Whether you're a beginner stepping into the pool for your first triathlon season or a solid middle-of-the-pack athlete looking to level up, swim tools can transform the way you train. The right equipment helps you refine technique, build strength, and train smarter—not just harder.

Why every beginner triathlete deserves support from day one.

When a new athlete reaches out to me, I almost always ask the same question early in the conversation:

“What are you hoping coaching can give you that you can’t get on your own?”

For seasoned athletes, their answer is shaped by race splits and training history.

For beginners? Their answer is shaped by something even more important:

The desire to start the right way. Without confusion, injury, or burnout.

Whether training for your first sprint triathlon or preparing for a major endurance event, personalized coaching combined with the right training tools creates a smarter, safer, and more effective training experience.

In this follow-up, I want to show you what that planning actually looks like in practice — by walking you through my own Annual Training Plan (ATP), my race classifications, and how each training phase fits together.

When winter hits and the roads turn to ice (not so often here in Netherlands), triathlon training doesn’t stop — it just moves indoors. Over the years, I’ve refined my “pain cave” into a space that keeps me training hard, even when it’s cold outside.

The off-season is here, and for many of us - triathletes, it’s tempting to hit pause, relax, and think about next year later. But here’s the truth: the best seasons don’t just happen—they’re built, months before the first start line. Whether you’re aiming to finish your first sprint triathlon or qualify for a World Championship, planning your race season early is one of the most powerful steps you can take toward your goals.

Two months after crossing the finish line at Ironman Copenhagen, I told myself I’d earned a lazy break. And I took it — a little too seriously. For weeks, my running shoes sat untouched by the door, silently judging me. I knew Amsterdam Marathon was coming, but somehow the thought of another long training run just didn’t spark that same fire.

Still, something about Amsterdam kept calling. Maybe it was the magic of a city built on water, or maybe it was the significance of this particular year — the 50th anniversary of the TCS Amsterdam Marathon and 750 years since the city’s founding. This wasn’t just another race; it was history in motion. I decided to show up, no pressure, no goal time — just to run, to feel, to celebrate.

The Ironman Copenhagen 2025 is an exhilarating event, attracting athletes and spectators from around the globe. Known for its scenic routes and supportive crowds, Copenhagen offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban charm that makes it a favourite among triathlon enthusiasts. 

Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can be a game-changer when it comes to improving athletic performance. The energy and motivation derived from a supportive group are invaluable and can significantly enhance one's drive to succeed. Whether you're a professional athlete or a fitness enthusiast, the community you build around you can propel you toward achieving your goals.

Winter Off-Season Fitness Training Tips for Athletes

The Beginner Athlete's Coaching Experience