I've raced Ironman 70.3 Westfriesland twice. The first time, I was a nervous wreck who had no idea what the swim start would feel like in open water with 1,500 other athletes around me. The second time, I knew exactly what to expect — and that knowledge made every difference.

If you've entered Westfriesland this year, or you're thinking about it, this is the race guide I wish I'd had before my first start.

Looking for an English-speaking triathlon coach in the Netherlands? Peak Within Coaching offers personalized online triathlon coaching for expats and international athletes based in the Netherlands.

Every January, the same question comes up: “What’s my New Year’s resolution going to be this year?”

Lose weight. Get fitter. Be healthier. Try something new. All great goals — but also the same ones that often fade by February.

For many beginners and mid-pack athletes, triathlon quietly checks every one of those boxes. But like any resolution worth keeping, it comes with both rewards and challenges. Let’s talk honestly about why triathlon can be an incredible New Year’s goal — and what you should know before committing.

The best swim training tools for triathletes — pull buoy, fins, snorkel, kickboard and smart goggles explained by a certified triathlon coach.

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.

How a certified triathlon coach personalizes training for beginners, time-crunched athletes, and competitive performers. Online coaching from the Netherlands.

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.

How I set up my triathlon pain cave for winter training — smart trainer, treadmill, projector and fans. Indoor training tips from a certified coach in the Netherlands.

Start planning your triathlon season early for better performance. Learn the A-B-C race system and why hiring a coach in the planning phase makes all the difference.'

My experience running the 50th TCS Amsterdam Marathon 2025 — two months after Ironman Copenhagen. Race report, course highlights, and reflections from a triathlon coach.

My personal Ironman Copenhagen 2025 race report — 3.8km swim, 180km bike, full marathon. Finish time 11:58:25. From a triathlon coach who started from zero in 2022.

The Beginner Athlete's Coaching Experience