We held our very first triathlon training camp in Clermont, Florida from Feb 27th-March 2nd, 2014. For several years I had dreamed about putting on a training camp but it took me several years to have the confidence (time and energy) to finally make that dream come true. After six years of Karel working as the GM of the Trek Store in Jacksonville, FL. there were some changes with upper management and we decided that the timing was right for him to take the courageous leap to work with me at my small business, Trimarni Coaching and Nutrition.
To be honest, we really had no idea what we were doing when we put on our first camp. We had no experience holding group triathlon camps and we had never attended a group triathlon camp. But somehow, we made it work. We learned a lot and found new ways to making the camp experience even better for the future. Thankfully, our campers had fun, they learned a lot, everyone was safe and we continued to coach all of our campers for many more years! And for those who we no longer coach, we are still friends with everyone who attended our very first triathlon camp. They will always hold a special place in our hearts because they trusted us when we had little group camp experience.
We love putting on an early season camp because it's a great way for athletes to dust off the rust after a long winter of training. For many of our campers, our camp is the first time that they can safely ride outside. There's nothing better than that first outdoor training session when you can feel the spring air on your face and warm sun on your neck when training outdoors. Additionally, being in a group environment can make training so much more fun as you have accountability and support for your fellow campers.
We combine our early season camp with a race because it's a safe and fun way to put our campers into a race environment. As part of your camp registration you get a free entry into Andy's Race. Plus, athletes will often perform at their best when they race with no expectations or outcome goals. We have had many best-ever, PR performances from our campers at the race on the last day of camp! Our campers can go through the motions and emotions of racing without the typical nerves and expectations that athletes often bring to early season races. More so, our campers get to share the race experience with their new friends/campers - knowing that everyone is doing something epic by completing a sprint triathlon on the last day of camp. Seeing our campers cheer for one another and share the race experience together is one of the best parts of our early season camp. And we love it when our campers are able to apply their new skills and strategies (learned at camp) to the race. Every camper leaves camp sad that it's over but confident and excited for upcoming training sessions and races.
To meet the criteria for this camp, you should have enough endurance to ride your bike for at least 3 hours on hilly terrain, you can train for at least 3 hours a day (total) for the duration of your camp (two or three workouts a day) and should arrive to camp with at least 6 months of consistent training (and fitness) to get the most out of this camp experience. Your health is important to us, thus the criteria. We never want any athlete to feel left out so if you feel this camp is not for you, we do offer private camps to meet your individual needs. Please reach out and we can discuss some options for you.