#TriJanuary aims to get 5000 people active through swim, bike and run

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Deborah James and Lauren Mahon, from multi-award winning You Me and the Big C podcast, are two of four famous faces calling on thousands of people to join them in taking on a multisport challenge in the new year.

Hoping to provide inspiration, Deborah and Lauren will help front ‘Tri January’, a British Triathlon campaign which looks set to encourage over 5,000 people to swim, bike and run their way through the month and officially call themselves a triathlete.

The pair are best known for hosting their myth-busting podcast about living with cancer which has attracted millions of listeners thanks to their candid, no-nonsense approach to the topic. Deborah, who has completed numerous 10km runs and half-marathons whilst currently living with Bowel Cancer, is fully behind Tri January, saying:

“Keeping fit has helped me prepare and recover for numerous major operations over the last few years, also helping reduce my tiredness and anxiety levels whilst undergoing treatment for Stage 4 Bowel Cancer. It’s all about finding a level that works for you - and knowing even by taking small steps you can really make a difference.”

Sign up for your challenge pack at www.trijanuary.org

Being active can help you lose or keep a healthy weight, which according to Cancer Research UK can help reduce the risk of 13 different types of cancer*. In addition, exercise can improve mood, boost energy and improve mobility and strength, as well as offering a great way to socialise and develop new skills.

Self-confessed ‘non-swimmer’, Lauren, will take on the Tri January challenge alongside her co-host and friend. She added:

“For me, Tri January is all about overcoming my own personal fear of swimming and being able to show what you can do when you put your mind to it. Tri January isn’t about becoming a triathlete overnight, but taking your time and working out how the sport could work for you. The best thing? You set the pace.”

Deborah and Lauren will be joined by reigning ITU Paratriathlon World Champion and Strictly Come Dancing star Lauren Steadman, along with TV Sports Presenter and World Record holder for trying his hand at the most sports, Mike Bushell. Each of the four will take on a different triathlon distance and encourage others to do the same – showing that triathlon is for everyone, regardless of age, ability or lifestyle.

The Challenges

We all know that January feeling. You’ve relaxed over the Christmas period and are determined to start the New Year off right. If this resonates with you, then why not give Tri January a go? Challenge yourself, your friends, family and colleagues, to take on Tri January as an individual, or as part of a team.

Swim or row, bike and run throughout the month by choosing your challenge and completing one of the distances below:

  • TEAM YOU ME AND THE BIG C (GO TRI distance - 15km)
  • TEAM BUSHELL (Sprint distance - 25km)
  • TEAM STEADMAN (Standard distance - 50km)

Participants are encouraged to grab their workout gear and give whichever distance suits them most a try.

There is no set formula for completing the challenge, as long as you achieve the distance. So, swim one day – or jump on the indoor rower if you prefer – bike the next and run the week after.

Alternatively, you can complete the whole challenge all in one go. Tri January is designed to fit activity into even the most hectic of lifestyles. Your triathlon; your choice.

Tri January aims to engage new participants and those with a ‘revolving door’ relationship with sport and physical activity with fun and accessible challenges, triathlon-style.

How to Get involved

Sign up for free from Wednesday 2 January 2019 and receive a free Tri January campaign pack to help keep you on track, with a Tri January wall chart, stickers, diary inserts and other goodies from British Triathlon.

Sign Up

Follow our ambassadors’ journey on social media:

Ambassador Twitter Instagram
Lauren Steadman @LaurenSteadman @laurensteadmann
Lauren Mahon @GIRLSTOLELONDON @GIRLSTOLELONDON
Deborah James @bowelbabe @bowelbabe
Mike Bushell @mikebreakfast @bbcbreakfast_mikebushell

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