What goes on at a T:Zero Training Camp

1n the 29th July, 29 athletes gathered on the beautiful shores of Mooloolaba for our T: Zero Multisport one day camp focussing on a course familiarisation of the Sunshine Coast 70.3.  The group consisted of a wide range of abilities and it was wonderful to see such a large number of athletes coming from outside our current T: Zero family. ​

The morning started with a brief introduction and safety chat before we made our way out towards the hinterland section of the bike course.  By far, the most talked about and nerve racking component of the new 2017 course is leaving some of the “challenging” section in the bike course from the 2016 70.3 World Championship course.  Athletes were given a debrief about the two loops as well as some helpful hints and tips about how best to approach the course from head Coach Rich.  After a smooth, controlled and “fun” loop as small groups, athletes were then given the opportunity to test the legs and complete either 1, 2 or 3 more loops, before we headed back to basecamp.

Following the 3 hours bike, athletes then took off for a run off the bike, heading out 20 minutes to re-group at the bottom of alex hill to have Head Coach Scotty share some of his expert tips of running gait and form when attacking this beast four times on race day.  We then cruised back to the tent where the wonderful Erin had prepared a delicious, healthy and wholesome BBQ lunch.

After lunch we then moved into some educational talks by Richard, Scotty and Emma, where topics from the mental game to how best to approach race day were discussed and athletes were given the opportunity to ask questions and seek any clarification on any course or general 70.3 concerns.  Before we knew it was mid-afternoon and time for Coach Bonnie to run through an open water and wetsuit tutorial before hitting the water for a 30-40 minute session where things such as positioning, OW techniques, sighting and ins and outs were all practiced.

The afternoon concluded with Jarred from Acai Brothers providing some of the best afternoon treats around, whilst Coach Scotty, Bonnie and Emma gave our best hint/tip for how best to approach race day.  We had an overwhelming amount of praise and positive feedback from this camp and it was genuinely such a wonderful day to be a part of.  As coaches, we are all very excited to see all of the athletes out on course in less than 4 weeks’ time.  A special mention and thank you also to Hannah Hogan who captured some epic photos from the one day event.

So what’s next…. T:Zero are heading out to Western Queensland in November to have an amazing training weekend with the St George Triathlon Club.  In January we are headed to Victoria for the T:Zero Bright Camp to be held from the 20-27th January 2017 in (of course) Bright.  This one will no doubt be an amazing, challenging and rewarding week for any athlete wanting to get more out of their training and set themselves up for a cracker of a season.  Coaches attending this week shall be Richard, Scotty and Emma and the three of us are very much looking forward to this camp!  

Stay tuned as we are also in the early stages of planning camps in Adelaide and Cairns before the end of the Summer!
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We are all about feedback from the camp attendees too. In the bid to improve the service we provide, we surveyed each athlete who attended the camp.  While 100% of the athletes said they would very likely or extremely likely recommend the camp to their friends, here was a few of the testimonials provide by the athletes about their experience:  
"Overall, Tzero camps are always well organised, professional and extremely enjoyable! The coaches are very knowledgable and most of all friendly and approachable for any advice or tips. Would recommend 100%!!!"
"All the coaches on the day had their own little piece of the puzzle that they could offer to the athletes there were so many take aways no matter what level or experience the athletes had on all things about Triathlon, Racing, Nutrition & mindset that could be used not just for the SC 70.3 but in any race or goal that the athletes have their eye on in the future."
"The T:Zero Training Camp was an excellent addition to my training program, perfect timing and has added so much valuable information to my race prep for the upcoming 70.3. The coaches were passionate, extremely knowledgeable, relaxed but very professional and more than happy to share their extensive knowledge with everyone involved. The content shared and topics discussed were relevant and covered such a variety that it would suit a newcomer to an experienced athlete. I loved my experience at the training camp and couldn't recommend it more highly! Thanks guys!"
"Thank you to all of the coaches and people behind the scene at T:Zero for putting on a fantastic training camp for Sunshine Coast 70.3. Everything was organised so well and the extra effor you went to - from having a support vehicle for the ride, photographer, support bicycle for the run and paddle boarder for the swim - these little things really make such a big difference and make the camp feel professional and safe. The schedule was a perfect balance between training, information sessions and downtime. Thank you for your support and encouragement and of course the great food!"