Factor 9 Triathlon Coaching

I have been plugging away at setting up our triathlon camps and clinics for 2008.

I just did a swim clinic with Tina Hoeben (a level 3 swim coach) in Summerland (next door neighbour to Penticton).  It was a full class and everything went smoothly.  What we found though was that a number of the swimmers either misunderstood what good technique was or they did not realize what they were actually doing till we explained proper swim mechanics and showed them how they looked on video.  We do not have any crazy theories or a new way to swim like a fish.  We emphasized the tried and true.  And it works!  If you want to bring your swim time down, then I highly recommend getting a highly qualified coach to videotape you and give you feedback on your technique.

There is a lot of information out there on good swimming technique.  Some of it contradicts one another and some of it is easily misunderstood because, well at least in my opinion, emphasis by some popular swimming books are on the wrong parts of the stroke.  For example, we saw some of the swimmer’s in our clinic swim like they were doing kicking drills on their side.  It is great to learn how to do drills on your side but it is not a fast way to get to the other end of the pool when it is time to swim.  There is nothing fast about side swimming.  Some quick fixes in the clinic and it was very noticeable how much faster the swimmer’s got.

If you are visiting Penticton, I am happy to set something up with you.  Shoot me an email and we can work out a time.  I charge the going rate.

As far as future clinics and camps go, here is the latest update (up to July).  If all goes well, I will have the website fully updated in the next few weeks…

Big Base Camp - March 17 - 25th - Penticton

I am not advertising this camp except to people that read the blog or have worked with me before.  It is a very extensive training camp and we will be training 40ish hours in a 9 day period.  If you are interested or know someone that is, shoot me an email and I will fill you in.  Everyone doing the camp has the ability to go under 11 hours in an Ironman.

Overhaul Tri Clinic - March 28 - 30th - Penticton

The goal of this 3 day clinic is to look at your technique in all 3 sports and improve it.  You can attend one, two or all three days.  We will also be doing lectures on topics like this: training, technique, recovery, fuelling for races and hydration.  I promise it will be an action packed 3 days.

Half Ironman Camp - May 3-4th - Oliver

In two days, we will train on the Oliver Half Ironman course and the Desert Half Ironman course plus all the information you need to know to have a perfect race.  Not only will you be able to practice training on the course but you will also be able to practice doing it right.

IMC Veteran and Elite Camp  - June 21 - June 27 - Penticton

This is a full-on training camp for experienced ironman athletes and elite athletes.  There will be some discussions and informative sessions on the latest in sport science and triathlon racing.  However, the focus will be on enjoying training hard in a supportive environment.

IMC Prep Camp - July 25 - 28 - Penticton

Here you go.  Three days to acquaint yourself with Ironman Canada’s course, to learn the essentials so that you have a great race and how to avoid the pitfalls that many athlete’s experience on race day.  Swimming, biking and running will all be done on the actual course.  Discussions and hand outs will give you all the information you need.  Like every other clinic we do, we also give you plenty of time to ask questions.

If you are interested in any camp then just let me know.  I will put you on an update list so you get the information first.  I am not asking for any type of commitment at this time.  It took me over 30 years to get married so give me some time…

 Scott