Steelman Triathlon

Just a quick one to wish all the triathlete's that I've worked with recently the best of luck in today's Steelman event in Cleveland. There should be some great battles taking place today - especially amongst all the guys and girls that train with me at Smart Fitness. Have a good one, it's going to be hot!

Triathlete's World - Flexibility

If you would like to catch up on my thoughts on flexibilty training and the role it has to play in triathlon performance pick up this months edition of Triathlete's World.

Just look out for the magazine with a picture of Total Racing International's very own Elite Triathlete, Fraser Cartmell on the front cover.

The article highlights 4 simple moves that will help you injury proof your body for the forthcoming season. Find out what flexibility actually means, the four main types of flexibility training and a step by step guide to what and how to stretch effectively.

Triathlete's World

A new triathlon magazine hits the shelves this month. Triathlete's World ran 3 trial issues last year and is now publishing monthly. Aimed at newbie triathlete's like me this is, in my opinion a welcome addition to some of the more 'hardcore' tri mags currently out there.In this months edition you can pick up some top tips on bike handling "triathletes who train on their mountain bike in the winter gain a huge advantage over those who simply stick to the roads" - I'm sure anyone that attended the TRI Winter training camps at Whinlatter will agree! There's a good round up of the latest turbo trainers to hit the market with a comprehensive review of each model. I've also got a 3 page piece explaining just how strength training can make you stronger and faster. If that wets your appetite for more information then check out the Smart Fitness and TRI seminar series. The first seminar takes place next week, looking at how strength training can boost performance and you will have an opportunity to find out exactly which moves you need to perform and then have a chance to try them out in our 'hands on' session. We still have a couple of space left so check out the events section.

Smart Fitness/TRI Seminar Series

Smart Fitness are teaming up with Total Racing International Coaching to bring you a seminar series that will offer the unique opportunity to learn how strength and conditioning can improve improve your triathlon performance.

The dates for the seminars are Feb 14th, March 14th, April 18th and May 9th. Each seminar will take place on a Saturday morning and will be based in Newcastle. The sessions will last for approximately 2 hours combining a classroom session followed by a practical hands on session with an optional ride afterwards.

The Seminars will cost just £25 each or if you book all 4 get one for free (ie £25 discount)

Spaces are restricted to 15 people to ensure we can create a good learning environment and the sessions are open to anyone interested in improving their personal best (from novice through to pro). Make sure you book early to avoid dissapointment!

To Book contact phil@totalracinginc.com or nick@smartfitness.org.uk

Dates and Topics:

February 14th
Strength Training for Triathletes - £3k bike - 50pence Legs!

For most triathletes the benefits of strength training are outweighed by the fear of gaining too much bulk, loss of flexibility and diminished "feel" of their sport. Discover how a well designed strength and conditioning programme will help you unlock your potential. Nick will show you how you can start to run and swim more efficiently whilst producing and maintaining higher power outputs on the bike, all of which will ultimately help you perform better and steer clear of injuries.

March 14th
Flexibility Training for Triathletes - Unravelling the Knots

Possibly the most forgotten aspect of training. Hours spent running, cycling and swimming will play havoc with your muscles and result in your sub optimal functioning, poor performance and an increased risk of injury. This session will explain the importance of developing your flexibility and then take you through some of the best techniques for improving your flexibility levels.

April 18th
Recovery and Regeneration – The 24hour Triathlete

You don’t get fitter from training – you get fitter by recovering from training. Find out how using the Recovery Pyramid will help you unlock your potential so that you can train hard without falling apart. In this session Nick will show you that it is not the 2 hours you spend training that are important, but what you do in the other 22 hours!


May 9th
Injury Prevention – Bullet Proof Triathletes

If you suffer from injuries then this is the session for you. Nick has a regular column in sports Injury Bulletin and in this session he will share with you the most effective injury prevention strategies that will help to keep you training. Nick will look at common injuries caused by each discipline and he will then show you how you can avoid them in the first place! If you have ever suffered from a painful Achilles, sore feet, swimmers shoulder, or knee pain then this is one session that you don’t want to miss.

Total Racing Inc - Winter Training Camp

I'm very lucky to do a job that I love and every now and then I'm fortunate enough to get the chance to combine the job I love with some of my favourite pastimes. This weekend saw me heading 2 hours west to the Lake District to speak to a group of triathletes attending the Total Racing Inc Winter training camp.

Fifteen triathletes (including international triathlete and UK Ironman 70.3 Champion, Fraser Cartmell)had travelled to the Lake District to spend two days on the trails, taking in a range of activities from trail running, moutain biking and strength and conditioning. The weekend was the first of its kind and was the brainchild of Phil Gray, founder of T.R.I.

When I arrived the group had just returned from a morning run session through the hills and had just finished refuelling before getting ready for an afternoon out on the trails on their mountain bikes (good job my bike was on the roof rack!). This was my kind of weekend! We headed off onto some fantastic trails around Whinlatter Forest and whilst I was dropped on the ascents my MTB skills came into their own on the fast and technical descents.

At the end of the trail we returned to the accomodation and once everyone had cleaned themselves up I delivered two strength and conditioning sessions. The first session explored the potential that a good strength programme has to unlock a triathletes performance and the the second session focused on recovery and regeneration. The complimentary recovery drinks (GENR8 S2 and GENR8 Myoswitch) provided by the team from T.R.I really hit the spot and everyone commented on how great the new flavours tasted!

The Q&A session extended to the local pub where the refuelling continued, before I headed back home to Newcastle. A fantastic day in the lakes, great trails, a good group of riders and the chance to spread the word about strength and conditioning. Combine that with the opportunity to ride alongside someone as good as Fraser Cartmell and you have the making of a very good training camp.

I'm looking forward to attending the next camp in December, for more details check out http://www.multisportlink.com/