It’s the question that has been going through triathletes’ minds since the UK – and the world – went into lockdown: does triathlon count as ‘one piece of exercise’? Here we explore questions such as this, and more, to help the triathlete get through these challenging times.
Does a brick session count as one form of exercise?
This is a tricky one, but the answer is yes as long as you keep your transition times below 1 minute and have a police officer there to record it. As soon as you go above 1 minute, unfortunately by even attempting it you could be arrested – so make sure you’re all set for speedy transitions! Members of Walrus Tri have been known to have a full club sandwich and a rub-down during transitions in the past – absolutely none of that.
Is a decent ride on its own OK?
The two forms of state-sanctioned exercise alluded to most often are a) running and b) cycling – but we all know what was really envisaged for the latter (a short pootle down the road on an old clanger, not a good 80K round the Chilterns). So is it OK to get out on the roads for a decent session? We’ve had different views from different readers, but the answer again seems to be yes as long as you don’t stop at traffic lights, or for any other reason for that matter. Again, ideally a qualified police officer would accompany you – or film you by drone – to make sure you stick to the rules.
What’s the maximum distance and time I can train for?
Again – tough question, and there’s no clear guidance at present. The general gist seems to be that it’s preferable to travel faster for a shorter period than slower for a longer period, so your best bet is to hurtle at break-neck speed for a quick 10Km on the bike to be well in line with the rules. Two key points on this:
- Absolutely no time can be spent loitering in your porch or front garden, oiling chains etc. You must be sat on your bike in the hallway, fully geared up, and then upon your partner or friend opening the door you have to ride out as fast as possible. The same goes for coming back in
- For running, try getting your heart rate up as high as possible in advance through squats, sit-ups and burpees in the home. Then run as fast as you can straight out of the door; this will avoid any short period of ‘warm-up’ during which you might transmit the disease.
Is drafting OK?
Definitely not.
I have already had Coronavirus – can I set up an immune peloton?
We expect more guidance on this in the coming days as more people get tested. In theory this would be OK, but in practice you’re likely to get shot by people from their windows. Research continues into how long the virus can survive on spokes, too, with early tests suggesting that a bike may effectively be spraying the virus into the air over a large area. Or not – it’s all rather unclear at this stage.
How do I swim on concrete?
A tough one – and we’re open to suggestions. Possible options include the ‘skateboard method’ trademarked by that chap in that meme that’s been going round. Another option is using resistance bands tied to the wall while your partner hoses you down.
Is two bike rides in a day ‘one piece of exercise’?
Possibly, yes, and it really depends on where you live. In Somerset, for instance, two bike rides is perfectly fine, while in London even one probably isn’t. Generally speaking, you’re better off going for a single 70Km ride rather than trying to do two 35Km rides. But speak to your local constable to confirm.
What else can I do to keep training?
The great news is that there are plenty of options out there – and thanks to readers for suggestions so far.
- Carry your malt loaf and other snacks in a Sainsbury’s carrier bag attached to your saddle. That way, if stopped, you can claim to be doing your ‘essentials’ shop. If possible, to make it more convincing, you should also carry one full pint of milk, unopened. But you’ll have to resist the temptation to break into this on the hills!
- Become a Deliveroo rider. I’m pretty sure Chris Froome delivered my burger last night – he’s fooled us all.
- …send in your ideas and suggestions, to have them included here!
Concluding Points
Needless to say these are challenging times for triathletes, but hopefully the above advice provides clarity in these murky times. And if you aren’t a triathlete yet, now definitely isn’t a time to ‘catch the bug’.
Stay safe out there.
Team Walrus.