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Baby Swimming Lessons Matter More Than You Think
Baby Swimming Lessons Matter More Than You Think! Introducing babies to the water early in life offers far more than just cute photo opportunities. For infants and toddlers aged 3 months to 2 years, swimming lessons provide a foundation of skills, confidence, and safety that can last a lifetime. At this age, the focus isn’t on learning strokes or techniques, it’s about building trust in the water through calm, playful, and nurturing experiences. Babies learn best when they’re
David Ashton
Apr 12 min read


The Best Swimming Goggles for Children
I’ve been teaching swimming for over 23 years and competing for over 30 and should have an honorary Phd in goggles by now. Swimming goggles, especially for children, is an absolute mine field and you can easily be taken in by more expensive means better quality. In this post I share my opinion on the best swimming goggles for children at various ages.
David Ashton
Mar 284 min read


The Science and Strategy of Brick Sessions in Triathlon Training
This article will explore the pros and cons of brick sessions, their best use in a training plan, and how to structure them effectively.
David Ashton
Mar 275 min read


Fractional Utilisation in Triathlon: Why It Matters More Than VO₂ max for Endurance Performance
Many athletes with very high VO₂ max values are beaten by competitors whose VO₂ max is lower but who can sustain a higher percentage of it for long periods.
This is where fractional utilisation becomes one of the most powerful metrics for understanding endurance performance. For Ironman and half-Ironman racing in particular, fractional utilisation often explains more about performance than raw aerobic capacity alone.
David Ashton
Mar 275 min read


12 Week Swim Programme: Build Freestyle Efficiency & Endurance (Online Plan)
If you can already swim front crawl but feel like you’re working too hard for the distance you get… you’re not alone. This 12 week swim programme is designed for intermediate swimmers who want to improve front crawl technique, build endurance, and swim further with less effort.
David Ashton
Mar 262 min read


SWIM FOR THE WIN: WHY THE FIRST DISCIPLINE IN TRIATHLON IS ACTUALLY THE MOST IMPORTANT
SWIM FOR THE WIN: WHY THE FIRST DISCIPLINE IN TRIATHLON IS ACTUALLY THE MOST IMPORTANT “Bike for show, run for dough.” It’s a great line (credit GTN). It sounds right. It feels right. And thanks to modern data, it’s often backed up by performance trends showing that the run increasingly determines final placings. But let’s be honest, none of that matters if you don’t survive the swim. Because while the bike and run decide who wins, the swim decides who even gets to play the
David Ashton
Mar 263 min read


STRUCTURING YOUR 70.3 TRAINING
Preparing for a 70.3 isn’t just about training hard, it’s about structuring your week so every session works together to build fitness, efficiency, and endurance.
David Ashton
Feb 251 min read


WHY TRADITIONAL POOLS FALL SHORT FOR TRIATHLON SWIM TRAINING
Open water swimming isn’t just pool swimming without walls - it’s a completely different environment.
David Ashton
Feb 243 min read


RIDE SMARTER, NOT HARDER: how to nail your cycling technique
RIDE SMARTER, NOT HARDER: how to nail your cycling technique Cycling can sometimes feel like the most complicated part of triathlon. But building strong cycling habits from the start can lead to better performance, fewer injuries, and a smoother, more enjoyable rides. No one is born knowing how to ride a bike! Smooth Pedal Strokes: The Foundation of Good Technique New cyclists often pedal in a "mash and coast" style, pushing hard on the downstroke and losing momentum in the r
David Ashton
Jan 242 min read


HABIT STACKING IN TRIATHLON: why building consistency is key!
HABIT STACKING IN TRIATHLON: why building consistency is key! When most people think of triathlon training, they picture long rides, early swims and endless miles of running. But the real progress doesn’t come from those epic days. It comes from the smaller, quieter moments - the habits that help make sure you keep showing up. Consistency Beats Intensity It’s easy to believe you need to go harder, longer, or faster to improve. But for most triathletes, especially beginners, t
David Ashton
Dec 30, 20253 min read


THE FUTURE OF CYCLING IS HYBRID
THE FUTURE OF CYCLING IS HYBRID We used to think of indoor training as a winter-only, last-resort activity stuck in a cold garage, staring at a wall, ticking down the minutes. But with platforms like Zwift, indoor cycling has evolved into something more immersive, social, and structured. Now , it’s not just about filling the off-season, it’s about enhancing your outdoor riding all year round. Seeing indoor and outdoor cycling not as two separate things, but as a hybrid mod
David Ashton
Dec 30, 20252 min read


THE ULTIMATE TRIATHLETE GIFT GUIDE
We've put together the best gift guide for triathletes. Swim, bike & run gifts we already have and love, or items on our wish list. Something for every budget - plus a few discounts sprinkled in!
David Ashton
Nov 27, 20253 min read


THE WINTER TRAINING SHIFT EVERY TRIATHLETE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT - Reverse Periodisation
Sick of staring at a wall during endless Zone 2 rides? There’s a better way to train this winter. Reverse periodisation flips traditional triathlon training on its head. Shorter, sharper sessions now for faster results later.
David Ashton
Nov 27, 20254 min read


ENDURANCE TRAINING vs IMMUNITY
”Research suggests that moderate exercise can boost immunity, but sessions lasting over two hours can start to compromise it, leaving you more vulnerable to illness.”
In this article we dive into the nuances of exercise and immunity and how to safeguard your immune system while chasing performance.
David Ashton
Oct 31, 20254 min read


HELPING YOUR CHILD GET COMFORTABLE IN THE WATER - Starting at home!
Building water confidence doesn’t just happen in lessons, it starts (and grows!) through everyday play. From blowing bubbles in the bath to sprinkling water over their head or having fun family swims, these little moments all help children feel more relaxed and confident in the water.
David Ashton
Oct 31, 20252 min read


NON IRONMAN TRIATHLONS WE LOVE!
Everyone loves the IronMan brand, but with races selling out faster than ever and prices increasing, it’s worth exploring other great options.
We’ve put together a list of non-Ironman events we love, same challenge, great atmosphere, and often a lot more affordable!
David Ashton
Oct 31, 20253 min read


TRIATHLON TRAINING DURING THE WINTER MONTHS
TRIATHLON TRAINING DURING THE WINTER MONTHS Winter might not seem like triathlon season, but it's the perfect time for smart progress. With fewer races on the calendar and more time spent indoors, winter is the perfect opportunity to fix weaknesses, build strength, and prepare the body (and mind) for a strong race season ahead. Here’s what triathletes should be focusing on during the colder months: Swim Technique Without the pressure of hitting race paces, winter is ideal fo
David Ashton
Sep 26, 20252 min read


Why Building FTP is Crucial for Triathletes
“A poor bike leg can ruin your run – train your threshold to ride faster, last longer, and hit the run strong.Threshold training is the secret weapon that helps you ride harder without burning out. Master it, and you’ll power through the bike and still have legs left for the run.”
David Ashton
Aug 28, 20252 min read


Understanding Swim Training Zones
f you’ve ever seen swim sets labelled with “Zone 2” or “VO₂ Max” and felt unsure what they meant, or why they’re important, you’re not alone. Here is a breakdown of the five key swim training zones, what each one targets, and how to use them in your own sessions.
David Ashton
Jul 25, 20253 min read


🚨 We’re Racing IRONMAN 70.3 Knokke-Heist in 2026! 🚨
We’re Racing IRONMAN 70.3 Knokke-Heist in 2026! JOIN THE TEAM: Race with us in Belgium next year! We’re excited to share that Swim Coach...
David Ashton
Jun 28, 20252 min read
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