Do you ever miss those days as a kid when school was out for the summer and summer camp started? It was time to play with your friends at the pool or playground without having to worry about homework or getting back to class. Now as adults, most of us have to work through the summer. But what if I told you that didn’t have to just reflect? But you could enjoy those summer camp days as an adult?

In the sport of triathlon, it is very common for triathlon clubs to hold an annual triathlon training camp. Or even multiple camps in a year depending on the size of the club. Triathlon training camp is just like a kid’s summer camp but instead full of swimming, cycling, and running. It is usually a minimum of 3 days but can extend to usually 7 or 8 days. Any longer than that becomes more difficult for athletes to take off of work.

You do not have to be a professional triathlete or even a top-tier amateur to attend or enjoy the benefits of a training camp. Triathlon training camps can accommodate triathletes of all abilities. There may be a requirement for how much volume is built up prior to camp. Because they are meant for longer-distance triathletes focusing on half and full Ironmans. They are usually 3-4 weeks out from a race so that they can maximize your peak fitness before the taper begins.

It’s most common to have the camp at the same location as the athlete’s goal race. There is a huge advantage for athletes get to experience the course ahead of time at these race-specific camps. For one, you get to familiarize yourself with the course which can ease nerves on race day. Additionally, it can help you pick the appropriate gear on race day, ie. what type of wetsuit, cassettes for your bike, etc.

Another major advantage of going to a camp is that you can get a large volume of training in a relatively short period of time. Every club will structure its camps differently but in general, there will be 2-3 sessions per day. Due to the amount and length of the sessions, there is no time for distractions. Just time to train, learn, eat, and sleep!

Between sessions, at Organic Coaching your camp registration will include delicious meals to replenish the body. As well as some additional discussion groups or topics for additional learning. The discussion topics will generally be more race specific to prepare you for the big day. It could be around race day nutrition, emergency bike maintenance, race week preparation or so many other important topics.

Triathlon camps are a great way to explore new places. You can run and bike on new terrain or swim in bodies of water you’ve never been to before. You can get an opportunity to ride up Queen K in Hawaii or swim in the ocean.  Also, usually, winter camps are held in warmer locations which can be a great escape from indoor training.

Also, at camp, you have the opportunity to work directly with a coach. Whether it’s 1:1 with your coach or sharing a single coach only with a few other athletes. As athletes who are coached remotely, this is a great time to connect with your coach and fellow athletes. Your coach can record form videos, analyze them on the spot and help identify any technique corrections of your swim stroke, run form, or even bike position. When staying in common quarters with other athletes, there’s time to chat about the endless topics of training all the way from bike componentry to nutrition products. Throughout the course of the camp, friendships will develop and your triathlon community continues to grow.

Triathlon camps are a great way to meet new people, explore new places, and sharpen your skills. I highly encourage you to try a camp this year!

–Coach Val