In 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.

You 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.

In 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.

There are as many different ways to create a training plan as there are athletes - at TTH, all athletes are treated as individuals, and plans are generated from the ground up to suit the athlete's goals, lifestyle, and constraints. However, there are some basic principles that have been around for a long time; you probably know the one Coach Kevin is going to discuss: which is to complete a block (or blocks!) of base training before you start to think about increasing the intensity of sessions. It might seem a bit ‘old school’ to some, but in this article, he’ll discuss four reasons why we think it’s still a good idea.

In this latest article, coach Kevin looks at how much recovery you need – how you can track recovery and some of the important skills you can develop as an athlete that goes far beyond just training.

In this article, coach Kevin reflects on an athlete conversation he had during a group workout. He asked a simple, but very deep question. “What are your four key training principles?” Read on to hear the athletes’ answers.

In this latest article, coach Kevin looks at recovery tools and how effective they are. Read on to find out more

“Only use your small chainring in winter”. This is a traditional piece of cycling advice, first suggested to me over 25 years ago. I’d joined my local cycling club and had been going on Sunday rides (usually just me and the ‘old boys’) for the autumn, and now winter was here. The main thing I recall was that at the same time as getting this nugget of wisdom, the frustratingly slow pace (for a 15-year-old) was getting even slower on these long rides. I’m sure the drop in pace was intentional on their part – and looking back, I suspect the advice was delivered with perfect timing.

So is it actually sound advice? Here are a couple of arguments why it might be worth listening to…

In this latest article, coach Kevin looks into metabolic testing. What is it, how do you do one, and what data can you get out? Furthermore, how can you utilise the information as an endurance athlete to better your training and racing approach?

In this final of three articles, Coach Kevin looks at reintroducing carbohydrates after becoming ‘fat'-adapted’ through a low-carb, high-fat diet. This is pertinent to those who are working in a low-carb environment but want to perform. Carbohydrate periodisation is all about timing your intake to facilitate bouts of higher intensity training or racing. Read on to find out more.

In this article, Coach Kevin looks at scheduling and the tricky question of when is the best time to train? Everyone has a preference, some prefer first thing, others swear by doing evening sessions, but when is the best time to train?

Coach Kevin recently wrote an article comparing high carbohydrate to high fat (or ketogenic diets). Hopefully, by the end, you had a better idea of whether you should stick with the norm (high carb), or consider trying out a high-fat option. This article is for those who are thinking about giving keto a go – Kevin will explain the potential benefits, downsides, and how to do it right from an athlete’s perspective using both his experiences and science.

Coach Kevin looks into the somewhat controversial topic of carbohydrates versus fat as a performance nutritional strategy. Kevin looks objectively into the science and information out there as well as bringing in some of his own personal experiences. The information may surprise you!

In this article, coach Kevin looks through the mechanics of how an athlete actually gets faster. What are the adaptions? What changes does your body make and importantly, what does it need to make those changes? If you want to get under the hood and work out what makes you faster, read on below.

Here coach Kevin talks about running mechanics and how running could be considered more technical than swimming. However, we spend so much more time talking about swimming technique and “long runs”. Have we got this the wrong way round?

As we are provided with a roadmap to when pools and events will open up in the UK, Coach Kevin gives us clear instructions on preparing for the return to swim training in the pools after what has been a long time out of water.

With our ability to track more and more data, it can become easy to get overwhelmed or miss the point. Here Coach Kevin aims to simplify all the noise and keep you focused on some of the primary metrics that make you faster. Read on to find out more.

You’ve decided that you are going to take the plunge and start using a coach. The structure of a training plan and being accountable to someone to get those sessions done will undoubtedly help you, but how can you make sure that you are getting the most out of the coaching process? Well, we are all individuals, so finding a coach who fits well to you will make the whole process more efficient, and give you a greater chance of being able to get the best out of your training.

On the whole, there are not that many of us who are lucky enough to get through multiple seasons of running training without experiencing some kind of niggle or injury. For triathletes, running is the discipline which induces the most force and impact that we need to experience and control. Typically in the region of 2 to 2.5 times your body weight on each leg, every stride! It is because of this force that it’s worth spending a bit more of your time on conditioning work, and being slightly more conservative when considering training load. Read on to find out how to manage the differences between running injuries and running niggles and when it is wise to back off.

When riding in the mountains, most of your time and energy is spent going uphill. However, as we all know, whatever goes up must come down, and due to all that up, you are likely to experience some significant, exhilarating descents. A common feature of those alpine descents that you might not be so familiar with are hairpin turns. The good news for those who need a little practice is that there are usually quite a lot of them strung together, and with a just a few pointers on technique you will be able to see dramatic improvements after just a few days riding.

Perhaps you are considering mixing it up a little and swapping your traditional hot weather / pre-season training camp for something a little more adventurous….such as high Alpine passes, crystal clear lakes, and secluded forested trails. While the mountain scenery will undoubtedly be a big positive point to everyone, some of you might be a little apprehensive when imagining endless roads to climb and steep running trails (but at least you are guaranteed the swimming won’t be uphill!). This article will hopefully set your mind at rest however, by letting you know what to expect, and ensuring you have the right equipment and preparation completed before you set off overseas.