Blackwater Triathlon Club Spring Training Camp 2018
Despite the recent unseasonal weather it’s spring time in Ireland and as the Triathlon season rapidly approaches it was time for the annual Blackwater Triathlon Club Spring training camp in Killarney. 25 club members travelled to Killarney on the weekend of the 13th to the 15th of April for a weekend of training and socialising under the expert tutelage of the team from Dublin based A1 Coaching. Members were in high spirits as they headed down to the heart of Kerry of the Friday evening. The fact that it was Friday the 13th didn’t seem to have any detrimental effects on any of our crew, despite the fact that athletes are notoriously superstitious. Planning for the weekend had commenced in early January and the A1 crew had provided a program comprising of swimming, cycling and running activities along with some talks on nutrition and training methods. Based in the Castlerosse Hotel lodges athletes gathered on Friday night for an informative discussion on training zones and how to build a training plan to achieve success.
Saturday brought an early start and everyone was in the pool for 07:30am for a session on technique that had something for all levels. Kudos to the day trippers, Dave, Stephen and Frank, who rose before dawn and set out from Fermoy at 05:30 to join the group for Saturday’s activities. After a quick breakfast it was onto the bike for a ride up Moll’s Gap, onto Kenmare, through Kilgarvan and finally Killarney; a mere 90Km round trip. Without a doubt highlight of the day was Bill and Sean powering up Moll’s Gap with Ironmen in their wake! After a quick stop in Kilgarvan and a training recap by Christian and Mick, quick pace was maintained all the way to Killarney. Brian and James led the runners out for the post cycle run as part of the ‘brick session’ and then it was time to hit the town. Meanwhile one of the more adventurous group members also fitted in a climb to the top of Carrauntoohil- well done Kaye! After dinner in The Flesk restaurant all dietary and recovery advice was put to one side as the group settled in for an entertaining evening in Reidy’s Bar. There was full attendance in the pool for 07:30am on Sunday – and another great session performance by Peter, Deirdre, Brian, Martin and Pat Mc. After an adventurous Saturday cycle the youngest member of the group, Alice Boeg, led many of the swimmers a merry dance in the pool again on Sunday; taking after her dad no doubt- well done Alice and Jules.
Onto the bikes as the weather turned nasty and newly minted Club Chairman, Shane Collins, took the honours on a short time trial and then it was back up Molls Gap for round two. Ian, Angus and Ash all came to a convenient wheel arrangement on Sunday- who does bring a spare wheel to these weekends! It was mind over matter as people battled the hills and the elements, Dave and Mark kept the big ring turning and there was nothing stopping Niamh getting to the top again on day two. Bill even managed to get a little shopping done at the Woolen Mills at Ladies’ View. All told Killarney training camp 2018 was a great success. A1 did an excellent job facilitating the training, we learned how we should train for improved performance and most importantly had a weekend filled with laughter! Definitely an event for the diary in 2019!!!