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This week’s feature image might suggest otherwise...a cheeky gravel path that looks suspiciously like a shortcut. But don’t be fooled! Whether you’re riding through Thailand or grinding out hill reps locally, there are no shortcuts in triathlon. Every climb, every session, every early alarm adds up. It’s not about finding the easy way through; it’s about putting in the work now so you’re ready when it counts.
We’re in Build Week 2 of the cycle, which means the training load is starting to stack up. This is where the real gains are made. Strength, endurance and resilience all come from consistency in weeks like this. Stick to the plan, embrace the hard work, and remember: shortcuts might look tempting, but they never get you to the finish line faster.
🏊 Training Focus of the WeekThis week is all about resilience in the build. Build Week #2 isn’t about smashing yourself to pieces. It’s about stringing together quality, repeatable sessions. The goal is progression, not perfection. Push into new territory, but leave enough in the tank to absorb the work. Key reminders: Respect the easy sessions. They’re the glue that hold the hard ones together. Fuel with intent. Recovery starts the moment you finish. Check your metrics. HR, power, pace or RPE - track it so you can see the gains. Trust the program. It’s written to take you to the next level - follow it, don’t fight it.
Think of Build Week #2 as laying down the second layer of bricks. By race season, you’ll be standing on a rock-solid foundation.
⛰️ Why Strength Endurance Hills Matter (Even for SC!)We know some of you love the flats...smooth, fast and fun. But skipping strength endurance hills is costing you speed. Hills build the muscular power and resilience that let you hold higher speeds longer, and they sharpen your ability to surge and settle, ideal for sprint and Olympic racing.
Next time you’re tempted by the Beach Rd cruise, swap in a rolling route or a few hill repeats. Your future self (and your run off the bike) will thank you.
🎧 Tips Corner – Podcast of the WeekSince we’ve been talking about the importance of strength endurance hills, it’s worth remembering that building strength isn’t just about muscles, it’s also about resilience, load management and mindset. These episodes from The Physical Performance Show tie directly into that theme: Episode 366: Hayden Wilde – Featured Performer
An inspiring listen on bouncing back from setbacks with discipline and grit...exactly the kind of resilience needed when tackling those tough hill sessions. Episode 365: Professor Peter Malliaras – Tendinopathy Rehab
A smart deep dive into how to manage and prevent tendon issues, keeping your body strong and ready to handle the load from endurance hills.
Plug these in during a spin or recovery walk and let the lessons reinforce why consistency and strength matter in the build.
📌 Session Notes - This WeekTuesday Morning Run will start at 5:45am (not 6am) from now on. The earlier start gives everyone the chance to get that extra bit of volume done before the day kicks off. Thursday Night Run is moving from The Tan ➡️ Albert Park Lake for a time trial. Data collection is key to tracking your progress, so make sure you’re there ready to test yourself and lock in those benchmarks.
⏳ Countdown to Key Races & EventsRace season might feel a little way off, but the days fly. Every session you tick off now is an investment in how ready (and confident) you’ll feel when the big day arrives: 27 days until IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast – Mooloolaba, QLD 97 days until Race 1 of the 2XU Series 111 days until Ironman Western Australia & 70.3 WA + Race 2 of the 2XU Series 129 days until Christmas Day 🎄
Wrap-UpBuild weeks aren’t glamorous. No medals, no fanfare, just work. But that’s exactly the point. There are no shortcuts in this sport. Every session you complete, every hill you grind, every rep you don’t skip is a deposit in the bank for race day. Keep stacking the work, keep showing up and trust that the payoff will come.
💛 Team TA
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