Christmas Ideas for Triathletes...From Your Coach!

Christmas is nearly upon us and we are here to help with some Christmas suggestions for every triathlete who seems to already have everything out there. These are all gifts recommended by us to help get the best out of your training – we aren't looking for the next bit of bling, rather we want to ensure that you are able to continue training and get the gift that keeps on giving!

Merino Wool Socks

As the temperature has dropped to artic conditions merino wool socks should be part of every cyclist’s/ triathlete’s wardrobe to keep your toes nice and warm during those long winter rides. Paired with a good set of overshoes you have a winning combination. Which leads us on nicely to our next item.

Overshoes

Overshoes help to delay your feet getting cold when riding in heavy rain and provide a layer of insulation. Most overshoes tend to be made from neoprene which helps to keep the water out and provide a thick insulating layer. Also fit is very important as you don’t want the overshoe to be baggy around your leg easily allowing water to run down your leggings to your feet. For a good quality overshoe, you are looking at around £30-40+.

Finis Tempo Trainer

A fantastic training aid that you place under your swim cap. There are 2 functions stroke rate or lap interval mode. Most commonly used in the lap function to help swimmers pace their intervals. For example, if you are doing 100m repetitions trying to hit 1:20 pace you would set the tempo trainer to 20 seconds if you are in a 25m pool. Therefore, you know you should be turning every time you hear a beep. This helps you to pace yourself and get the best out of your session rather than starting too quick and then finishing much slower than your target pace.

Smart Trainer

If you have been particularly good this year and manage to find yourself on the nice list you may find a smart trainer under your Christmas tree this year. A smart trainer is just like a standard turbo trainer however it has the function to be paired to third party software such as Traineroad or Zwift to get the best indoor training experience. They can come in two types, wheel on systems or direct drive trainers. The price of a smart trainer ranges from a couple hundred pounds to £1000+. By spending more it tends to mean reduced noise and increased power accuracy.

Coaching Service or Swim Clinic

No better way of getting the best out of yourself or the recipient of this gift, leading into next season than purchasing a coaching service for them. This could be monthly coaching working with a personal coach to get the most out of your available time to train or a one to one swim clinic including video analysis to help improve and refine your swim technique. Find out about our latest sessions here.

Tri Training Harder Christmas Jumper

Finally, how could we do an article on Christmas present ideas without including this unique triathlon related Christmas jumper which we are sure will stand out amongst all the other Christmas jumpers in the office on Christmas jumper day. RRP £14.99 (Sorry for the shameless plug!). Click here to buy yours!

Will MundayDecember 14, 2017triathlon, Will MundayComment

What do I need to race well in a winter duathlon or triathlon?

Every multisport event has its own logistics challenges, but racing in the cold can add a whole new level of complexity. As the nights draw in, Coach Denise examines the specific demands of winter racing and ensures that all the bases are covered.

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.