Chris Maxwell, our head Triathlon coach and long course expert, talks about his recent London Marathon experience in incredibly tough conditions and how to overcome racing in the heat and circumstances out of your control. I enthusiastically looked forward to my first London marathon in 18 years, in the knowledge my run form and fitness was probably the best it …
Just Get Me to the Start Line – Lakeland 50 2017
I can’t describe the excitement when the email alert popped up on my phone from the legendary Marc Laithwaite, offering me an elite entry to the Lakeland 50 2017. The race is in its 10th year, and the number of entries were higher for this year than previous years, with 800 runners in the 50 mile event. The race build …
7 Half Marathon Race Week Preparation Tips
So, the big half marathon you’ve been focussing on is here. How do you prepare this week? How is a half marathon different from other races? What should you eat in the build up? March and April brings a host of great half marathon races to the UK running calendar, Bath Half, Reading Half, Fleet Half to name a few. …
Combatting Fears and Fixing Mistakes – Brecon Beacons Ultra 2016
I have battled a lot with my head the last few months, after training so hard for the SVP100km, starting so well in the lead, only to lose the race through a single simple error. What do you do after an event like that? How do you get over it? How do you fix those demons telling you to quit? …
How to Fit in Training: An Ironman, Three Kids, an Ultra-wife, Coaching and a Full Time Job!
I’m often asked how I manage to train for triathlon, alongside everything else our family gets up to, (3 very active children, an ultra-running wife, my day job and coaching!). Even more so this year, when I decided to give Ironman another go, this time Wales! The simple answer is – learn to love early mornings, and be creative! The …
SVP 100km – Getting Lost, Scratched and Very Thirsty
Two weeks on from the Stour Valley Path 100km (SVP100), and I now feel ready to write a report that’s not incredibly negative. I have battled with my huge error in this race, but am now hopefully moving on from the ‘what might have been’ to ‘how do I push this forwards now’. Hopefully this recall of the events …
Ironman Bolton 2016 – “Alex Ralton – You are an IronMan”
After nearly a year’s worth of training the 17th July 2016, the IronMan UK event at Bolton, rushed over the horizon to meet my fellow Chippenham Tri entrants Mike Bright and Jim Hutchenson with open arms to them and what felt to me to be a kick in my solar plexus. For almost all of the 48 hours until …
5 Ways to Fit Training into Life – Morning Runs
Chris and I are asked so many times, so how do you fit your training in? We have 3 young kids, our twin boys are also young triathletes, swimming 3 times per week, cycling, running, playing football for their club and singing in a boys’ choir. Our daughter does gymnastics, ballet, swims twice per week and plays football too. …
The Jurassic Quarter Ultra Marathon – Power Tears and Steps!
Its May 20th 2016 and I’m sat in my car with Chris at Portland Bill lighthouse, Weymouth. The rain is coming down so hard that the wind screen wipers can’t keep up and we can feel the strength of the wind against the side of the car in the exposed car park. Yes, it’s another ultra-marathon day on the Dorset …
Taper Madness! The art of Carb-Loading and Keeping Sane!
Yeah, the training is basically over, this 2-3 weeks to go till marathon period usually starts with huge elation, mixed with relief that you have made it this far. Then, the reality hits, especially in the final week, with less training, and anxiety about the race, you become a very difficult person to live with or even to be around!! …
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