Cycling is a sport that commands a lot of commitment to perform at a high level. The hours required to really lift the endurance capacity required for long distance events like XCM and MTB stage races dwarfs the training requirements for many other sports. Subsequently, a lot of motivation is required by the participant to […]
The Power of Enthusiasm
I am often asked what is the most common personality trait of a successful athlete. Many attitudes come to mind that are conducive to performance but I have rarely committed to one trait to be crucial for success. It is something I have spent some hours ruminating on and researching. Recently, I had a minor […]
Goal-setting and motivation during COVID
With no foreseeable racing at a high level, it can be hard to find the motivation for training. I myself find training harder, but the usual OCD attitude towards training is slipping. Occasionally I have been taking the easy way out of intervals, or finding excuses not to complete a program, and let’s be honest, […]
Training for the Start Line Jitters
The start of a mountain bike race wether it be XCM, XCO, enduro or even downhill is the peak of nerves, excitement, intensity and fear for all riders. Training for this element of a race is often the most complex. And it is not just from the perspective of intensity and training structure but also […]
Train with MarathonMTB.com for the Convict 100
So far the year 2020 has thrown up challenges around the world. The world of sport has been upended, but in some countries events have been able to reschedule, allowing us mountain bikers to set goals for later in the year. Goal setting is a key part of motivation, and a positive goal to train […]
What are the benefits of solo training?
As a coach I am often asked by athletes whether they are better off to go and do structured efforts on a solo ride or to join a local fast group ride instead? It is a good question which has a multifaceted answer and one in which I enjoy exploring with different athletes. As with […]
3 Ways To Improve Your Winter Training
Skills and technique Long endurance rides can be boring, especially when completing such rides on a regular basis with no social group rides to join. Make your endurance rides more productive or add some structured intensity to your winter training by working on your skills and techniques. Mountain bikers could complete offroad intervals to develop […]
The Pros and Cons of Training on a Home Trainer for MTB Racing
With winter in full swing in the Southern Hemisphere and the bitter months not far awaiting those in the North, the use of the home trainer for cycling activity normally does or starts to consume more of our cycling time. This can be daunting for some whilst others relish the opportunity to get their training […]
Training For the Crocodile Trophy
The Crocodile Trophy has been through many variations over its 25 year history. From an utter gruelling misery march across Australia to a shorter stage race focusing on singletrack racing. The modern Crocodile Trophy offers a complete MTB experience for all styles of riders from the old school hardened racer who wants to hammer out […]
Surviving a Training Camp or Cycling Trip
A sunny training camp is a great way to kick start the new race season and a mid season cycling trip is a great motivator but how can you maximise the benefits and survive a huge week on the bike? For most of us taking a week off work and jetting off to another country […]