Serpentine Triathlon Training Squads

Serpentine Triathlon Training Squads are running once again for the 2012 – 2013 season aiming to bring structured coaching to the club's triathletes. There are four squads: women and men novice, a mixed improvers' squad and a performance squad. The 2 novice squads contains no more than sixteen athletes while the improvers and performance squads are limited to a maximum of 8. Athletes on the squads receive weekly coaching in the three disciplines — swimming, cycling and running — along with advice on nutrition, psychology and transitions as well as open water swim coaching in the summer.

Who are the squads aimed at?

The novice squad is suitable for individuals who have not yet completed a triathlon or triathletes who have completed one season of training and racing and are looking to train for, and race, either Sprint or Olympic distance in 2013. The improvers' squad is suitable for triathletes who have completed two or more seasons of training and racing and are looking to train for, and race, Middle Distance triathlon in 2013. The performance squad is for individuals who are looking to train for, qualify and race at the ITU Age Group World Championships in London in 2013.

Who are the squad coaches?

Coaching is delivered by Margret Sills (BTF level 3), Beate Vogt (BTF level 3), Alex Elferink (BTF level 2) and a team of ten BTF level 1 and 2 coaches. All coaches are volunteering their time for the 2012 – 2013 season.

How do the squads work?

Squad training commences in December and runs through to August. Each squad receives one to three coached sessions per week. The coaches are also available to help you structure your training during the rest of the week/year as you train to reach your goal race(s). There are also opportunities to discuss theory and involvement from outside speakers on topics ranging from core stability to sports psychology. Download a draft copy of the proposed 2012 - 2013 training schedule. Please note this is only a draft and is subject to change but it will give you an idea of what sessions we coach.

Where do we train?

In various London locations. Swim sessions take place at Marshall Street Pool near Oxford Circus 20:00 – 21:00 on Wednesdays, spin sessions take place at Seymour Center 19:30 to 20:30 on Fridays. Open water swim session take place at Shepperton Lake on Saturday mornings. We also train in Hyde Park, Battersea Park and Richmond Park. Once, twice or maximum three times a week we schedule to meet. This might be at one of the excellent current club sessions (track at Battersea or the club handicap etc) or it might be a squad-specific session (such as a swim, brick session, bike handling etc). After the training session, the squads usually get together to discuss a variety of topics – these include: training plans, training goals, races, training logs.

We also bring in external expertise to help on subjects such as sports psychology. There is also the chance to attend a UK based weekend training camp. This is a fantastic opportunity to have a dedicated weekend of training, and also get to know your fellow squad members a little bit better.

How much does it cost?

The season is broken into two 'terms'– December to March (training phase which costs approx £130) and April to August (competition phase which costs approx £60). This is so that progress and commitment can be monitored more easily. This is not a coaching fee for the club coaches – the cost covers payment for external speakers and coaches (such as the sports psychologist and the coach and venue for the swim video analysis), the hire of meeting rooms and the cost of the spin studio, pool lanes and open water venue for our swim sessions.

What next?

Applications for the 2012 – 2013 season are now closed. Watch this space for details of how to apply for the 2013-2014 squads from October 2013.

To apply for the squads you must be a current member of Serpentine. Please send an email stating:

1. your name and age
2. which squad you are applying for
3. your swim background including time for 400m if known
4. your cycle background
5. your run background including time for 5/10km if known
6. your triathlon background if any
7. your season goal if known
8. any races you have entered or are thinking of entering
9. why you want to join the squads

Please note if you have previously been a member of the Serpentine Tri Squads you will also need to (re)apply but your application will be considered favourably.

Send to:

alex_elferink@yahoo.co.uk for the men's beginner squad

beate@serpentine.org.uk for the women's beginner squad

benjamin.cope@gmail.com for the mixed intermediate squad

Committee contact

If you have any questions regarding Tri Squads please email: tri-coach-liaison@serpentine.org.uk