We run. We mountain bike. We paddle. But, do we all stretch? It’s the one training essential, like navigation, that is sorely neglected and should be considered an activity on its own, one that is incorporated into each and every training session. Just consider the benefits…

As anyone who has sustained a foot injury can tell you, building up your nervous and muscular responses, the most important part of your recovery program, is what literally gets you back on your feet. Proprioception refers to the connection between the brain and every structure in the body.

While proportionally trekking sections do not make up the majority of the race distance, you’re likely to spend a good chunk of your time on your feet. And, it’s these ‘foot’ sections that have defeated the world’s most experienced teams and athletes.

The official definition of winter is “the fourth and coldest season of the year, coming between autumn and spring”. This is not to be interpreted as “a cold period of four months, from May to August, when athletes become sufficiently sedentary to gain 10-kilograms and lose hard-earned fitness”. Escape the clutch of your cosy couch with these winter training tips.

With AR, mountain biking, paddling and running events every weekend, we’ve all got the opportunity to race regularly.
In July 2003, I took off for 6 days purely to train, spending a lot of time on my feet in preparation for events in September and October. This was a holiday where I did nothing but mtb, hike, eat and sleep – free from the distractions of normal, daily life. A luxury!

Whether you’re a top level racer with a high level of base fitness or a ‘social’ racer who is in it for the adventure and your aim is just to finish not to win, your training program should build your endurance, strength, speed and power in a number of disciplines.