ITU World Championships London

The swim start for the ITU London World Championships 2013

Exactly one year after the Olympic Games were held in London the iconic triathlon race course was again open. London's busiest roads were closed and athletes from all over the world flew in to compete in Hyde park. With an Aquathlon, an 'open race', an Age Group sprint and Olympic distance triathlon and the Elite races, the excitement in central London grew to fever pitch.

All of us here at Tri Training Harder had been looking forward to London and busily preparing. Many of our race team athletes and coached athletes were racing, as were Chantal Cummings, Ed Brett and Hannah Johnston.

As well as prepping for the race, Chantal had organised the Tri Training Harder Expo stand which stood in pride of place in the indoor expo area. Our aim was to meet new people and tell them about our company but we also wanted to provide a central point for all our athletes to congregate. The highlight for all of us on the stand was seeing old friends again and hearing how the race season had gone for people who came on training holidays with us this year.

Before opening on day three at the Tri Training Harder expo stand

Every day was manic!

To keep the kids (and Rosanna) entertained we had a "make your own banner" stand which was great fun!

Go Daddy Go

From future GB triathletes!

The Tri Training Harder Expo stand sold last minute race items that our coaches and athletes use and endorse. Race bottles, High5 nutrition and body glide flew off the shelves. However what caused the most excitement was our new range of novelty t-shirts created by Fiona.

With four designs in multiple colours, our casual wear t-shirt collection featured a range of slogans and jokes that we all decided on as triathletes, for triathletes. Athletes cupboards are full of finishers t-shirts and lycra but we wanted to provide a cool, casual t-shirt for when athletes are not training. It was such fun to see them being worn around Hyde park as the week progressed. Although we sold out of several sizes early on and had to reorder, we have a few T-shirts left and are selling these on our online shop.

It was fantastic to see so many of the Free Tri GB T-shirts we gave away being warn around London

Give us a flash of your TTH Tri GB t-shirt!

Laura and Chantal modelling our t-shirts beautifully

Spotted - one of our t-shirts out for a run!

We want to say a huge congratulations to all of our athletes who raced. We are so proud of you!

Race Team athlete Jenny Latham did herself proud winning a silver medal in her age group with a time of 1:59:55. We all cheered as Jenny took the podium at the spectacular Trafalgar square award ceremony, not only had she done a great time but she had been racing (not advisable) with an injury which would have slowed most people down dramatically!

Silver Meddle winner, Race team athlete Jenny Latham

Race team athlete Nick Beer who raced the Olympic distance triathlon put in a great performance as his fine form whizzed around the course in 1:52:03.

Race Team athlete Nick Beer

Ed Brett raced the Olympic distance and complained of having "no speed" (probably not surprising as his training has been focused on long distance for his up coming Kona race) but despite his excuses his time was an acceptable 2:02:00.

Ed on the beautiful P5

Chantal Cummings, after a tough race season battling injury approached this, her "A" race with as much gusto as she does everything. Coming 10th in her Age Group Chantal did a super job. Her latest blog chronicles her thoughts on a tough race season and has some good tips for those feeling the same.

Chantal - snazzy cornering!

The latest addition to the Tri Training Harder office team, Hannah Johnston went on to come 6th in her age group in the sprint distance triathlon. Hannah came out the water first and can boast being the fastest woman in the swim!

Emma Woolf (coached by Ed) pulled a strong performance out the bag, making impressive improvements on her times at qualifying events with the time of 2:08:20, 12th in her Age category.

Nikki Dorey (coached by Fiona) raced for Ireland and brought with her an impressive support team! Despite battling nerves before the start she flew round the course (Pun intended as she is a pilot!). Having coached Nikki since she came on a training holiday with us, it was great spending time with her and cutting shapes on the dance floor at the after party.

Nicky racing for Ireland

Julia James (coached by Chantal) put in a sterling performance in the sprint distance event on Friday taking 9th place in her age-category in a time of 1:17:10.

Team Isaacs! Adelle and Daniel (coach by Fiona) got cracking times and made an impressive brother sister combo on the race course! We were particularly thrilled with Adelle's performance getting 1:21:36 despite loosing her cycling shoe and doing the bike leg bare foot! Her top tip for racing "Go back and find your shoe!"

Hannah, Adelle, Danny pre race

Dean Ratcliffe (coached by Phil) spent his pre race time promoting the opening of his new triathlon club Medway Tri rather than resting! But both him and the lovely Andri de Wit (who raced in the sprint) got good times and did Tri Training Harder and Medway Tri proud.

Laura Fidler (racing age group olympic) and the lovely Davey (racing the open race) played host to a house of triathletes on the build up to there race. Turbos going at all hours of the day and night, huge appetites and endless kit around.... living the dream! Laura raced hard and although she saw room for improvement her fight against shingles and its aftermath of fatigue makes her time of 2:13:00 ruddy good! Well done Laura!

Laura ready to race

Ellen Ann Finnighan Mackenzie (soon to be coached by Ed) is always such a pleasure to be around and her visits to the Expo both pre and post race were brilliant. Although causing disappointment by not riding with her customary flower in her helmet Ellen Ann had a good race and pipped her nemesis to the finish and coming 23rd in her age category!

Highlights of the week:

Iconic photo of Shirin Gerami, the first woman to represent Iran in triathlon

Shirin Gerami became the first female triathlete to compete for Iran. Tri Training Harder was thrilled for her and over whelmed by her achievement. An old friend of many of our staff and a long time coached athlete of Tri Training Harder as part of Durham University Triathlon Club, Shirin raced on Sunday morning for her age group and got the biggest cheers of anyone in her race. We were so proud to see her race for her country and are pleased to see Iran opening the doors for woman in sport.

Shirin is an old friend and we are so proud of what she has achieved

We want to say a huge well done to Chris Goodwin who won Gold racing the Tri6a (mens) category.
Chris is a blind athlete and was guided by former pro Ben Howard. Ben is an old friend of Tri Training Harder's having been based with us in Portugal during his career as a triathlete. Watching Chris and Ben whizz around the race course on wet slippery roads was breath taking and Chris's time of 1:07:53 deserves huge respect.

Chris Goodwin, winner of Tri6a Paratriathlon category guided by TTH's Ben Howard.

For the staff, coaches, race team and former training holiday visitors of Tri Training Harder, one of our most celebrated visitors was the one and only Tim Butt. Tim, camp manager and epic cyclist, has not been on the scene for a while due to health issues and seeing him looking so well was awesome! Tim had just got back from cycling in Wales- it was great to hear he is back on his bike!

Tim Butt visiting the stand

And last but not least it was pretty epic being on site for the Elite men's race. Although watching Alistair Brownlee loose his tittle on the very race course he made his name on one year ago was heart breaking, it was some race to watch. Philip rather enjoyed chatting to Alistair about his annoyance with brother Jonny for not winning later on at the after party! Philip will be talking about that one for weeks to come!

The moment the Brownlee Brothers lost

All in all a week to be remembered. It was wonderful seeing so many familiar faces and making so many new friends.

Gail, Ben and Ollie - Old friends visiting us on the stand with an unknown bear

Well done to everyone who raced and to London for another great event despite slippery roads and freezing temperatures!

Tri Training HarderSeptember 25, 2013London, UKNews, RacingComment

Can you avoid drafting in triathlons? Navigating Reality and Making the Most of Your Race

In this latest article, Coach José explores how drafting is a part of the sport, why there are drafting rules, what to do if you find yourself stuck amongst the drafting group, and how to ensure you race with integrity.

What Makes Tri Training Harder's Athlete Network Special?

In this article, we explore Tri Training Harder’s community-driven approach and how building a supportive and inclusive athlete network fosters success. Featuring stories from Tri Training Harder community members, the article highlights how collaboration and shared knowledge positively impact athletes, emphasising the value of a collective, inclusive environment for athletes of all levels.

Why should you Integrate Physiotherapy and Nutrition into Endurance Training

This article explores the science behind endurance training, focusing on the crucial roles of physiotherapy and nutrition. With insights from Tri Training Harder’s expert partners, including physiotherapists and nutritionists, we highlight how their expertise is integrated into training plans to enhance athlete performance and prevent injury, underscoring the importance of a well-rounded approach to endurance training.

What is The Power of Holistic Endurance Coaching?

This article delves into the power of holistic coaching, emphasising our comprehensive approach that goes beyond just a training plan. By incorporating mental, physical, and emotional support, this coaching strategy has helped athletes thrive. Testimonials from current athletes highlight the significant benefits of this well-rounded methodology, reinforcing the importance of a holistic approach to coaching.

How can you Balance Endurance Training with a Busy Life: Tips from Tri Training Harder

This article explores practical strategies for balancing endurance training with a busy lifestyle. Drawing on insights from TTH coaches, the article offers advice on effective time management, prioritising workouts, and finding the right balance between triathlon training, work commitments, and personal life.

How is fear transmitted amongst athletes before an endurance event?

At some recent events, we have overheard athletes talking about their concerns and have been intrigued by how their fears have rippled out. In this latest article, Coach Philip explores how fear is spread and how it can impact athletes. More importantly, he also identifies how athletes can mitigate this group-social effect and rise above this group phenomenon.

What happens to my swim speed in open water

For most triathletes the majority of their swim training is done in a swimming pool. While this allows for the athlete to spend time on drills, technique and speed work, most triathlons involve a swim in open water. In this article Coach Denise looks at what impacts your speed when moving from the pool into open water.

What should you wear for a cold triathlon?

Although racing in the UK has many perks, one downside is that we don’t usually get the excessive heat that some of our European and US friends are accustomed to racing in. In this article, Coach Philip explores some top tips for racing in the cold.

Warming up for the swim, on the land

The first leg of any triathlon event is the swim, but how can you make sure that you are ready to race from the starting hooter? In some events it is possible to get into the water for a quick few minutes recce, but this is often not an option. In this blog Coach Denise takes a look at how you can get ready to race from the moment you enter the water.

Getting into cold water – acclimatising and having fun

At the start of race season, as thoughts turn to open water swims, one of the key considerations is, just how do you swim comfortably in cold water. In this article Coach Denise uses her extensive experience of swimming in Scotland to look at how best to make the transition from the pool to outside, helping you to have the best swim leg you can.

Planning to fuel or fuelling to plan?

Every year, nutrition and its strategies take centre stage in our conversations with athletes. It's a subject that sparks genuine curiosity and interest. Yet, the challenge lies in translating this knowledge into effective race strategies. Coach Philip delves into some common pitfalls in nutrition strategy, emphasising the potential for significant performance improvements.

Why is a Warm-up Important?

We all know warm-ups are important, but when it comes to racing, we tend to do things differently than in training. Coach Philip explores why the warm-up is important.

How should you categorise your races through the season?

Athletes often categorise their races. In this article, Coach Philip outlines how athletes can use a category to help adjust their mindsets before the event.

ITU World Championships London

Highlights of the week:

Read the latest content from Tri Training Harder Coaching

Sign up to receive the latest news and updates from Tri Training Harder

Believe. Strive. Achieve.