There's no shame in walking

When my coach introduced the concept of the run/walk I was a little hesitant. Really, using a regular run/walk cycle in my long 'runs' was going to be valuable? What if people saw me out 'run' training and I was walking, what would they think? That was about three and a half years ago and now I have total belief in it's benefits and get my athletes to train using the same concept. I'm back running now too, after an extended layoff and using the run/walk to help me get my fitness back. Using all sorts of combos I am enjoying being back on the move, using the walk to recover throughout the run, increase the total duration I can run for and increasing the pace I can hold while actually running. Morzine is beautiful for running. The river trails are beautiful, the lake circuit is stunning and an odd hill or two keep it interesting!

Why Morzine?

If you didn’t know Joe and I are living in Morzine in the French Alps and on May 5 (less than 50 days away!) our new business Tri4theAlps will host its first guests.

Tri4theAlps is triathlon, cycling and activity holidays in the French Alps. We offer a personalized training and holiday service in what we believe to be the most beautiful place in the world.

I first stayed in Morzine in 2005. At the time I was living in the Brittany region of France racing for the Cesson Sevinge Olympic Club in the National Grand Prix. Brittany was reasonably flat and some of the guys were keen to train in the mountains in preparation for a race in Embrun. I had such great week training in an incredibly beautiful place. The village was quiet; there was a 50m outdoor pool, hills to conquer and trails for running. This kick started my professional racing experience and I was lucky to go on to travel to races all over the world. By 2012 I had lost the drive to train and compete at the highest level and we were looking for a new adventure. I had started coaching after completing my Level 2 Coaching Accreditation I was keen to use my knowledge and experience to help others. The idea of a training base in Morzine was born. Joe and I traveled back to Morzine and a group of athletes that I coach who were racing in the ITU World Long Distance Championships in Spain came over to train before heading off to there big event. It was a great success and we knew this was something we wanted to build on. From there Tri4theAlps was born.

So, why Morzine?

Morzine is nestled in the Portes du Soleil region of the French Alps. It is just one hour from Geneva so access is easy. The village, founded in 1181, is at 1000m so you get many of the benefits of being at altitude without compromising your training. The village is well kept and maintains it’s alpine character. On our door step are Tour de France climbs Col de Joux Plane (1691m, 11.6km, avg 8.5%), Col de la Ramaz (1610m, 16km, avg 6.1%) and Col de la Colombiere (1613m, 11.7km, avg 5.9%) there are then a long list of less famous but equally rewarding climbs to keep the bike interesting. We also cycle down to Thonon on Lake Leman, or Taninges for some flat roads too. Last year the Aquatic Centre was renovated at it now boasts a 25m indoor and 50m outdoor pool with stunning views of the mountain peaks. We also swim in the 1500m long Lake Montriond and lakeside pools at Thonon and Evian. Running is mostly along trails and we drive down to Chamonix for track sessions. For recovery days there are endless activities to be part of from taking the chairlifts up the mountains for hiking or mountain biking, canoeing, rafting, tennis…. the list goes on. It is quite incredible how much there is to do here. We also like going to the thermal baths just over the boarder in Switzerland for a relaxing afternoon.

So maybe you can start to see just why we love Morzine….

www.tri4thealps.com

Makeover complete

Hope you like the new design, now stay tuned for new (and regular) posts.......

Makeover

Ok, I've been missing in action for a while now, no excuses, I've just been slack. Originally I created my blog when I was racing at the top level of Ironman Triathlon. The idea was to keep anyone interested updated on my training and race schedule. If you haven't noticed I haven't been doing any training or racing over the past couple of years, so the blog updates have been few and far between.

However I'm about to do a makeover and be doing regular postings, hopefully very interesting!
From May to September I will be hosting triathlon, cycling and multisport holidays in Morzine in the French Alps.... can I tempt you to come and join me?

check it out - www.tri4thealps.com

Have been very busy working on our new Triathlon, Cycling and Adventure holidays in the French Alps.  Check it out.....

 

 www.tri4thealps.com

 

Can highly reccomend a trip to Morzine for the ultimate holiday experience!

A new love for the bike

The last 3 months have totally reinspired my love for the bike. I haven't counted distance or time but have loved every minute of it. I have been riding my bike and viewing the amazing scenery of the unbelievable French Alps. Taking in the villages, mountains,waterfalls, lakes, wildflowers and of course a bakery stop or two! I have conquered many cols including Alpe d'Huez, Col de Joux Plane, Galibier and the list goes on. I even rode my bike for 6 days straight from Morzine on the Route de Grand Alps to Nice on the Mediterranian. Now I can't wait to do it all again, and more, next year!!

Fitness Improving....

Sunshine and hills have been a great combination for working on the base fitness at Base Camp Morzine over the past few weeks. A different course for every cycle but always a Col or two is creating tired but satisfied legs! Have also been exploring the trails and roads with so much gorgeous scenery to keep the mind occupied. Carving it up in the pool too and so pleased to have our own lane most of the time. But its not all a hard slog, have also enjoyed outings to Mont Blanc, Annecy, Montreaux, Vevey, Sameons, Yvoire and the Thermal Baths at Lavey Les Bains to name a few.