Threshold Performance Club | The fitness newsletter

Threshold #1 | Let’s start with why

In April 2022 I placed my official order for a spot to compete at Ironman Weymouth.

The start of my inaugural Ironman would take place at 7:15am on the 18th September 2022.

I had confidence to book my place. I proved I could swim 2km, cycle 90km and run 21.3km independently.

That gave me 5 solid months to go from a healthy human, to an athlete.

But why?

When asked why I delved into triathlon, the answer is contained within 3 ‘why’s’:

• Why sign up for an Ironman in the first instance

• Why train as hard as I did

• Why do more triathlons

Why sign up for an Ironman?

“Insert benign answer - why not?”

The answer starts from childhood. My first love of sports was found in tennis. Every month as a junior I’d receive the LTA monthly magazine and contained within would be a poster of a leading player. These posters lived in my room. I was always surrounded by visuals of the “greats” I wanted to replicate.

This fed through to my work ethic within sports. Family would testify during any holiday break I’d be on the tennis court, golf course or cricket wicket playing for endless hours.

My mentality has always been consistent, train to the “nth” degree and attempt to replicate the greats.

Fast forward to 2022, I’ve delved into swim, bike & run - the triathlon world - and Ironman is the sport’s Mecca.

There are many respected triathlon events - but for an age-grouper - Ironman still holds the title as the headline brand on anyone’s schedule.

The pro-field’s at Ironman events are the most revered line-ups, even though in 2022 we have Super League, Challenge, the PTO & XTERRA (there are other triathlon event brands).

The absolute pinnacle race is Kona.

Why train as hard as I do?

“Insert benign answer - why not?”

But seriously, why not. This is less tongue and cheek than choosing an Ironman event to take part in - as quite rightly there are more accessible triathlons to enter.

However, when the question revolves around work ethic, I’ve always seen no other way of operating.

Going all-in is my only mode.

Those closer to me know I have a corporate job as a Marketing Director. That’s long hours with responsibilities. Fitting in a 15-20 hour training schedule on top of work is a challenge, but I’ve always believed if you’re going to start a huge project, give it everything you have.

Why do more triathlons?

I’m hooked. The consistent progress from day-1 of training, through to race day has led to a quasi-addiction anyone who is driven by a passion understands.

It is of course not a true addiction, as I’ll happily sit on the sofa and consume the latest series of Succession in a 12-hour binge watching session with popcorn.

The addictive nature of triathlon is the continuous progress in my health, fitness & mental strength.

I’m not alone, that is I suppose the reason there is a 80-85 year old category at Ironman.

So, that’s why.

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V02 max running session: 5x 1km @ threshold

Warm up:

• 2km @ Z1/Z2 heart rate zone

Main set:

• 1km @ Z4+ heart rate zone - c. <4min/km pace

• 1:30s rest

• 1km @ Z4+ heart rate zone - c. <4min/km pace

• 1:30s rest

• 1km @ Z4+ heart rate zone - c. <4min/km pace

• 1:30s rest

• 1km @ Z4+ heart rate zone - c. <4min/km pace

• 1:30s rest

• 1km @ Z4+ heart rate zone - c. <4min/km pace

Recovery

• 2km @ Z1/Z2 heart rate zone

That’s a wrap for week 1 of Threshold.

If there’s typo’s - let me know. I’ve had 6 coffees.

Feel free to DM me on Instagram, follow me on Strava or see you out on a run/cycle in and around London.

Ad Astra,

Robert