8 Reasons You Should Start Working with a Coach

There are times in your sport, your job or life where you turn to someone else with experience and knowledge to help you progress and develop. All too often we get far beyond that point in our lives before we actually ask for help and when we do, we look back at all the decisions we had subsequently made before seeking guidance and we ask ourselves: "Why did I wait so long?!". Here we explore some tell-tale signs that indicate that it is time for you to stop being self-coached or relying on "free" coaching from clubs and invest in yourself and start working with a coach in a more formal manner.

Philip HatzisOctober 31, 2017Coaching, Triathlon, Philip HatzisComment

From Snow to Rock – Ollie Stoten

Ollie Stoten, a long term coached athlete, race team athlete and friend of Tri Training Harder embarked on an adventure in 2016 to cross the Antarctic (1,100miles) with a team of reservists (SPEAR17).

Tri Training HarderOctober 27, 2017Coaching, Race Team, RunningComment

Plan Your Off Season

Here we discuss the part of any athletes year of training and how to plan your off season to enable you to have the best possible results for when race season comes around again. It is the part of the training plan so often forgotten simply because it isn't the sexy, racing side!

Philip HatzisOctober 18, 2017Coaching, Training, Triathlon, Philip HatzisComment

Should I take an Off Season?

As athletes we get to that time in the year when all races have been raced and we are in our 'off season'. However, for most of us we notice the only thing that changes is that we have said we are taking an off season. Is that change in approach sufficient? Or should we be more strict on taking time out? Here we discuss the benefits of taking time out and how an off-season can help you to peak higher than you have before.

tritrainingharderOctober 18, 2017Coaching, Training, Triathlon, BiomechanicsComment

Assessing your Season

Unfortunately, those evenings are getting darker and it is the time of year when the racing season is coming to an end for the majority of UK Triathletes. It is a natural time for reflection on all the racing that has passed in 2017.

Alan WardOctober 17, 2017Coaching, Training, Triathlon, Alan WardComment

TTH Athlete Q&A: James Briscoe

James Briscoe is a TTH Coached Athlete who first visited us in Portugal 4 years ago while at Swansea University. Since then he has developed in a big way as an athlete while also being coached by TTH. This year James took on the ITU AG World Champs in Rotterdam and also won the Llandudno Sea Triathlon.

Nick PillingOctober 12, 2017AG, TriathlonComment

Super League Triathlon – Here to Stay?

As Superleague Triathlon hits the shores of the British Isles in Jersey, with its new format and glamorous presentation bringing an almost 'Rock'n Roll' atmosphere to the format of a classic triathlon, we explore if this new kid on the block is here to stay and what it means for the sport.

Philip HatzisOctober 3, 2017Coaching, Triathlon, Philip HatzisComment

GO TRI - The Oratory

GO TRI - The Oratory is part of a series of GO TRI Aquathon's being hosted by The Oratory School, Reading and organised by Tri Training Harder.

If you aren't familiar with GO TRI then it is an initiative by Triathlon England to get more people active and interested in multisport events - more information can be found here.

Nick PillingOctober 3, 2017AG, News, TriathlonComment

Elaine Garvican: When is a race not a race?

In my book, pretty much never. If I pin on a number, I want to perform as well as I can on that day, with whatever fitness I have. Personally, I don’t see much point in a “training race” where I purposely hold back. That’s not to say there isn’t a benefit for some people – but I think when you reach a certain level of experience, you don’t necessarily need a race in order to test nutrition, or equipment. I can do those things in training, or in a sportif if the requirement is for a longer ride. For me, a race provides things a training session does not; competition and a level of intensity it is extremely difficult to replicate on your own. Removing these aspects would negate the point of coughing up an entry fee.

Nick PillingOctober 2, 2017Race Team, TriathlonComment

Ollie Stoten – My First Year as a Doctor....

As Ollie Stoten reflects on his first year as a doctor, he realises it probably hasn't been a normal right of passage. After a successful 2016, we look at how 2017 shaped up for Ollie. Crossing continents, Alpine ranges and smashing race results. Here, both Ollie and his Coach Philip Hatzis candidly reflect on a truly unique season. [Read about how his perspective changed through the race season here]

tritrainingharderOctober 2, 2017Coached Athlete, Coaching, Race Report, RunningComment

How to progress your coaching career

Ultimately coach development comes down to a mixture of time and experience, applied on top of solid theoretical knowledge. It can be a difficult journey to walk at times and it can seem like there are frustrating barriers in front of coaches, especially for those coaches who are currently coaching on a voluntary basis but wish to take their coaching further.

Alan WardSeptember 29, 2017Coaching, News, Triathlon, Alan WardComment

5 reasons why you should train with TTH - by Janz Fredo

To some people, training for a week in the beautiful Algarve, Portugal with Tri Training Harder’s coaches can be a bit daunting. A lot of people believe we only cater for serious athletes or at least the pros. This could not be further from the truth and we were lucky enough to stumble on this secret blog from holiday athlete Janz Fredo to his friends on “5 reasons why you should train with Tri Training Harder”.

Sorrel WilliamsSeptember 29, 2017Training, Triathlon, Sorrel WilliamsComment

TTH Athlete Q&A: Kurt Winship

This is the first in a new series of blogs where we will be doing short question and answer sessions with a variety of our athletes so you can get to know them a little better! You will hopefully learn from these that we cater to all athletes, from beginner to elite level across all of our coaching services.

Nick PillingSeptember 13, 2017AG, TriathlonComment

Course Review: IRONMAN Wales 2017

You have stepped up to a significant challenge in what many say is the toughest IRONMAN course of them all. We have put together this course review to give athletes detailed insight into the course so that they arrive fully prepared and ready for the big day.

Nick PillingSeptember 5, 2017AG, Racing, TriathlonComment

Tears, sweat and chocolate: 1000 mile Adventure, Renata’s longest race

The 1000 miles adventure is an unsupported race across the breadth of Slovakia and the Czech Republic over the mountains; through areas of bears; across rivers and all sorts of other 'fun'. Portugal Holiday Manager, Renata took on the race in July and here’s her account of how it went!

Nick PillingAugust 29, 2017Cycling, Nutrition, RacingComment

2017 Race Update 4

Nick PillingAugust 23, 2017AG, News, Racing, TriathlonComment

Athlete Participation Spectrum

Have you had a change in circumstances, and now have the potential to do more training or do you have a change that means you need to consider your investment in Triathlon? Have you attained your goals and wish to make a change or try something new?

Alan WardAugust 22, 2017Coaching, Triathlon, Alan WardComment

Portugal Training Holidays 2018

Join us in Portugal for a high quality, all-inclusive, coaching experience. Our Training Holidays are built around you.

Nick PillingJuly 24, 2017News, TrainingComment

2017 Race Update 3

Completing a triathlon is anything but simple. So many moving parts to manage, from training to nutrition and from clothing to rest. All of this is before you even take to the start line of a race and open yourself up to the complexities and intricacies of triathlon racing.

Nick PillingJuly 21, 2017AG, News, Racing, TriathlonComment

Paul Hayward: Part 3 - Achieving the (un)achieveable!

Having followed Paul's progress right through from winning our competition, to meeting his coach and undertaking his training, Paul's latest and final blog covers his 'A' race; Ironman Austria.

Sorrel WilliamsJuly 11, 2017Coaching, Training, Triathlon, Sorrel Williams, PaulHaywardComment

I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul

Mantras – what do they really mean and how can they help?

Many people have mantras, either for how they live their lives, or relating to how they

turn up and train. In this small series, Coach Denise looks at the mantras which have

meaning to her personally, and shares how they help her with both life and training.

Many people have mantras, either for how they live their lives, or relating to how they turn up and train. In this small series, Coach Denise looks at the mantras which have meaning to her personally, and shares how they help her with both life and training.

Overcoming Barriers: How Female Athletes Build Confidence in the Pool, on the Bike, and at the Track?

With the increased participation of women in triathlons, there has been a corresponding rise in the number of female athletes training across the three disciplines. For training to be practical, it needs to be consistent, which means showing up regularly. This can be difficult in terms of finding the time, but lack of confidence is also holding women back from participating as fully as they could. In this blog, Coach Denise examines strategies to build confidence and continue training.

Why might a female triathlete consider joining a triathlon training squad?

With the growing number of women participating in triathlon events, there has been a corresponding rise in female athletes seeking effective training methods. Squad training, either through traditional triathlon club memberships or virtual squads, is a widely recognised approach. Coach Denise explores the advantages of squad membership, particularly for female triathletes.

Are you racing for others or yourself?

It's common for athletes to feel pressure to perform well for others, but genuine pride from loved ones comes from an athlete's attitude, daily habits, and dedication to training, rather than a single race result. This article explores how a continued application of good habits is more impactful on others than a single race result.

Are you willing or just wanting to achieve something?

Endurance athletes are often caught up in their next dream. Whether trying to win an age group, qualify for a championship, or simply complete their first race, these goals ignite their passion and drive. At the beginning, when their motivation is high, training seems effortless – of course, the athlete wants to complete their goal, and they tell everyone what they want to achieve. However, there is a subtle yet significant difference between wanting to achieve these goals and being willing to do what it takes to get there.

Are you coachable?

This article explores the concept of coachability and how mindset, vulnerability, and self-talk play vital roles in an athlete's development. It discusses the differences between fixed and growth mindsets and explains why openness to feedback and embracing vulnerability are crucial for success.

What happens if my period comes when I am racing?

Every woman knows that their period has an inconvenient habit of showing up when it is least wanted. Training can be adapted to suit the menstrual cycle but race day can’t be changed. In this blog Coach Denise looks at how athletes can manage to race around their periods.

Indoor or Outdoor Cycling – Which is the best for training?

Recently, indoor training technology has transformed how endurance athletes approach their cycling training. Meanwhile, traditional outdoor riding offers unique physiological and psychological benefits that no virtual platform can fully replicate.

Unlocking the Secrets to a Stronger Run Off the Bike in Triathlons

Triathletes often start coaching with us encountering the same common hurdle: they struggle to run efficiently off the bike. Many athletes approach coaching services with the singular aim of improving their running speed. However, as coaches, we recognise that the nuances of transitioning from cycling to running extend far beyond simply running faster. It’s essential to address the finer details that affect performance in the latter stages of a triathlon. Coach Philip explores how to improve your run off the bike.

The Long Road to the Start Line – Preparing for a 3,000-Mile Row

In December 2026, I’ll set off from the Canary Islands with my teammates Martin Mead and Scott Dingle, both fellow airline captains, as part of our team, Coastal Commanders. Together, we’ll row 3,000 miles across the Atlantic in the World’s Toughest Row—a challenge that demands far more than just physical endurance.

This is no ordinary race. It takes three years of solid planning and preparation just to get to the start line. We’ll face sleep deprivation, relentless waves, blistering heat, and total isolation, rowing in shifts, non-stop, with no support and no safety net. Our goal? To complete this challenge in under 40 days.

I want to, but don’t think I’ll ever do a triathlon

If you are excited and intrigued by the idea of doing a triathlon, but think it is just for the super fit, think again. In this blog Coach Denise takes a look at the whole sport of triathlon and may just change your mind.

Why coaches should adapt training for all ability levels

Many endurance athletes grapple with the challenges of self-directed training. While some may believe that coaching is reserved for elite competitors and athletes, personalised coaching can significantly enhance performance for athletes of all levels. In this article, coach Philip explores why all coaches should personalise coaching approaches to the athlete and how this goes far beyond a standalone training plan.

Open water swimming: From dipping to swimming

Open water swimming has grown in recent years, after many people discovered it when swimming pools were closed during lockdown. From this start, a growing group of swimmers are looking to take their regular open water dips to the next level. This may be in improving swimming ability, looking to participate in longer swims or wanting to compete against other swimmers in races. In this blog Coach Denise looks at how you can move effectively from swimming for fun to becoming an accomplished, confident swimmer.

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.

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