Fitness Event Training

Many people still imagine personal training is only for athletes, celebrities, or people who already feel confident in the gym. The truth? Personal training is for regular people  — busy parents, mid-life women navigating hormonal changes, beginners who don’t know where to start, and anyone who wants to finally make progress towards weight loss, body composition change or performance goals. Whether you're trying to feel fitter, get stronger, lose weight, or take on a challeng

My first HRV blog explained what Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is; what your smartwatch is actually measuring; and how fitness, nutrition and lifestyle factors can affect or improve it. This 2nd blog provides specific insights for the female recreational athlete. This is where things get really interesting – and where a lot of generic “HRV advice” (based on male data!) falls short as women’s HRV patterns are unique — and dramatically influenced by hormones, menstrual cycles an

Heart rate variability – or HRV – has exploded in popularity thanks to wearables and smart watches. In simple terms it’s just a way of looking at how well your body copes with stress and recovers. But with all the buzz, it can feel confusing. Is a higher number always “better”? Why does it drop after wine, a hard workout… or for females the week before your period? For recreational athletes trying to balance training with life, HRV can be a powerful tool — if  you understand

With winter comes cold air, dark evenings, icy pavements — all of which make running more challenging. The upside: with a bit of planning and sensible training, you can stay fit and injury-free all season.  Here are my top tips for smart winter training: 1. Increase mileage and intensity gradually One of the top rules for injury prevention is to avoid sudden spikes in mileage or pace. Many running-injury guides recommend increasing your weekly distance by no more than about 1

If you’re thinking about entering your first HYROX, Doubles is one of the most popular and enjoyable ways to get started. It’s sociable, supportive and a brilliant introduction to hybrid fitness without the full pressure of competing solo. But while it’s a lot of fun, don’t underestimate it — HYROX Doubles is also highly strategic. The teams who do best aren’t necessarily the fittest; they’re the ones who plan well, communicate clearly, and know how to play to each other’s st

If you’ve been running regularly, putting in the miles, doing the races… yet your pace isn’t improving, you’re not  alone. Almost every runner eventually hits the frustrating “I’m stuck” phase. The good news? A plateau isn’t a dead end — it’s a sign your body needs a new stimulus, smarter structure and some strategic tweaks. This guide blends the latest research (including recent findings published in Cell ), coaching insights from Runner’s World interviews, and the science-d

Stretching is often overlooked in daily routines, yet it holds remarkable benefits for both body and mind. Whether you are an athlete, office worker, or someone looking to improve overall well-being, incorporating stretching into your day can make a significant difference. This post explores why stretching matters, how it improves your health, and practical ways to include it in your lifestyle. Stretch in a park Why Stretching Matters Many people think stretching is only nece

Functional fitness events challenge athletes to perform movements that test strength, endurance, and coordination. Among these, Wall Balls , Broad Jump Burpees , and Box Jumps stand out as essential exercises that often determine success or failure in competitions. Mastering the standards for these movements not only improves performance but also reduces the risk of injury and ensures fair scoring. This post breaks down each movement, explains the key standards, and offers p

Running is often seen as a symmetrical activity, with both legs working together to propel you forward. But what if focusing on just one leg at a time could make you a stronger, faster, and more efficient runner? Single-leg training is gaining attention for its ability to improve balance, power, and injury prevention. This post explores the science behind single-leg training and how it can transform your running performance. Runner doing single-leg squat on uneven trail, focu

Taper week is a vital phase that requires balance and intention. Reducing training, fueling your body properly, prioritizing rest, and preparing mentally will help you arrive at race day feeling fresh and ready. Use this time to trust your training and focus on recovery. My taper week mantra of "no more gains to be made, only losses" ensures I get to the start line ready to perform and enjoy the race. Taper week is a critical phase in any training plan, especially for endura

VO₂ max measures the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during intense exercise. It reflects your cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance. This number matters because it links directly to your overall health and how long you might live. Understanding VO₂ max helps you track fitness progress and make smarter health choices. Runner checking heart rate monitor during outdoor exercise What VO₂ Max Tells You About Your Health VO₂ max shows how efficiently your heart,