Javier Almarcha

Triathlon and Endurance Coach based in Murcia, Spain

As a Coach

Javier's career as a coach started officially in 2010, but he was interested in endurance sports coaching and has been self-taught about that topic since his teenage years. In 2010, he got the ITU level 3 High Performance Triathlon Coaches' Education Course, reaching a milestone in his coaching journey. Not long after, Javier held the position of Head Coach for some years at a local triathlon club, promoting the club to the 2nd division of the Spanish National ranking and achieving the 1st position in the county ranking. He has also worked as a Sports Performance Manager at a world-class Performance Centre.

Even before that achievement, Javier had been involved at the very top level of the sport. He had already taken a Physiotherapy Degree and a Postgraduate Degree in Sports Physiotherapy, which led him to be the Head Physiotherapist in a High-Performance Training Centre for more than 15 years.

Javier has completed his education with a Master's Degree in Endurance Sports, USA Cycling Level 3 Coach, Advanced Level of Bike Fitting (being a member of one of the most acknowledged networks in bike fitting), University Course as an Expert in Swimming in Triathlon, and Running Analysis, just to name a few.

As an Athlete

Being an active child, Javier started his relationship with sanctioned sports by competing in cycling, reaching the Elite category in his early 20s. After a short hiatus, during which he kept active with other sports, at the same time that he started his education in Triathlon Coaching , he decided to try first-hand how training and racing in triathlon felt, to not only be aware of the theoretical point of view.

Since that moment, Javier became captivated by triathlon, being nowadays an accomplished triathlete, having raced for over a decade.

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Reviews

Jul 26, 2023

I have really found the coaching to be very helpful

Jul 26, 2023

Q&A with Javier

Where are you based? Murcia, a sunny city in the Southeast of Spain, is a perfect location for triathlon training.

When did you get into triathlon? I started coaching in 2010, and as an athlete, I started training in 2010 and racing in 2011.

How did you first get involved in triathlon? As a cyclist with a background in endurance sports, I have always been interested in the triathlon. In 2010 I enrolled in the ITU Triathlon Coache's Education Course and at the same time, began to train, as I wanted to feel first-hand how triathlon training felt. I was so engaged that I raced my first triathlon in 2011, and since then, I've been racing for more than a decade from sprint to 70.3

What is your favourite discipline? With a background in road cycling, that is the discipline I feel more comfortable with. Nonetheless, I enjoy those long runs in the mountains or the feeling of completing a good swimming session.

Why did you choose to take up coaching? I have always been interested in practising sports and the "behind the scenes"—in learning what is happening and how I can use it to improve my performance. Over the years, I began to use that knowledge to help some friends, and through a natural process, I ended up coaching.

What is your greatest athletic achievement? I have a few podiums here and there, but I would say that my greatest athletic achievement is staying motivated and eager to race year after year.

What is your greatest coaching achievement? I couldn't pick just one, but helping a local triathlon club promote to the 2nd national division would be one. Besides, helping every one of my athletes balance their personal life with the training schedule and deliver a good performance is quite a fulfilling experience.

What one piece of advice would you give someone new to triathlon? Consistency is key.

Favourite quote: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”

Read Javier’s latest blogs

Blog

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.

Why Coaches should Adapt Training for All Ability Levels: Customising Plans for Diverse Athlete Needs

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.

How do you fit training around a summer holiday?

Do you want to know how to balance your training during a summer holiday? Coach Philip explores what to do in this article.

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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.