from Triathlon Ireland Website As we embark on the next four year cycle of Olympic preparation, the investment in our performance programme is bearing results with associated increased standards and awareness. Triathlon Ireland are working towards making the next jump necessary to increasing our sports’ profile in high performance sport, and the Irish Olympic Movement. Last week 7 of our performance & development squad athletes travelled to Spain for 8 days of hard training with head coach Chris Jones and assistant coach Mark Dempsey. Their week consisted of demanding sessions in the pool, on the bike and out on the run.
A special thanks to Chris Jones, Mark Dempsey and Declan Gamble Sports Scientist from Sport Northern Ireland, who’s commitment to our athletes over the past week was invaluable.
Please read on for full report from Mark Dempsey…..
Day 1: Today started with a morning swim before tacking some hills on the bike with two climbs totalling 3,945ft of climbing and a wind that would blow Popeye down. It was great when the wind was behind you but when you had to cycle into it after 2 hours of climbing then you knew all about it. The afternoon consisted of individual runs.
Date 2: We were on the road for 8am today. The group was split into two, with the first group setting off 20 minutes ahead of the second group. Today we cycled up three big climbs totalling over 7,200 ft with some great descents. On some of the verges there were no barriers which made for some tight cornering and some good fun for all. So with 60 miles on the bike and a lot of strange looks from the locals, who, dressed in winter gear, gave us strange looks as we were out in our summer gear, we headed for home and the Spanish’s favourite past time – siesta! In the afternoon we all gathered for a sea swim, with an audience of locals who couldn’t get over us swimming in the sea at this time of year. Then, last but not least, a very easy run before dinner.
Day 3: With a long bike ahead of us today, last night’s sleep was very important. At 8am we hit the road for a 5 hour cycle. No time passed before we hit the hills – it was going to be another hard day. With the first hill climbed it was time for a bit of fun, the descent. With some great left and right handers we hit speeds of up to 70km/hr. But that was the end of the fun for our next port of call was 2,224ft up, I thought we might need oxygen! In the afternoon were more run sets and then………food, food and more food.
Day 4: Today was an easy day with a 90 minute run in the morning and then rest for the day.
Day 5: After an easy day yesterday we were in the pool early today for a 1hr 30min swim followed by a 4hr ride back into the mountains. We climbed 5,656ft with Aileen Morrison set the pace and dictating it the whole way up, followed closely by Mike Yelverton pushing hard. The afternoon was spent by some of the team going for individual runs and others on the track working on technique and videotaping for feedback later that evening.
Day 6: The pool programme today was bit of power work which saw some of the athletes hitting 28sec per 50m. Then out onto the bike with a very windy start up the dual carriageway, followed by a few climbs and descents, which wasn’t too bad until the dreaded 1 hour climb. Once we had descended, we were flying along on a great road surface, which made a change from what we are used to. In the afternoon it was more running followed by an early night. Eveyone was tired and looking forward to the last day.
Day 7: The last swim and what a swim, for some reason the lads just seemed to enjoy it – 25 x100 and if we gave them 40 x 100 I have a feeling they would have done that too. We all went back to the apartments for food and if you saw what I saw you’d nearly say we were starving them. When I asked what they were doing they said “finishing off the food that was left over”. No food wasted here! After a good feed, they went off for an easy cycle with Aileen, Claire and Rachel opting for the coast…….and a stop for coffee half way. But there was no down time for Mike, Brian and Dave who continued on. After a run in the afternoon, it was David O’ Toole’s favourite pasttime – all you can eat in the hotel for €15 – a bargain! The hotel didn’t know what hit them.
I’d like to say a special thanks to Declan for all the information gathered on this camp and Chris Jones who’s knowledge, experience and professionalism is second to none. Also to our athletes, who put in so much over the week. It was an absolute pleasure to work with you all over the week.
Mark Dempsey
Assistant Coach