In April 2023 I did my first triathlon training camp with Challenge Tri Camp. This is a snapshot of that experience as a first-timer.
Firstly, for context, my background. I was relatively new to triathlon; it was only my third year doing it. I was an experienced cyclist and considered myself competent in this area. I had been to Mallorca a few times on cycling holidays, so I knew the island. When it came to swimming, I was a total beginner, having only learnt front crawl in 2021. Running I considered myself ok at. I loved my cycling holidays in Mallorca, but I was now a triathlete, so I figured it was time for a triathlon camp.
Why Challenge Tri Camp? Honestly, I found them on Google! I went online and googled triathlon training camps and Challenge Tri Camp seemed to meet all my requirements, so I thought why not and booked up!
As it got closer, the nerves and fear that I wasn’t good enough or I wouldn’t be able to keep up started to creep in. What if everyone was better than me? What if I was a burden to the coaches? What if I slowed everyone down? What if people laughed at how rubbish I was? Could I really call myself a triathlete? Spoiler alert, none of these were issues!
I signed up for a Swim Clinic in January 2023 that Challenge Tri Camp were doing, thinking I could see what the team were like as well as gain some much-needed support with my swimming (seeing a video analysis of myself swimming for the first time was an experience, but that’s for another time! Let’s just say it wasn’t hard to see why I was so slow in the water!!). Instantly I knew I had picked a good company; the team were amazing and even though I was by far the slowest swimmer that day I felt supported, both by the coaches and the others doing the clinic. The video feedback was invaluable and even between that session and camp my swimming improved. I was looking forward to April.
I won’t lie as April came around; I was still quite nervous. I emailed Helen (source of all knowledge and general legend!) with questions about what to expect. Helen was amazing and answered all my questions and assured me I could do as much or as little as I liked and there would be sessions and groups to cater for everyone’s ability.
So, camp itself. I went on my own, not knowing anyone which was also daunting. However, I met lots of lovely people and it’s amazing how quickly you can feel comfortable around people with the same interests and passions. As I got to know people, I could see a wide-ranging mix of backgrounds and abilities, from beginners through to people who were competing in European and World Championships. The triathlon world is such a friendly one though and as the week went on it was great to hear people’s different experiences, why they got into triathlon, what they were training for, and get to know them better. The coaches were all great too, you could see straight away they really knew their stuff and were passionate about the sport.
Each morning started with a quick pre-breakfast for coffee and a cheeky pastry before a swim session at 8.00am. We were split into different lanes according to ability, so I didn’t have to worry about slowing anyone down! The coaches were on hand to give tips and advice and comment on areas to focus on to improve. Having access to this was great as I do most of my swimming on my own so being able to get instant feedback was so helpful.
Breakfast at the incredible buffet (a reason alone to come to camp!!) followed the swim and then we went out on the bike. Like the swim, we were split into groups, each with led by a coach with the routes tailored so we always met up for lunch at the same time. Each ride had a different focus from hill repeats, sprint work as well as a longer ride. We rode as a group, rotating who was on the front so we all got a chance to lead as well as take a breather at the back of the group. Time on the bike was when you really got to know the people on camp the best and this is where friendships were made. Everyone is also so supportive, if you are struggling, the group is cheering you on and encouraging you, and if you are feeling strong you find yourself encouraging others. There is always a bit of friendly competition, especially up the hills (or maybe that’s just me!), the group always has your back and the coaches make sure you fine. It is really well managed.
Mallorca really is a cyclist’s paradise and has some beautiful routes, some epic climbs and is just a great place to train. The coffee and lunch spots are pretty good too – food being a key part of camp!
When we return to the hotel after the ride, we generally do a run or sea swim, although there is also a day where we take a short ride to the local running track to focus on run technique and pacing. This session is great fun and being on a track, people can go at their own pace without worrying about slowing others down. With everyone having a different focus for their racing and being at a different point in their training plans, this is where people can tailor their session but still be part of the group session.
Once the training is done for the day it’s time for dinner and back to the buffet to fuel up for the next day. The dinner menu changes every day, so there is always something new and the food is incredible and then there were the desserts (my favourite!). This is always a great time to reflect on the day, relive our experiences and enjoy some social time together.
By the end of the week, I was shattered. But I was also on a high and feeling full on energy. The camp is perfect early season preparation for the race season, and in the UK the weather is still pretty rubbish so to be able to spend a week in the warm sun is perfect. When I finished the camp, I knew I was coming back the following year. I booked again as soon as it opened for 2024. I am already booked again for 2025 for my third time, which says it all.
There are so many highlights. For one week we get to live like pros with all meals provided, training sessions planned, coaching provided and just being able to enjoy swimming, cycling, and running. You get to meet so many great and inspirational people, from age group athletes seeking podiums to people just beginning their journey. So many different stories and experiences, but all sharing a common interest – being mad enough to call a training camp a holiday!!
I improved so much through doing these camps, they have provided such a catalyst to my training each year as well as given me confidence that I can achieve and do more than I thought I could. When I looked at the programme for the week before we started, I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to do everything, but I did, because we can always do more than we think and there is no pressure from anyone to do or achieve anything, just encouragement to give things a try and see what happens.
I have made some great friends through camp as well, something I didn’t necessarily expect when I first signed up. I have remained in contact with lots of people from those camps but have also built great friendships with people I have gone on to plan and complete races with. This year I completed my first Ironman and did so with three other people I met through camp. Being able to meet up whilst out for the race and see friendly races on the course was amazing and to share this achievement together was very special.
If you are thinking about a triathlon camp, do it, you won’t regret it. Yes, it can be a bit daunting, but Helen, Nick, Brent, and Dave are all so supportive and encouraging and will make sure you are well looked after. And who knows what you might achieve or the friendships you might make.
Sarah Odell
