After my first ultra in June 2014, the Classic Quarter on the Cornish coast path, I looked up what the UTMB points were that I’d gained after the race. I was captivated by the enormity of this week-long series of races circulating the Mont Blanc massive in various clockwise and anti-clockwise routes. It seemed way beyond my reach so I …
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 …
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 …
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!! …
Significant Gains – Part 2 – Fitness Testing & Training Smart
This is the second part of my “significant gains” blog. Building on the bike set-up aspects discussed in part one, we now focus on training at the right intensity. While the first part was focussed on the bike, this topic is equally applicable to running, and indeed swimming. As amateur triathletes we all want to maximise the training benefits from …
Significant Gains – Part One – Balancing Aerodynamics with Power
Brailsford’s “marginal gains” is perhaps an over-used term, but the two aspects covered in this 2-part blog would arguably be more in the “significant gains” category. When it comes to cycling, there are two broad areas to focus on when you’re looking to take seconds or even minutes off your race time: Equipment and fitness. Let’s start with the kit… …
You must be logged in to post a comment.