Ironman Coach Russell Cox

• How did your interest for training camps for Ironman Competitions start?

Camps have been part of my Ironman training ever since I started in triathlon. At first I would go away on my own, but found that having a group of friends and like minded athletes made training easier and more fun. When on a camp I would train harder and for longer and because I was relaxing between sessions I would well recover too. The other big advantage for a UK based athlete is the better weather and better roads.

• Where and when do you have camps for beginners?

At the moment I run two weeks of training camps at Sands Beach Resort in Costa Teguise at the start of each year. They’re not specifically targeted at beginners, but I try to cater for a range of abilities and goals. I’ve had some very experienced and strong athletes and some very new to the sport and have tailored training to suit them all.

• Have Ironman Competitions changed from when they started?

The sport has really grown over the last 5-10 years. The distance and challenge haven’t changed, but Ironman competitions are much bigger and busier now. There are far more athletes competing and it’s more competitive among the fastest age group athletes.

• What attracted you to train in Lanzarote?

The first attraction was the chance to train on the Ironman course before I raced there. Along with that there was the warm climate, quiet roads and the famous winds. You never get an easy ride in Lanzarote so it’s great for training. There are also great facilities, like Sands Beach, with everything an athlete needs. I know the island so well now it would be hard to consider anywhere else.

• It must be difficult to coach others and also train yourself for the Triathlon, how do you manage?

To be honest, I don’t train that much these days and don’t really compete. It is hard to do both. On a training camp the needs of my athletes have to come first. I am there to coach, while I go out and support on bike rides I don’t want to hold the athletes back. When I’m at home I spend most of my time planning for athletes and coaching. When I train I do it for health now, not my own performance.

• Any advice for new athletes who want to train for Ironman?

The key at any level is consistent training. For a new athlete to the sport it’s also important to build up gradually and not to rush into a race; having the time to properly prepare makes for a much more pleasant experience when you race. Ideally I like athletes to have raced shorter distances first before stepping into Ironman. It allows them to gain experience of racing and to learn about training before they tackle such a big endurance challenge.

• What age would you recommend kids to start training?

I would recommend that kids looking to start in triathlon join a club. They can get involved from quite a young age, around 7-8, but it’s important that they train appropriately for their age. A good club will ensure they get the right training and that it’s fun.

• Compared to other Ironman competitions how does Lanzarote differ?

Lanzarote is one of the most challenging Ironman races for three reasons: heat, wind and hills. Every Ironman knows it is not somewhere you go for a fast time, but you go for the challenge. There is something particularly satisfying about finishing in Lanzarote, you know you had to work hard for it. It’s one of my favorite races, I’ve finished three times and spectated once too; I enjoyed being on both sides of the race.

So there you have it - competing and completing Ironman is not only Challenging but Satisfying. Get to know more about Ironman Lanzarote Schedule and go there to CHEER for all the participants!!!!!