Training Survey Rationale

We wanted to understand how busy, independent athletes in the club prefer to train: when you’ll show up, what kind of information and structure you value, and where pace-based meet-ups would actually help. The aim wasn’t to turn LTC into a fully coached club; it was to shape a programme that gives you clear guidance, camaraderie and race support, plus simple take-home plans you can follow independently.

Key findings (stand-outs)

• LTC’s model fits the busy independent athlete: members want info-rich workshops with a take-home plan, not weekly hand-holding.

• We remain a community club, not a coached club — our role is to provide focus, clarity and race-day support, not full weekly coaching.

• There’s strong appetite for run and cycle pace groups via WhatsApp. Many pace chats already exist locally (not always open to newcomers), so pilot LTC WhatsApp lists may help people link up without duplicating what’s there.

The numbers at a glance (n = 109)

Swim (coached slot & focus)

• Engage in coached swim slot: 54 / 109 (49.5%)
  • Monday 20:00–21:00: 32 • Thursday 07:00–08:00: 16 • Both: 6

• Swim coaching focus: Technique 74 (67.9%); Pacing/Distance 36 (33.0%)
  Comment: Technique clearly leads; Monday evening is the strongest single slot.

Cycle (group riding & turbo)

• Group cycles (ready to ride): 77 / 109 (70.6%) say “Yes, I know my pace”.

• Turbo (winter): 66 / 109 (60.6%)
  • In-person: 35 • Zoom: 19 • Both: 12
  Comment: Big appetite to ride together; winter base will work best in person, with a Zoom option for flexibility.

Run (groups & parkrun)

• Group runs (ready to run): 67 / 109 (61.5%) say “Yes, I know my pace”.

• Parkrun club presence: 69 / 109 (63.3%)
  Comment: Two clear pace peaks around 4:31–5:00 and 5:31–6:00 min/km; monthly anchors will help keep things simple.

Misc (Pilates, S&C, masterclasses)

• Pilates interest: 57 / 109 (52.3%) (evening 19:00 popular; early 6.30am also strong ~29 mentions)

• S&C interest: 57 / 109 (52.3%) (evening 19:00 most cited; ~24 mention 6.30am)

• Masterclasses: Nutrition (Eoin Sheehan) 72 (66.1%); Swim masterclass 63 (57.8%); Stretching/Recovery 62 (56.9%)
  Comment: Even split for Pilates/S&C; nutrition is the standout for masterclasses.

Swim

• What we’ll do: A Monday Night Swim Workshop Series in 4-week themed blocks.

• Why: Technique demand is high and Monday suits the most people.

• How it works: Short briefing → practical set → simple weekly focus you can repeat on your own.
  (These Monday nights will be the club’s only swim workshops.)

Cycle

• What we’ll do: Turbo & Winter Base workshops (in person first; Zoom optional).

• Where pace groups fit: We’ll pilot two LTC WhatsApp lists (24–26 kph and 28–30 kph) so people can self-organise meet-ups around a monthly anchor (see below).

• Why: Keeps admin light, respects existing non-club groups, and still gives newcomers a door in.

Run

• What we’ll do: A monthly Saturday morning workshop (brief talk + practical with pace demos) and a single call-out that week for pace leaders and a UL meet point.

• Where pace groups fit: Two opt-in WhatsApp lists aligned to our biggest bands (4:30–5:00/km and 5:30–6:00/km) strictly for meet point / time / route.

Misc (Pilates / S&C / Workshops)

• Pilates & S&C: We’ll schedule blocks at 19:00 with early 6.30am options where possible.

• Masterclasses: Nutrition with Eoin Sheehan is in the pipeline; stretching/recovery will follow.

What’s already in motion

• Swim: Monday Night Series (4-week themes) — Page 2 has the blocks.

• Nutrition: Masterclass with Eoin Sheehan (date TBC).

• Run: First Saturday workshop planned; the WhatsApp call-out that week will confirm the UL meet point.

• Cycle: Turbo & Winter Base workshop plan drafted; venue short-list underway.

What we need (to get this off the ground)

• Set up four opt-in WhatsApp lists (Run 4:30–5:00, Run 5:30–6:00, Cycle 24–26, Cycle 28–30) — minimal chatter; meet-ups only.

• One organiser per list to post the monthly call-out (not weekly; you don’t have to lead every time).

• Confirm dates/venues for: Monday Swim blocks; the first Run Saturday; the first Turbo evening.

If you’re happy to look after the monthly post for one of those lists (just the monthly nudge, not weekly management), reply with the band (e.g. “Run 5:30–6:00 coordinator” or “Cycle 24–26 coordinator”) and we’ll set you up.