Not a Honeymoon

Four awesome weeks in Phuket training with Jurgen Zack and his Z-Coaching squad comes to an end today, my birthday! Run and swim done this morn, and now taking a moment to look back on the month that has been, because to be honest, I'd do almost anything to procrastinate on packing. :p

So here's a little list of my favorite places to swim, bike, run, AND EAT! in Phuket, as well as the advantages of joining a training camp, for those of you considering coming out to train in beautiful Thailand.
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My favorite spot to ride through. About 45-km out from Bang Tao, Phuket, heading to Thai Mueang.

On Wednesdays we swim open water. Cheers to this random Russian lady who insisted on joining our jump shot!

Z-Coaching is run by a real life legend of the sport, Jurgen Zack, and is based in Bang Tao, Phuket, Thailand. The squad consists of athletes from a wide variety of backgrounds and skill levels - from athletes training for their first olympic distance race, to Kona-qualifying age groupers and professionals, such as Ironman athlete Dimity Lee-Duke, and Thailand's top male triathlete, Jaray Jearanai.
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For myself personally, what makes Z-Coaching effective and different from other camps is the atmosphere that is fostered during (and outside of) training. As a coach, Jurgen has the unique ability to organize and structure workouts such that this big and varied group of athletes can train together smoothly, with each athlete being challenged according to his/her abilities, and at the same time just having a lot of fun.

He has a quick eye, and is able to assess an athlete's fitness and skill level within a few minutes of a warmup, and accurately place the athlete in the appropriate pace group. That being said, he also has a quick wit and is fast to make jokes, bets, and little challenges within a session, just to keep us on our toes. ;)

For details on participation, fees, and online coaching options, click here.

Sunday long rides go from 125km to 170km to 190km. First stop is 60+km away at the Home and Life Bakery for freshly baked banana bread and yummy coffees, with part of the profits supporting a local orphanage.

Saturday swims are done at Nai Thon beach - a perfect way to practice sighting, and dealing with currents, waves, jellyfish, and other open water challenges.

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