Epic Camp

An Early Season Training Camp

An Early Season Training Camp

While winter singularly failed to provide any excuses for inadequate training, Bristol is delivering just the weather to drive me to Lanzarote for a training camp. In a couple of days I’ll escape dull grey skies for a warmer climate, stronger winds and unlimited training, if only I had the fitness to make the most […]


An Unconventional Approach to Tapering

An Unconventional Approach to Tapering

A week until my next Ironman and once again I feel woefully underprepared. Pre-race nerves have a schedule as well timed as my final weeks of preparation. Anxiety grows, doubts form and I look to my training diary for reassurance. Ultimately this blog relieves the tension, giving me the means to express those doubts and […]


Epic Camp France 2011 – The Day Before

Epic Camp France 2011 – The Day Before

There are a handful of occasions each year when I really stretch myself in training. Epic Camp brings eight days of pushing my limits together and places them in a supportive, but highly competitive environment. A camaraderie develops between Epic Campers, we share the suffering and also a cruel pleasure in making each other hurt. […]


Epic Camp France 2011 – Plans and Objectives

Epic Camp France 2011 – Plans and Objectives

I watched the last days of the Tour de France with particular interest. Besides rekindling my excitement for pro cycling, the stages in the Alps were a preview of my next trip. My bags are packed, ready to fly to Lyon and join the Epic Camp crew for their final outing. Eight days of hard […]


Improving Recovery

Improving Recovery

I was nervous before the start of this morning’s track session. Whenever I run there’s fear that this time injury might return. Rebuilding confidence is as much part of the process as rebuilding fitness. My track work with James doesn’t involve hard intervals, the focus is development of technique, but I still worry. Especially when […]


Week Two in Lanzarote – Finishing strong

Week Two in Lanzarote – Finishing strong

I have a history of fading over the course of training camps. My experiences on Epic Camps support this – start strong, but slowly lose my place in the rankings as the week progresses. There was no points game in Lanzarote, just the data from Powertap files and the satisfaction of making it to the […]


Survival Tips for Ironman Training Camps

Survival Tips for Ironman Training Camps

Yesterday was my biggest training day this year. It’s a template that will repeat for the rest of the week. I may be at home, but this is my training camp. Hours in the saddle with some swimming and running around the sides. After a winter of light training and a slow progression into spring […]


Kona Diaries 2010 – Day 10 – The Final Session

Kona Diaries 2010 – Day 10 – The Final Session

Three more training days to Ironman. Not that you should be training, if you’re not ready now it’s too late. My taper plan involved swimming, cycling and running I think two out of three isn’t bad. Waking with the same lethargy as Tuesday I decided not to swim given my aim was just the Coffees […]


PMC 2010 Ironman Hawaii

Analytical Triathlon Training Part 5: Moments from my Performance Management Chart

The best way to appreciate the Performance Management Chart (PMC) is through examples. To back up my last post on the PMC I’ve picked a few periods from previous years. I’ve tried to choose both good and bad so you can see some of the patterns to look for in your charts. As with many […]


Overreaching on the simple Ironman Training Plan

The simple training plan is the backbone of effective Ironman training. A program that can be performed consistently by an athlete. Adapting volume and intensity over time to emphasise individual sports or to increase training load. Another way you can boost training load throughout the season are periods of overreaching. Don’t mistake this for the […]