I needed a sequence of challenging hill sessions for an athlete wanting to improve their time up Alpe du Zwift. This is the fourth in the series and over the coming weeks following these sessions, you will boost your FTP and your ability to sustain your effort up a climb. These sessions are not just useful for Alpe du Zwift, but also hilly events like the Lake Taupo Cycle Classic or Five Passes Tour here in New Zealand.
View More Sunday Smart-Trainer Session: Ray’s Sustained Hill Reps D
Allan Pitman was a legendary Australian Ironman coach — and this classic swim session is a brilliant way to build sustained aerobic pace and swim-specific strength. Using a pull buoy and swim band, you’ll lock into solid, steady work that’s perfect for Ironman triathletes and long-distance open-water swimmers. Choose Option A, B, or C depending on your fitness level, then settle in and build the engine that helps you swim smoother, stronger, and faster on race day.
View More Saturday Swim Session: Allan Pitman’s Ironman Swim Session #6
his Friday Fartlek Run session is a sharp, taper-friendly threshold workout designed to maintain fitness and improve your ability to sustain fast running. Jess’ Threshold Taper Run features 5×3-minute reps at Level IV with short recoveries—ideal for 10km runners, triathletes, and endurance athletes looking to hold intensity during a taper or safely reintroduce speed early in a training build.
View More Friday Fartlek Run: Jess’ Threshold Taper Run
Challenge Wanaka’s bike leg is deceptively demanding, with rolling terrain and exposed sections that punish overly aggressive pacing. In this article, I break down how to ride smooth and controlled, avoid costly power spikes, and protect your run so you can finish strong — plus a free Wanaka-specific pacing blueprint to guide your race-day strategy.
View More Challenge Wanaka Bike Leg Deep Dive
Coach Ray’s Ironman 70.3 Threshold Brick C is a high-value brick session designed to raise your threshold and make race pace feel more sustainable. With structured Level IV intervals on both the bike and run, this workout builds long-course durability, improves efficiency, and helps you race faster for the same effort.
View More Monday’s Brick: Coach Ray’s Ironman 70.3 Threshold Brick C
Your ability to ride at Threshold will have direct influence on how fast your bike leg of any Olympic Distance or Ironman 70.3 triathlon will be. It is also of benefit for anyone racing a Zwift, road or Mountain Bike race. Although you won’t spend the entire event at Threshold, having the ability to sustain your effort at Threshold and recover qwikly from efforts at Threshold will see you in good stead. This session is perfect for road cyclists, mountain bikers or triathlons (from Olympic distance to Ironman 70.3) especially a month or two out from your event.
View More Sunday Smart-Trainer Session: Emma Snowsill’s Threshold Bike Intervals C
Week 12 is the final taper week of the Ruby5 Swim Success Formula, designed to reduce fatigue while keeping your technique sharp and confidence high. These sessions help you arrive at race day feeling fresh, relaxed, and ready to swim your best.
View More Saturday Swim Session: Ruby5 Swim Success Formula – Week 12
This Friday Fartlek Run features 4×7-minute tempo efforts at an intensity just below threshold — controlled, sustainable, and highly effective for building aerobic strength. Ideal for runners and triathletes preparing for half marathons, marathons, and longer events, especially during early build phases or taper periods.
View More Friday Fartlek Run: 4x 7min Tempo Runs
Pacing is everything at Challenge Wanaka. A controlled swim, disciplined bike, and measured run can make the difference between a strong finish and a fade-out. In this article, I break down a complete swim–bike–run strategy for the Wanaka 70.3, including common pacing mistakes and how to avoid them — plus a free downloadable Challenge Wanaka Pacing Blueprint to guide your race day decisions.
View More Challenge Wanaka: A Complete Swim, Bike & Run Pacing Strategy
A demanding brick workout that develops transition efficiency and the ability to sustain race intensity under fatigue — ideal for Sprint and Olympic distance triathletes.
View More Monday’s Brick: Dermott Hayes Speed Brick #6