Meet The Coaches

Training Co-ordinatiors: Dig Deep

The role of the training co-ordinator marks a significant change from the previous set up whereby Piranha had a head coach. The training co-ordinator will provide individual training plans to all members, a periodization plan and regular interaction with members via webinars and on-site training sessions.

The training co-ordinator will work with the training committee, the coaches, the assistant coaches and the training captains to provide a comprehensive training platform which will further develop the training capabilities of Piranha Triathlon Club. Members should be aware that Dig Deeps role is to provide an overall strategy to the training that Piranha are currently delivering and the coaches will be the primary point of contact going forward.

Training plans have been developed for the following four levels of athlete-
-Beginner
-Intermediate
-Advanced
-Ironman
Within each level, members can choose their strength in each discipline to tailor the plans to their level (i.e.: beginner swimmer but advanced cyclist)

The plans will utilise current training sessions and add in some additional sessions where recommended. Members should try to co-ordinate the training advised in the plans around the sessions that Piranha currently offers. Given the club has over 250 members, the plans are required to be generic but if members require individual coaching, Dig Deep will offer a special discount to Piranha members.

Who are Dig Deep?

“Dig Deep Coaching is a global cycling and triathlon coaching company, headed by ex-professional cyclists who bring their knowledge and expertise to all. Innovative in their coaching style, techniques and vast range of experience brought from their dedicated team of coaches. Coaching is further complimented by their provision of powermeter rental/retail, nutrition consultations, bike fit and performance testing.
We are a dedicated team that work towards a common goal of developing each athlete to their best potential using the most up to date training methods and technology to monitor, evaluate and supply your training plans. We believe each training session and each hour that is available to train must be maximised and used for your development towards a final goal and ambition, let our experienced coaching team focus each and every day towards that target. Our tried and tested methods have seen athletes all over the world surpass their ambitions and allowed them to develop both physically and in confidence. “

How do I get my plan?

Dig Deep are providing each Piranha member with their own Training Peaks account (www.trainingpeaks.com). Your account and password will be emailed to you by Monday the 7th, where you will be able to see all your training for the upcoming 5 week cycle. You can upload all your sessions (manually or by garmin etc…) and TP acts like a training log for you. There is an option of a premium membership with extra features depending on how geeky you want to get with the numbers (members will need to purchase the premium version themselves)

Training Peaks FAQs and info can be found here:
FAQ’s- http://support.trainingpeaks.com/athlete-edition/athlete-edition-faqs.aspx
Using a App-http://home.trainingpeaks.com/products-mobile.aspx
Compatible devices-http://support.trainingpeaks.com/compatible-devices.aspx

Dig Deep will also send out the annual plan for each member and a copy of drills for swim, cycle and run for each member to use. This will be sent with your TP name and password.

How often are the plans given?

The training cycles will work in 5 week cycles and are periodised based around the member’s training level for their sports and also on the time of year and what ‘A’ race you are building up to. At the end of every 5 week cycle, Shannon Connolly and some Dig Deep coaches will be in Dublin to go through cycle and run drills and do some intervals with us in the Phoenix Park.

Webinars

On top of the coached sessions, webinars will be provided by Dig Deep to enable members to get the most out of their training plans.
A webinar can be watched on your phone or laptop. You can ask questions via the link and Shannon and Stephen will be able to answer them during the webinar. If you can’t make the time, don’t despair as you will be able to re-watch the webinar any time you like.

***The link to sign up is here: https://www4.gotomeeting.com/register/608616895 ***

Run Coach Maria McCambridge

Piranha running coach, Maria McCambridge will be taking both the Tuesday UCD session and the Thursday Irishtown track session. 

Maria’s Bio
2004 Athens Olympian 5000m.

Current National Marathon, Half Marathon and 5000m holder.
Competed for Ireland at European and World level on the track and cross country.

In 2013 Maria has competed on an internation level for many years and most recently she won the 34th Annual Dublin City Marathon. We’re very proud and honoured to have her as our run coach.