On the 23rd of March 2019 16 eager triathletes from Grangemouth triathlon club left the cold weather in Scotland to head to La Playitas Apart Hotel in Fuerteventura for some winter training in 20 degree heat. The flights, transfers and bike collections all ran smoothly. All the panic of extra tyres and repair kits was not needed as everything was provided for you. Heading to the heated outdoor 50m pool in the morning for the swim sessions as the sun raised over head made the sessions that bit easier. The sessions where all tailored so you could do as little or as much as you wanted. There was coaches from the club there to help and guide athletes who wished to improve their swim, With Alan providing video footage for those who wanted it. 

After the swim we headed to the all you can eat buffet breakfast, some took full advantage of this, the variety was excellent and it was enough to keep you going to dinner. Once all fed and watered the cycle kit was dawned and water bottles filled for the team to head out for the afternoon. The group was spilt into different distances and speed. Fuerteventura has a few hills but no one was ever left behind and if you were lucky you’d get a push up the hill from Coach Derek. If you didn’t want to go on a big cycle there was plenty of options to join a class at the resort which are by no means taking it easy talking from experience going to the 1hr circuit class as this resort is all about fitness. This meant that there are always free sunbeds at the leisure pool if you just wanted to take a rest day. 

There was also good run routes around the resort and right on the beach. If you fancied just going for a walk there was two hills on either side of the resort that a few members tackled. 

During the week the athletes took part in a mini triathlon which included a sea swim. This was a short and fast route and although no one said they were taking it seriously you could see the game faces going on and the watches set but it was all good fun. 

After a hard days training we’d all get together and head to one of the restaurants next to the resort or a short walk along the beach to the local village. If you were brave you could try the local recipes but there was plenty of options if goat is not your thing. 

All in all this was a fantastic week away with the club where you can take full advantage of the weather and facilities, everyone has their own goals and you could do as little or as much as you wanted. Hopefully this will become a permanent fixture in the club every year for people over 21 and it will increase in numbers.

See some of our photos from the week below.