In this article, coach Philip explores the uncanny similarities between the topics covered in a first aid course and the topics coaches and athletes may be more likely to see in training manuals or on social media. Read on to see what we can learn from first aid when we put our endurance athlete cap on.
In her previous blog Coach Denise looked at how the female body is affected by the monthly cycle and what chemical changes drive these impacts. In the second of this small series of blogs, Coach Denise looks at how an athlete can work with these changes and get the most out of their training for the long term.
Read MoreIn my last article I introduced DFAa1, how it can be used to determine your aerobic threshold, and some of the potential benefits to be gained by using it as a training tool. Assuming that you are onboard and keen to give it a go, in practical terms, how do you actually do this? In this article, I’ll be explaining what equipment you need to test your aerobic threshold using this method using an indoor bike trainer, how to effectively do the test, and how to look at and use the results.
For many years female athletes have been treated like small men. Fortunately, this has changed more recently with the introduction of better female-specific clothing and equipment. There is also a greater understanding of the impact of women’s monthly cycle on training and nutrition needs. In this small series of blogs, Coach Denise looks at the factors that impact female triathletes and how these can be used to advantage within a training plan.
Read MoreYou may have seen the term DFA a1 popping up on forums or blog posts relating to effective base training, or its use as an alternative to getting tested at a sports laboratory. This article defines what it actually is, how it works, and the potential benefits of using it to optimise your training.
Training zones come in many forms, and their application and use can be a little confusing. This article aims to clarify what they are for, how they should be used, and when you might consider making your own judgment rather than just relying on the data.
Read MoreTriathlons are one of the most gruelling mass participation events – one sport just isn’t enough – yet still more people sign up for them year after year. How fit do you actually need to be to do one? Are all triathletes the lean endurance machines we see on social media? In this article, Coach Philip looks at how fit you really need to be to do a triathlon.
Read MoreIt is that time of year when it is cold outside, and often, the focus can turn towards the gym or the pool. In this article, Coach Alan will look at some details of how you build on solid foundations to improve your swimming.
Read MoreSwimming pools come in different shapes, sizes and characteristics, in this blog, Coach Diogo, answers one of the most commonly asked questions; which length of swimming pool is best?
Read MorePlanning what races to enter is a big, fun and exciting part of a triathlon. A common pitfall is getting carried away, entering lots of races, and planning to beast them all. In this blog, Coach Denise explores how to ensure you are best placed for success at your important races throughout the year.
Read MoreOften athletes express concern about descending fast, and we regularly have conversations at our training camps with athletes about their fear of descending. This article explores where that fear comes from and how to overcome it.
Read MoreIn this article, coach Philip looks at a classic area that people resort to in the off-season: Strength and Conditioning. If everyone turns to it in the off-season, is it applicable to all athletes? What about athletes who are new to the sport?
Read MoreIn this latest article, Coach Philip reflects on some of his thoughts about coaching disappointment. When a race doesn't go to plan for an athlete, it can be fairly gutting for the coach. However, they need to bounce back quite quickly and help the athlete. How does a coach manage these emotions and thoughts?
Read MoreCarbon-plated running shoes offer several genuine benefits and have the potential to help many runners of varying standards achieve their goals, not just fast and elite runners. Are these super shoes for you? Coach Jon aims to find out.
Read MoreOver recent years there has been a boom in carbon-plated running shoes. Following Nike’s revolutionary Vaporfly 4%, most of the major running shoe brands have now developed their own carbon-plated models. These shoes are all about improving efficiency and, as a result, enhancing your performance. In this two-part blog, Coach Jon explores how these work and how they can make you faster.
Read MoreMost triathlons feature an open water swim, and familiarity with the water really helps on race day. Many triathletes swim in their local lakes, rivers or sea during training season but stop once the water and air temperatures drop. In this article, coach Denise looks at why and how you can swim outside all year round.
Read MoreIn this latest article, Coach Philip looks at whether or not it is practical to put a marathon into an IRONMAN Training programme. This is a common conversation with athletes, so we outline some of the considerations below.
Read MoreAs the Triathlon season in the UK ends, it’s time to think about your goals for 2023 and how you can best prepare for them. In this tongue-in-cheek article, Coach Denise looks at just how you can do this to maximum effect, maybe.
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We live in a world of ‘results’ within triathlon and what ‘results’ are can be different between individuals. As coaches, we have the privilege to see under the bonnet or behind the curtains of many athletes’ performances and it is this perspective that gives us the ability to give a logical opinion on performance. Recently and more frequently we are experiencing athletes having difficulty digesting and sharing their experience of an event with what ‘everyone’ else thinks. Here Coach Alan has written about one of his races to give a framework to help structure planning, doing and reviewing a race.
Read MoreIn this article, coach Kevin explores how we can use brains over brawn to run more efficiently. How does leg ‘springiness[‘ contribute to running efficiency, and can a springy shoe make a difference to your performance? Read on to find out more.
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