Sydney based business men and women were ready to swap their suits and desks for swimmers and bikes to compete in the annual St.George BRW Corporate Triathlon, held at Mrs Macquarie’s Point, Royal Botanic Gardens, on Sunday April 4.

More than 1,500 locals are taking part. Braun sponsored Olympic swim champ, Michael Klim and two-time World Triathlon winner, Emma Carney had these tips.

Klim’s Swim & Shave Tips

1. Avoid the mob
   You’ll be starting the swim with a big group of competitors, so if you’re not a strong swimmer, try and avoid getting caught in the middle of the pack. Stay on the edge or hang at the back for the start of the race.
   
   
2. Focus on your finish point
   Sometimes it’s difficult to navigate in open water swims. Try picking a spot before you start that’s aligned with the finish, and focus on that the whole swim so you don’t stray off course.
   
   
3. Breathe
   It’s best to get into a regular breathing pattern. Try one breath every four strokes. Look up every six breaths to make sure you’re staying on course.
   
   
4. Pace yourself
   400m may not seem like a long way on foot, but in the water it’s a different story. Don’t burn yourself out at the beginning. A strong finish is essential and will make all the difference.
   
   
5. Goggles and fog
   Goggles and fog don’t mix! Make sure you have goggles that fit correctly and seal tightly to prevent water getting in. Swirl saliva around the inside of the lenses to prevent fogging. If you do have a problem with your goggles during the swim, roll on to your back while you fix them and just keep kicking your legs.
   
   
6. Shave down
   Before every swimming race I give my body the once over with my Braun shaver! Being hair-less gives the impression you mean business, helping to put your competitors on edge.

Carney’s Cycling & Running Tips

1. Keep track of your bike location
   Make sure when you know the rack number where your bike is stored – familiarise yourself with the transition layout before the race. It’s a good idea to leave a bright beach towel on your bike so it’s easy to locate and you don’t waste time looking for it amongst thousands of others.
   
   
2. Check your bike
   It sounds simple, but it’s easy to over look. Make sure your wheels are pumped up and your brakes are in good working order. Ensure your bike is set up to match your natural mounting side, so as soon as you approach it, you’re ready to hop on and cycle.
   
   
3. Don’t push too big a gear
   At the beginning of the bike leg, gear your bike so that you’re not free-wheeling, but don’t have it too heavy either. You don’t want your legs to lock up with lactic acid at the start.
   
   
4. Run Forest, Run!
   Go out at your own speed, not everyone else’s. As the last leg of the race, it pays to conserve energy for the finish.
   
   
5. Blisters
   When changing from the swim to your bike kit, try and dry off / get rid of the sand on your feet to prevent any rubbing during the run.
   
   
6. Squeeze the cup
   When you grab a drink at the stations while running, squeeze/crush the cup so that you’re only drinking out of a little corner. This helps minimise the amount of air you gulp - it’s best to get straight to the liquid.

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