also have a track session every Wednesday which is perfect for seeking advice on where to start and what you need to do to help you reach your goals. Pop on down and we can help you take the next steps or just make a start. Track sessions are £2 for members and £4 for non-members. These two sessions are definitely the perfect place to start if you need to build your confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes of course.
Some of our members just run, or just cycle. Some of our members have learnt to swim with the club. If you’d like to improve your swimming, our Saturday technique sessions are a great place to start and cater for all abilities.
Yes, of course! Not all of our members participate in all three disciplines. If you don’t cycle but would like to begin, our weekly bike rides cater for all abilities and our winter turbo sessions can really help improve your fitness!
Absolutely! Many of our members were complete beginners when they started out. All of our sessions cater for different abilities, and we will never leave anyone behind. Our biggest piece of advice would be to get stuck in to the sessions, speak to the coach when you arrive to ensure you’re placed in the correct group, and have fun!
Most run and bike sessions cater for all levels and will split into groups by ability. We have swim technique sessions for learners and improvers.
At our run session we have several groups, split by ability/speed/distance.
Cycle rides are also split into speed and ability. Our group 1 cycle ride is a good place for beginners to start to build up confidence.
Come along and try out a couple of sessions, (you can try out up to 3 sessions as a non-member). Let the coach know that you are new and and here for a try out and they will assign you accordingly into speed, swim lane or cycle group.
All our coaches are qualified triathlon coaches who give their time voluntarily to the club, they’re usually wearing a coaches t-shirt or jacket, but if in doubt ask!
Ultimately no one would ever leave you behind on run or cycle, and you can’t get lost in the pool!
No need to book, all sessions are just turn up. Some sessions have an additional cost and this will be listed within the event on the calendar. Swims are £4 each, runs are free (except the track which is £2), and outdoor bike rides are free to attend.
You also don’t need to attend every session and can come as often or infrequently as you like.
We have active members who only swim, run or only cycle so no, you don’t have to race or enter a triathlon.
We hope all this training would lead you into doing a triathlon, but in no way are you under any pressure to do so.
We are very welcoming to beginners, everyone is a beginner at some point. There are always people new to the sport at sessions, and you should never feel worried about attending our sessions as a beginner. We have swim technique sessions, run and cycle rides that cater for people just starting out, so you’ll be very welcome.
We also run the Deva Diva race, which is women only triathlon based in Chester. This event was voted Triathlon of the year in 2016, and is very successful each year at getting more and more newcomers into racing.
We hope that has answered all your questions but if there is anything else you would like to know about membership please ask.
Other resources
GO TRI is powered by Triathlon England to encourage more people into triathlon and is purpose-designed for beginners and those who want to build in confidence.
There are training plans, an online training log, a number of guides on all aspects of training and Triathlon tips and a great FAQ section. They also hold a great number of GoTri events all around the country, aimed at those just starting out.
This Girl Can, a Sport England Campaign, is a national celebration of active women everywhere who are doing their thing no matter how well they do it, how they look or even how red their face gets.
With female participation in triathlon at an all-time high, the campaign aims to encourage a new wave of women, to take their first step into the sport during 2017 as part of the This Girl Can campaign.
British Triathlon, and its Home Nation’s Associations of Triathlon England, Triathlon Scotland and Welsh Triathlon, is the governing body for the sport of Triathlon. It has resources on the website including training plans for beginners, tips from the GB team, and a wealth of information when you are ready to things further.
www.humanrace.co.uk – article on training for beginners
www.triradar.com – Training plans for beginners and beyond
www.trigirl.co.uk – article covering all aspects of getting started in Triathlon
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