New to Tri Training Camp

from Triathlon Ireland website Supported by the Irish Sports Council Women in Sport Initiative
Last weekend Triathlon Ireland held its first “new to tri” training camp in Nenagh with 14 budding triathletes. While some of the athletes had completed 1 or 2 triathlons, most had never done one before.

Day one consisted of run technique, drills & tips, do-it-yourself bike set up, bike drills (including cornering, dismounting, drinking while cycling) and the day ended with some bike to run transition skills and tips.

Day two included strength & core and run-to-bike transition skills & tips. But the highlight of the camp was the last session – a mini duathlon, where everything they had learnt over the weekend, could be put to practice.

Triathlon Ireland would like to thank our coaches, Dave & Cathy Green for sharing their knowledge and enthusiasm with our athletes, and making this weekend such a success. We would also like to thank Gordon Thomson, who kindly took some great photo’s of all the athletes in action during the mini duathlon.

Please read on to hear more from our athletes who attended the weekend….

I went along to the training camp with not having commited to actually doing a triathlon. The weekend did what it said on the tin – gives you the confidence to believe you have the ability to do one. Over a short period of time I certainly felt progress in the areas covered from streching techniques to run drills, tips and skills on how to get you on the road literally! A great way to spend Valentine’s weekend.

Tara O’Neill

Tara O’Neill thrilled to finish the mini duathlon

“I started tris in 2008 a complete novice. I hadn’t swum in 5 years and got the bike the day before the race. As only triathletes can understand, I’m now totally hooked! I want to be more prepared for the 2009 tri season so thought why not do the training weekend! I didn’t know what to expect! I have come away from the weekend with a much deeper understanding of training, improved practical skills (riding on my new tri-bars and mounting the bike with the shoes already clipped in) and some fantastic transition time savers. I also realised how much I have yet to learn. Now I have the theory I better go and start the training so I can put it into practice!! Amanda thanks a mil for all the organising, I had a great weekend. Dave and Cathy thanks for all the tips – I’ll let you know if my times improve! I’ll see the rest of ye at some events in the summer!”

Sarah Lane

Sarah Lane and Denis Lyne battling it out in in the mini duathlon

I was a little unsure what to expect as I pulled into the Abbey Court Hotel car park on Saturday morning. It did say beginner’s training camp on the website, didn’t it? I was soon put at ease though by the easy going and very approachable manner of our coaches, Cathy and Dave and organiser Amanda. Informative theory essions were followed by fun practical sessions outdoors. Transition practice was my favourite session. I still have a lot of work to do but would feel more confident now about entering a duathlon. Highly recommend the weekend to anyone new to triathlon/duathlon.

Gillian Quinlan

Gillian hot on the heals of Sarah & Denis

As a complete beginner, I intend to complete my first triathlon this year. I already knew the basics, but the tips that I got on the course are definitely going to help me obtain a better time. It was great to be able to quiz people who have done so many triathlons on how best to train & prepare for them. Aside from the classes, I also found the course useful to meet a few of the faces that I’m going to be seeing at some of the events I’ve signed up for during the year. All in all a great weekend.

Denis Lyne