When you're featured in the New York Times and the subject of a documentary by an Emmy-award-winning director, it's difficult to avoid attention. That's why Ironman Tim Don headed off the beaten track to focus on his return to elite competition after a broken neck. Here, he gives us exclusive insight into camp life and his journey back to Kona.
What were your goals for the training camp in France? And could you achieve them?
Tim Don: For me, the training camp in France was to get some consistent riding in with my cycle coach Matt and find my groove again after the Boston. Going to Les Stables, not far from Limoges, was the perfect fit. It’s such a relaxed environment with great swimming, running and cycling in the region.
What does a typical training camp day look like?
TD: I’m up at about six for coffee, then by eight I’m on the bike for anywhere from two to five hours then it’s back for lunch and a little chill. It’s a short walk to the pool early afternoon as it’s only about 100 meters from my room. I’ll swim anything from four to six kilometers Finally, it’s an early-evening run around the property on the 800m cinder track and then down by the river and in the forest . After a nice dinner with the lads its early to bed to get ready to go again.
What are the benefits of such a camp compared with your regular training?
TD: As I have a young family it gives me the opportunity to really focus on a short, intense time of quality training. I was already in Europe for an appearance for On, so it made sense to add the camp on and it fitted nicely in the schedule.
What’s the atmosphere like in the training camp?
TD: Everyone on the camp was brilliant we all wanted to get the most out of quality training in a productive environment. We work together, it’s great fun and overall it’s a proper quality camp.
