Tim Peake invites you to take part in the Space to Earth Challenge A PE and science challenge for key stage 2 and key stage 3 Images: © NASA/Robert Markowitz; NASA

“If you don’t try you’ll never know - reach for the stars; don’t fail to try” Chrissie Wellington, Iron Man Champion

What is a triathlon : Triathlon inspirational videoWhat is a triathlonTriathlon inspirational video

What is a triathlon? A triathlon is a multi-sport activity that involves three different sports or activities. These are typically swimming, cycling, and running but can be also be a dry tri or you can make up your own combination. Anyone can take part from elite athletes to young people such as the inspirational young Bailey Matthews aged 8. See: Bailey Matthews completes triathlon Lauren Steadman World Paratriathlete in action Sunita Williams Astronaut takes part in a space base triathlon Triathlons can be done individually or in teams. Triathlons require transitions – a move from one sport to another and involve changing equipment and clothing.

What is different about a triathlon in space? Astronauts complete triathlons 400 km above the Earth in the International Space Station They are travelling at a distance of 28,000 km per hour as they exercise They need to be strapped into specially designed exercise machines so that they don’t float away They can’t swim so they do other exercises that are similar to swimming. Astronauts need to exercise for two hours a day so multi-sports helps them from being bored They wear sports clothes but can wear a triathlon tattoo

Think about Tim’s triathlon How will biomedical engineers monitoring his health – e.g. how his heart rate will change during the course of the exercise? How will Tim track and record his own fitness and performance? How will the exercise impact on Tim’s food and energy intake? How will his exercise affect the amount of CO2 on the space station? How will his exercise affect the stability of the ISS? How will it provide enjoyment as a diversion/release, through social involvement and community? How can Tim’s exercise programme be used to raise public interest? Image: © NASA

Activity Suggestion - Have a go at a transition? As a relay – get changed into helmet, glove, goggles and flightsuit? What skills do you need? How can you arrange your clothing? How do you respond under pressure? What can you do to speed up the transition? How can team members help you? How can you time your efforts? How do your times change as you practice?

Activity Suggestion – Design your triathlon kit to wear in Space and on Earth What are the differences between kit for Space and kit for Earth? Think about features, fabrics and their properties Consider your design – one piece or two piece? Will you have pockets? Will you include any wearable technology? How will you brand it? Write some instructions on how to get in and out of the kit? Present your ideas to the class

Transitions

Transition – Space Style

Sunita Williams completed the first Space Triathlon on 16 September 2012 on her second visit to space. On her first visit she completed the Boston marathon. You can see a video clip of her here: astronaut-runs-triathlon-in- space-video.html astronaut-runs-triathlon-in- space-video.html

Tri the Distance SwimBikeRun Super Sprint400 m10 km2.5 km Sprint750 m20 km5km Standard1500 m40 km10 km Ironman2.8 km180 km42 Space to Earth Challenge 400 km as a school, individual, group or community in one day or over six months whilst Tim is in space

Astronauts are not elite athletes but are good all-rounders. Here Italian astronaut Paolo Nespolli runs alongside UK children.

Dri Tris can involve another sport such as rowing to replace swimming.

Triathletes kit on Earth Credit: Castle Triathlon

Transitions are important for astronauts – they need to be able to don spacesuits quickly Image Credit: ESA

Qualities needed by Triathletes: Triathletes need to Stay calm Avoid panic Be efficient and organised Manage kit and equipment Have good concentration Be able to record their times Follow instructions

Materials used in space and sports need to be light, strong, stable, absorb sweat and be comfortable. What could you use these materials for? Titanium Memory foam Velcro Carbon composites Photovoltaic Gold Aluminium Reinforced glass Image: © NASA

Profiles: Chris Duff I work for the Satellite Applications Catapult and the National Space Academy. I used to swim competitively but the early mornings were a bit of a problem. I like to train outdoors so swimming in a lake or a river has a different challenge. I have used space based apps to find where my events are, to map my training routes and to calculate the distances I have travelled. I have similar goals to Tim – to stay fit and healthy but in space Tim will be using a treadmill and an ergometer.

Learning Objectives Students have an opportunity to try out a range of multi-sports activities and explore the maths, physics and technology behind triathlons on Earth and in Space. Students are encouraged to think about, identify and classify the materials used in sports and science Students are encouraged to think about values of courage, determination and how these apply to participants. Students are encouraged to identify and classify materials, communicate ideas and record data. Students are encouraged to create and code their own performance monitor.