Blog

Musings on swimming, running and riding for everyday athletes.

26 Jan 2026

Trail Running in 2026: How to Level Up on Technical Terrain and Choose the Best Races in Portugal

2026 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years for trail runners. Technical mountain routes in the North, fast rolling trails in the Centre, and steep, rugged terrain in the South make this season ideal for athletes who want to evolve — whether you’re a beginner or already chasing serious elevation. As […]

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23 Jan 2026

How to Level Up Your Trail Running in 2026 – Lessons From Someone Who’s Been Beaten Up by the Mountains

There are two ways to improve in trail running: After years of running everything from short explosive mountain races to long ultras that break you down and rebuild you, here are the lessons that actually make a difference for runners who want to evolve in 2026. 1. Running more isn’t enough — running the right […]

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19 Jan 2026

5 Open-Water Swimming Tips to Level Up in 2026 (+ An Epic Challenge Coming in June)

Open-water swimming keeps growing in Portugal — and it’s easy to see why. The mix of technique, endurance, strategy, and the raw beauty of nature turns every session into an adventure. For many athletes, 2026 will be the year to go further, whether by entering their first open-water events or tackling longer distances. And with […]

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16 Jan 2026

Why Small Races Might Be Your Biggest Performance Hack in 2026

In a world obsessed with big goals — marathons, epic granfondos, 50 km trail adventures, ultra-endurance challenges — there’s one truth most athletes overlook: 👉 Small races often drive the biggest improvements. Yes, those local 5–10K runs, short trail races, sprint triathlons, or modest BTT events.The ones that seem “too simple” to matter… but can […]

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15 Jan 2026

Why More Athletes Are Choosing “Micro-Goals” Instead of Big Resolutions in 2026

Every January, athletes set ambitious goals: a first marathon, a big trail race, a new triathlon distance. But in 2026, there’s a growing trend among amateur athletes — replacing big resolutions with micro-goals. These small, manageable targets are proving far more effective for performance, consistency, and motivation. 1. Micro-goals reduce pressure and increase consistency Aiming […]

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14 Jan 2026

How to Use Your Training Data to Choose Smarter Races in 2026

In recent years, amateur athletes have started training with more information than ever before: GPS watches, power sensors, sleep metrics, running and cycling apps, and even simple handwritten training logs.But there’s one thing most people still don’t do well: using that data to choose the races that truly fit their profile and goals. With thousands […]

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13 Jan 2026

How to Get Better at MTB in 2026 (Even Without Adding More Training Hours)

5 simple adjustments that make an immediate difference on the trails Mountain biking has its own magic: technical trails, tough climbs, fast descents and that sense of freedom you only get on the dirt. But it’s also a sport where small adjustments create big improvements — especially if you want to progress without increasing training […]

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9 Jan 2026

What Most Triathletes Ignore (But Shouldn’t): Why “Easy Days” Make You Faster

After more than a decade training and racing in triathlon — from local sprints to long-course events — there’s one lesson I learned the hard way, and that most athletes still struggle to accept: Easy days are not optional. They are essential. In a sport built on discipline, grit and the constant pursuit of improvement, […]

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8 Jan 2026

Why Hill Training Might Be Your Secret Weapon in 2026 (Even If You’re Not a Mountain Athlete)

Many athletes avoid hills: they’re tough, slow, and mentally demanding.But hill training — whether on a neighborhood incline, a long road climb, or a treadmill — can be one of the most effective ways to improve performance in any sport. Today we explain why hill work is becoming a major training trend for 2026… and […]

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7 Jan 2026

Why Runners and Cyclists Love Round Numbers — The Psychology Behind Distance Goals

Have you ever noticed how most athletes set goals like 10 km, 21 km, 100 km, or exactly 2,000 m of elevation?There’s a reason — and it’s not just convenience.Psychology and behavioural science show that round numbers strongly influence motivation, performance, and how we perceive success. This topic is fun, surprising, and perfect for everyday […]

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6 Jan 2026

How to Build a Realistic Training Plan for 2026 (Even If You’re Busy)

January is the month when everyone wants to reset, get back into routine, and start training with purpose.But there’s one common issue: most people create training plans that don’t match their real life — work, kids, schedules, fatigue, weather… everything gets in the way. The solution?A realistic training plan, adapted to your lifestyle, that you […]

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