How to Plan your Season

“This race sounds fun, I’m going to sign up”. This was the extent of my planning when I first started triathlon. My husband and I would see a race we liked, and sign up. It didn’t matter when it was or what it was. If it looked fun, we were there. As a result, we often found ourselves racing every weekend weeks on end. Whilst this is fun, it is not exactly the most effective way to train and plan your season, and as a result, we were never performing at our best.

So what is the best way to plan the season? I’m afraid I have to pull the “it depends” card. Having said that, there are a number of considerations you should take into account no matter what, and there is a high level process you could follow that will help you plan your season.

Soraya MerryleesOctober 21, 2019Soraya Merrylees, Training, Triathlon, CoachingComment

Motivation – Understanding your why

Why you do something is more important than what you are doing. By being truly honest about why you are racing, may mean you unlock some hidden potential.

Philip HatzisOctober 6, 2019Philip Hatzis, racing, triathlon, PsychologyComment

Kona 2019 – the hottest line up!

Welcome, to the arena of dreams! It’s Kona week, the most wanted race for all the Long Distance Triathlon lovers is here and we just can’t wait for the show to begin! Coach Diogo outlines some of the ones to watch.

Diogo CustodioOctober 5, 2019Diogo Custodio, IRONMAN, Triathlon, racingComment

The myths and the mighty of triathlon recovery

How many times you did something just because a friend of yours told you to do so? How many times did you fail to research if what you were doing was really effective and not just a placebo? Recovery myths are all over the place and in triathlon there are no exceptions. Read on to hear how coach Diogo reviews some of the common forms of recovery.

Diogo CustodioSeptember 25, 2019Diogo Custodio, Coaching, Nutrition, TriathlonComment

What are biomechanics and what can I do to avoid injury?

In this article, coach Soraya discusses how two key areas of the body that offer your platform for good movement and function. Read on to find out about how to improve your shoulder and your pelvis function to ensure you avoid the dreaded overuse injury.

Soraya MerryleesSeptember 24, 2019Coaching, Strength & Conditioning, Soraya MerryleesComment

Training Peaks Endurance Coaching Summit – Tri Training Harder Reflections

From the 18th-20th September, Coaches Philip and Tim were fortunate enough to attend the 2019 Endurance Coaching Summit in Boulder Colorado. The event, hosted and sponsored by Training Peaks, is now in its 5th year attracting coaches and experts from all around the globe offering the only opportunity to collaborate and learn from thought leaders in the endurance industry.

Tri Training HarderSeptember 24, 2019CoachingComment

Tim Ansell reflects on his time in Boulder at the Training Peaks Endurance Coaching Summit

Tim Ansell gives us his immediate insight to his reflections on the Endurance Coaching Summit in Boulder as well as his time on a few CPD courses and workshops too.

Tim AnsellSeptember 23, 2019Coaching, triathlon, Tim AnsellComment

10 Reasons why everyone and anyone should put a training camp into their yearly schedule

All to often, Training Camps are bracketed for those who are deemed higher performers. However, we strongly believe that training camps are where the “magic” happens. Not least because they really are for everyone (who is a triathlete!). We genuinely feel that training camps are not a normal holiday and as such, the everyday triathlete can get something out of our experiences as long as they are after a trip that is more for them than what their “normal” friends would say!

Tri Training HarderSeptember 9, 2019Camp, Holiday, Training HolidaysComment

Tim Ansell describes how to manage against niggles

Here Tim Ansell delves into understanding your body and how to manage the humble niggle. As athletes we all get them, but how often do we actually listen to what our body is telling us? Read on here.

Tim AnsellSeptember 3, 2019Tim Ansell, Triathlon, In, PhysiotherapyComment

Chris Ashford completes the Paris-Brest-Paris cycle event

Chris Ashford had a great year of running in 2017 with fantastic results that you can read more about here. Unfortunately shortly after those successes, a “stress response” was found in his lower back, putting on hold any further running adventures for 2018. As any triathlete will tell you, if you can’t swim or bike or run, then just run or bike or swim instead (which ever you can carry on doing). This lead to a personal challenge of Land’s End to John O’Groats (LEJOG) in 2018 and as Chris looked to go further and further, 2019 lead to Paris – Brest – Paris. Lets find more about it here:

Tri Training HarderSeptember 3, 2019Racing, Cycling Comment

Why do biomechanics matter?

Research shows that over 50% of triathletes have experienced overuse injuries; not a great slogan for the sport! Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent getting hurt (things that people bringing up those stats are probably not doing!).

Soraya MerryleesAugust 30, 2019Physiotherapy, Soraya Merrylees, TrainingComment

When to stop a season

How many times have you asked your coach to do just one more race before you finish your season and suddenly picked up an injury for 3 or 4 months? Perhaps your off season recovery and development was focussed more on a timeline to get you back into the sport before the next season began? Athletes are very similar in many aspects of their behaviour, they always think they can do just one more, just one more repetition, just one more workout, just one more race…However, your body might “think” differently! Time to work out if it is time to call an end to a season before you end up being told to end the season.

Diogo CustodioAugust 27, 2019Injury, Diogo Custodio, RacingComment

Returning to training post baby

Team athlete Elaine Garvican recently gave birth to her first daughter after performing exceptionally well in Kona 2017 as one of the leading Age Groupers. Below she describes how she has adjusted to becoming a mother and fitting her athletic lifestyle in differently to 2017.

Tri Training HarderAugust 17, 2019Training, Pregnant, Elaine GarvicanComment

The Coach-Athlete Relationship

Here coach Diogo discussed very openly how a coaching relationship is a relationship based on trust and communication. All too often we base our opinion of coaching and coaches on what they know (and this is important) but don’t forget that you need to connect and build that relationship as well – when that happens, the performance magic happens!

Philip HatzisAugust 11, 2019Coaching, Diogo CustodioComment

Becoming a Monster

Here Kat Cook talks through her training for her A race of the year: The Monster Triathlon – reputed to be the UK’s Toughest Triathlon. She gives an honest review of how she came to this extreme event and how she deals with the highs and lows that the sport throws our way.

tritrainingharderAugust 2, 2019Soraya Merrylees, Triathlon, Racing Comments

What to look for when buying your first bike for triathlon

A new client asked for help her buy her first bike to use in her first triathlon. Her goal is to eventually complete a half IRONMAN, but she is currently inexperienced at cycling and feels overwhelmed with all the options out there. Whilst we cannot make the final decision for her (ultimately it's her money, and her decision), We can help her make sense of the information she sees. Perhaps this could help you too…?

Soraya MerryleesJuly 31, 2019Cycling, Soraya Merrylees, Triathlon, Training, triathlon, 1sttriComment

Summer Holidays...the Achilles heel for triathletes balancing life and training?

As an athlete nears or enters race season, it also suddenly becomes the holiday season! So as to avoid becoming a total holiday bore, coach Soraya explores how to (subtly) continue with your training without letting your friends or family realise deep down the sweat isn’t pouring off your head because of the beautiful sunny location, but rather you are thinking how hard it will be to join in with swim squad again when you return!

Soraya MerryleesJuly 31, 2019Holiday, Training, Soraya Merrylees, Triathlon Comment

Just, wow. Syros. Tri Training Harder. Mind-blown.

Jaime joined us in Greece for our Syros training camp. Below, she gives her open and honest review of her experiences and gives advice on travelling as well as top Greek phrases that helped her get through the week!

Tri Training HarderJuly 26, 2019Training Holidays, Syros, Training, Camp Comment

Well, I finished my big race…now what?

What should you do after your main race and when should you decide on what to do are some of the most common questions people have around racing and the aftermath. Here Coach Diogo discusses how to work through the impulsive purchase of a race entry when standing on the finish line of your most recent event and how to learn from a mistake he made early in his racing career.

Diogo CustodioJuly 25, 2019racing, Diogo Custodio, Recovery, Racing Comment

Coach Soraya – My first IRONMAN and 12 tips to make yours successful too!

Coach Soraya joined us in 2019 for and it happened to coincide with her first attempt at an IRONMAN. She had chosen the famous IRONMAN Austria to be her first attempt at toe-ing the line and describes below her experiences and we can see how her passion and emotions run through her race experience and it is very clear we will see her doing a few more IRONMAN distance races in the not too distant future! Furthermore, she has kindly provided us with her twelve top tips which she wishes she had know before starting!

Soraya MerryleesJuly 25, 2019Racing, Triathlon, Soraya Merrylees, IRONMAN, 1stironmanComment

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.

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.

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