Search
shop

IRONMAN Champion Laura Philipp explains the benefit of training solo at the start of the season

Laura Philipp speaks about the benefits of taking the time to train alone.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Ahead of an action packed season of racing, German triathlon star Laura Philipp kicked off 2024 in the Canary Islands, where the 36-year-old went on a training camp with a twist.

Instead of being accompanied by training partners, the PTO World #5 embarked on the trip to Fuerteventura alone.

Explaining why in her most recent YouTube video, Philipp gave a compelling case for more athletes to take the time to spend time by themselves and reap the potential rewards.

Advertisement

“It was my first real solo training camp”

Having announced her intentions to target the IRONMAN World Championship in Nice alongside her T100 contractual obligations, Philipp said she took the time to really focus on herself during her first stint away in 2024.

Laura Philipp IRONMAN 70.3 European Championship Tallinn 2023
Laura Philipp wins IRONMAN 70.3 European Championship Tallinn in 2023 (Getty Images for IRONMAN).

“I went on the camp in Fuerteventura by myself. It was my first real solo training camp and whilst there are always other athletes around so you’re never alone, we decided to do this as an opportunity to really focus on myself.”

The German said that given the fact that she is still in the early stages of her season buildup, it just made sense to zero in on what she needs to be working on without having to worry about others.

“I am still in the early stages of my season buildup and for me during this time especially I find it very important to focus on my own numbers.” 

“I’m really happy in my own head”

Given the amount of time an athlete spends with nothing but their thoughts in training and racing, Philipp reasoned that a camp alone would be good practice for her upcoming races.

“I’m really happy in my own head and that really helps when you’re out there training alone. It is also good practice for IRONMAN training as you need to be able to entertain yourself.”

Overall, she said that the balance she was able to strike between training alone and socialising with others outside of her sessions made the camp a success.

“I think I got the most out of the camp whilst getting some nice social interactions with other athletes so it was a nice balance.” 

Whilst the company of others can make training fly by and is a great way to socialise, it seems like an occasional workout alone could prove beneficial for those tough moments in races for both amateur and professional athletes!

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
TRI247 podcast p/b Challenge Family episode 2
Go behind the scenes at Challenge Roth with the latest episode of the TRI247 podcast
Cadomotus Chronos triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Challenge Family Roth
Five things you need to know about the Challenge Roth bike course
Challenge St. Pölten 2024 - image credit Jose Luis Hourcade / Challenge Family
Expert swim coach on the three most common swim mistakes age group triathletes make (and how to fix them!)
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
latest News
Kristian Blummenfelt Kristian Hogenhaug Casper Stornes IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025
Triathlon GOAT Mark Allen sends “great champions” message to red-hot superstar Kristian Blummenfelt
Zachary Josie bike
Age-group athlete with dwarfism says INCREDIBLE goal is “in his grasp” at Challenge Roth
Joe Skipper finished fifth at Challenge Roth 2023
Challenge Roth 2025: Triathlon star Joe Skipper comes back from the brink for another shot at iconic race
ironman hamburg 2025 podium laura philipp kat matthews solveig lovseth beer
Challenge Roth 2025: Laura Philipp backed to make triathlon history by crashing through magical time barrier
Challenge Roth press conference 2025
Challenge Roth 2025: Date, start times, how to watch live and who’s racing
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...