All Together Now.....

It's that time of year when, if you live in North of the Northern Hemisphere, the weather is basically awful. Dark mornings, dark evenings, grey and/or wet in between means the thought of training is less than appealing. It takes a great deal of motivation and commitment to get out and complete the sessions.....especially if you are in the base or preparation phase of a training plan where the sessions are building the blocks for later.

What to do? How can you magically motivate yourself to come home, change and get back out there, or not hit the snooze button in the morning? Here we explore how your local club may be the answer to your problems!

Swim training doesn't need to be a lonely session

If you're lacking in the motivation department, or just want to find someone else to share the love with, then here are a few reasons why you should join your local club:

1. Structured Sessions

Most clubs have a Coach - and one who will set a session plan for the club on a progressive basis. If you're not sure what you should be doing and want to progress, here is a ready made progressive training plan - and you don't need to even write it down to take it to the pool/track/place of training.

2. Coaching

Because most clubs have a Coach, you'll be getting some invaluable feedback each session on your technique, gaining new knowledge and having someone to keep your motivation and commitment up in a session.

3. The 'Peer' Effect

I am sure we can all count the times we have completed a session and not really been that into it, perhaps dawdling a little on the way? (We've all been there!) Having someone else in the session with you makes you try that little bit harder. Training with faster people makes you faster. FACT. At the point you really think you're going to skip the next rep, if one of your club mates encourages you, I'll put money on the fact you at least give it a go.

4. It's Sociable

Knowing you're going to meet your new mates later, and all get soaked together, or all endure the same kick set is a wonderful motivator. Plus, if you've already declared 'in' on the club social media page, then you wouldn't want to let anyone down......would you? Having someone else that you have made a commitment to is a great way of sticking to a training plan. Plus, there is always the club pub night, social rides, away days....we're human beings, we like to be with other human beings.

There will be some of you who are thinking that a triathlon is a one person sport and you race alone so therefore should train alone. Whilst there is some benefit to getting used to riding your bike for 4 hours on your own, go back up and read point 3. Training with others for some sessions is good for the soul (and also the PB bucket).

Group riding hones your cycling skills more that you think

5. Knowledge

Having all these new people to talk to, you may find out information you need about races, kit, technology and any other triathlon related information. Which is the best sprint distance for speed? Which is a good race for family to come and watch? Where is a good place to stay? Which local races are beginner friendly and which ones are good value for money. Which fancy new GPS watch shall I buy (and if you're really lucky, a great second hand market!)? Does anyone have a certain brand of wetsuit to try for size? Not to mention all the new knowledge you will gain from the coaching team.

Running with faster people makes you faster

6. The Best of Both

Even if you have your own online or face to face coach, you should still train with others for all the reasons above. Most coaches who provide a one to one training plan will (or should) encourage you to join in club sessions. If a triathlon club isn't for you, then perhaps a swim, bike or run club would tick some of the boxes for you. Good coaches will plan your club sessions around your specific plan and more often than not be looking forward to seeing the feedback from those sessions. Plus, it's an excellent way to track your progress - how nice is it to realise that you are actually keeping up with that faster swimmer/cyclist/runner!

In general, triathletes really are a friendly bunch of people. You'll find yourself chatting away to anyone and everyone on race day, and there is a certain sense of belonging when you see a race event t-shirt on someone in the supermarket and you wonder if you know them - so why not join your local club? I guarantee you'll be welcomed warmly and any nerves you have will be quickly eradicated as soon as you get stuck in, and once on board, watch the motivation, enthusiasm and PB's grow!

You can search for your local club through the normal search engines and social media, or check out British Triathlon's website with all the clubs and contact details here

Guest UserJanuary 16, 2018Sorrel WilliamsComment

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.