I'll start with a personal story. In 2022, I participated in a triathlon training camp for the first time - not just as an athlete, but also as part of the team organizing it. The invitation came from my then coach, who has become a good friend and mentor. Torsten Völkel from Triacademy, who told me: „"I need another person who has an understanding of the training process and can help me organize the camp in Mallorca. Do you want to get involved?"“
At the time, I was living in Portugal, but without much thought, I accepted. Not that I knew what to expect, but I was enthusiastic. I had never been to a camp before – I had read stories, but I had never experienced the feeling. I was used to training alone, at home, on a trainer – without surprises, without having to conform to anyone. I still had the vision of myself that I had to be better than others, to push harder, to prove myself. But from the first days of the camp, I realized that this was not just about triathlon.
Some had come to improve their form, others to refine their technique, but all, without exception, were there. for the experience. To share time with people who understand them, to break away from everyday life and immerse themselves in the world of triathlon, without worrying about anything else. In the evening after training, the talk wasn't just about watts, heart rate zones and nutritional supplements, but about life, about how one balances sports and work, about personal stories and victories outside of competitions. And that changed my perspective.
Over the years, I organized and participated in more camps – in Mallorca, in Sandanski, in Plovdiv. I now see the camps not just as a „volume accumulation period“, but as a unique triathlon experience that leaves you with more than just strong legs.
If you already know you want to participate, Our next camp is from April 12 to 18 in Sandanski – see more information and sign up here!
If you're wondering if it's for you, here are a few reasons why it's worth a try.
1. The environment that motivates and pulls you forward
When you’re at a camp, you’re not just training – you’re sharing every workout with like-minded people. Yes, some will be faster, others may be more novice, but everyone is there because they love triathlon and want to experience something different. This gives you a huge motivation – when the group leaves, you leave too. Even if you’re tired, even if you don’t feel like swimming in the morning, the atmosphere pulls you forward.
Но не всичко е тренировки. Вечерите са време за смях, истории и споделени моменти. Независимо дали е разговор за екипировка, обсъждане на състезателни стратегии или просто сладки приказки на по чай (или нещо по-силно 😏), усещането е като да си на почивка с приятели, но с бонус – всяка сутрин се събуждаш с усещането, че правиш нещо добро за себе си.
In triathlon, you can train alone, but true strength comes when you are part of a community – an environment that motivates, supports, and pushes you forward.
2. Focused workouts without distractions
How many times have you planned an important workout, but at the last minute "something important came up"? The phone rings, someone is looking for you for something "urgent", and the time for sports suddenly disappears. In everyday life there is always something that can distract you - work, family, commitments that seem to have no end.
At a training camp, these distractions disappear. Your day is structured so that everything revolves around the triathlon – but without the stress and worry. You don’t have to adjust your schedule, wonder when you’ll fit in a long ride, or calculate whether you’ll have time to run after work.
There is no „I miss today, I’ll catch up tomorrow.“ When the group leaves, you leave too. This feeling that you are all together in the adventure energizes you and makes you enjoy every moment without thinking about results and numbers.
Everything is already organized – routes, swim workouts, structured runs, even rest time. Your job? Just show up and commit to the process.
3. Quality volume and endurance building
Camp isn't just a week of more training - it's a chance to put in quality volume in a controlled environment. When everything is well planned, your body handles the load better and instead of feeling exhausted, you feel yourself getting stronger with each passing day.
Плуването включва повече работа по специфични триатлон умения, като ориентация в открита вода и бързо стартиране. Колелото е на друго ниво – дълги маршрути, каране в група, справяне с изкачвания и технически спускания, плюс… една заслужена спирка за тортичка. 🎂 Бриковете (комбинирани тренировки между две дисциплини) също влизат в програмата, така че тялото ти да свикне със специфичното усещане за практикуване на два спорта непосредствено един след друг.
4. Individual feedback and technique improvement
When you train alone, you often don't realize the mistakes you make. And they add up and can cost you valuable minutes in a competition or even lead to injury. At camp you will receive feedback from coaches, who will monitor your technique and help you improve it. In swimming – stroke, position in the water and breathing rhythm. In cycling – gearing, aerodynamic position, riding in a group. In running – efficiency of movements, rhythm and technique. You get practical tips you can apply immediately.
And the most valuable thing? You'll be able to ask questions. In theory, we all know what we need to do, but sometimes a different approach or explanation is needed to put the pieces of the puzzle together and make everything fall into place.
5. Simulating racing conditions
Camp is also the perfect time to experiment. How do you feel if you eat more or less? Does your nutrition strategy work on the bike? How does your body react to fatigue? These are questions you don't want to be asking during a race.
You can try different hydration, different gels, new shoes. See if your triathlon suit is comfortable or if you really need cycling gloves. And see what other athletes are doing and using.
The confidence you will gain is a huge bonus – because on launch day you will know you are prepared.
Conclusion: This is not just a camp, it's an experience
The training camp it's not just a week of more intense training – he is experience, which changes the way you perceive triathlon. It's a chance to get out of your routine, challenge yourself, build size, improve your technique, but most of all - to become part of a community that will inspire you. You will come back not only stronger, but also with new motivation, valuable lessons, and the feeling that you are part of something bigger.
This isn’t just „a good training week.“ It’s a chance to recharge, gain confidence, test your limits, and discover new perspectives – for yourself as an athlete and for triathlon as a lifestyle.
If you want to do something different this season and prepare in the best way for your next race, training camp is the perfect choice.
👉 From April 12th to 18th we are organizing a triathlon camp in Sandanski – it will be awesome! See more information and sign up here!
📩 If you have questions or don't know If the camp is for you, write.
