Triathlon Training Articles
Practical, no-nonsense advice for the age-group triathlete. From time-crunched scheduling and race strategy to mindset and technical skills, this is where I share the "why" and "how" behind training smarter.
New here? Start with these guides:
• The Time-Crunched Triathlete: Maximising Limited Training Hours
• Why You’re Not Getting Faster: The Forgotten Role of Technical Skills in Triathlon
• Full Distance Race Strategy: Calm Execution Beats Chaos
• Strength Training for Triathletes: Build Strength and Crush Races
Coming Back After Time Off: Why You Don’t Need to Start From Zero
Time off is part of real life as an age group triathlete. You don’t restart from zero, but you also don’t get to pretend nothing changed. This piece gives you a simple way to return to training without panic volume, hero sessions, or chasing old numbers too soon.
Keeping Joy and Longevity in Triathlon: Why Athletes Burn Out Young, and How Age-Groupers Can Stay in the Sport for Decades
Athletes are retiring younger, not because they are weak but because sport can swallow everything. This article unpacks burnout, identity and joy in triathlon, and shows how age-groupers can protect their love of the sport and stay in it for decades, not just seasons.
Training with Rhythm: Female Physiology and Triathlon Performance (Part 2)
A practical guide to training with rhythm. Pacing, strength work, fuelling and recovery choices that fit real weeks, plus how to adjust when your body is not playing along. Useful if you’re tired of guessing.
Training with Rhythm: Female Physiology and Triathlon Performance (Part 1)
I discuss women's triathlon training, addressing common misconceptions and the significance of tailored approaches. Even though women have unique physiological characteristics, effective training principles like consistency and adaptation remain constant.
After the Finish Line: A Coach’s Guide to Navigating the Post-Race Period
Finishing a triathlon is a significant accomplishment, but the post-race phase demands attention. Athletes often face emotional lows, physical fatigue, and uncertainty about future goals. Effective recovery involves acknowledging feelings, reframing perspectives, avoiding common mistakes, and planning wisely for upcoming training cycles. Prioritizing recovery leads to long-term athletic success.
Structuring Your Triathlon Season with A, B, and C Races – A Practical Approach
Planning a triathlon season effectively involves categorizing races into A, B, and C events. A races are primary goals requiring peak performance, B races serve as tests or stepping stones, while C races allow for training and fun. Adopting flexibility in training schedules fosters adaptability and ensures athletes remain engaged and healthy throughout their competitive journey.
Triathlon Training in Your 40s, 50s, and Beyond
Triathlon is not exclusive to the young; athletes aged 40 and above can excel by understanding age-related changes in endurance performance. This article explores how to adapt training strategies, emphasizing continued fitness through strength training, managing intensity, prioritizing recovery, and maintaining proper technique. Embracing a growth mindset and redefining success can enhance performance at any age.
The Time-Crunched Triathlete: Maximising Limited Training Hours
You can train well on limited hours, but only if the week has a point. This piece shows how to prioritise sessions, build strength and skills, and stop wasting time on filler.
How Fitness Actually Builds: Recovery, Adaptation, and Timing in Triathlon Training
Many triathletes mistakenly believe continuous training yields fitness gains, neglecting the importance of recovery. True adaptation occurs during rest, not during strenuous workouts. Proper training balances stress with recovery, which is essential for progress. Recognizing and managing fatigue can prevent overtraining, leading to improved performance through patience and strategic recovery.
Triathlon Coaching That Gets You Faster & Stronger—Without Wasted Effort
Sense Endurance Coaching offers a results-oriented triathlon coaching approach focused on efficiency and performance. Head Coach Tom emphasizes smart training to enhance athletes' strength, technique, and race execution. The process includes initial consultations, personalized training plans, and continuous communication. Athletes are guided through all phases of preparation, ensuring tailored support and optimal race strategies.
Avoid These Common Triathlon Training Plan Mistakes
Most triathletes don’t blow their season with one big mistake. They bleed away progress through a training plan that doesn’t quite fit their life, goals, or body. This article breaks down the most common triathlon training plan errors and shows you how to fix them so your plan actually does what it’s supposed to: make you faster.
Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth and New Beginnings
In 2024, I transitioned from a legal translator to a full-time triathlon coach, driven by my passion and extensive part-time experience. I aimed to address the lack of professionalism in coaching by offering personalized, race-specific training plans. This year has fostered personal growth, athlete connections, and a commitment to elevate coaching standards.
The ebbs and flows of athlete development
Progress in sport is rarely a straight line. Some phases feel fast and exciting, others slower, heavier, or simply flat, and all of them are part of becoming a better athlete. This article looks at how to recognise those natural ups and downs, adjust your training, and keep moving forward without losing your head or your motivation.
The Long-Term Perspective
As the athletic season concludes, a focus on long-term development emerges, emphasizing consistency in training over years for peak performance. Endurance athletes must embrace gradual physiological and mental growth, recognize the significance of rest and reflection during off-seasons, and find joy in the process to sustain motivation and commitment towards their goals.
Don’t Let Perceived Perfection Be The Enemy Of Good
When working out, athletes may feel inclined to push themselves to the limit in every session. However, focusing on max effort can hinder long-term progress. It's crucial to recognise the significance of pacing, aerobic training, and listening to the body's needs. The real goal is consistent progress, not perfection in each workout.