Search
shop

Coaching change for Sam Long as he takes destiny into own hands

It's been quite a year for Sam Long - and it ends with a significant update as he reveals he's now coaching himself
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Sam Long has revealed he has parted company with coach Ryan Bolton and is now coaching himself.

The 26-year-old has been working with Bolton for the last four years but decided that a “change of pace” was needed.

Long’s decision to train himself got off to a winning start at IRONMAN 70.3 Indian Wells earlier this month.

Advertisement

‘Less is more’ approach

Speaking in his post-race update on his YouTube channel (video embedded below), Long admitted he is taking the ‘less is more’ approach.

He explained: “The biggest change coming into this race after Arizona, I decided that I needed a change in my coaching.

“I have been trained by Ryan Bolton for the last four years, he has been a great coach for me, he helped my development massively.

“But I decided that I needed a new change, a change of pace, so I have been coaching myself for the last few weeks.

“And the goal of this race was to teach myself that I can do well with much less volume, so I did the least amount of training that I have done in a long time, and clearly it seemed to work out.

“So I am looking forward to continuing that development going down the road.”

Eventful season

Looking back at 2022, Long acknowledges that it has been a rollercoaster of a year for himself, mixed with a lot of highs and some lows.

But a period of rest and recuperation is now on the cards for him.

“It is great to put the last two months behind me in a way.

“It is off-season, me and Lara [girlfriend and fellow triathlete Lara Gruden] are probably going to Cabo at an all-inclusive resort next week, then going home for family over the holidays, a little ski trip, three weeks totally off.

“I am not sure that I will touch my bike, I am not sure that I’ll touch my running shoes, I am really going to enjoy this, it has been a long season for me.

“Twelve races, I kicked it off with the first race of the season there in Miami with a win.

“Four wins for the year, seven podiums for the year, hit by a car, multiple big controversies at the Collins Cup, at 70.3 Worlds, immense back-pain – I have overcome a lot and I could not be happier with my season as a whole.”

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
TRI247 podcast
What is it really like to be a professional triathlete? NEW TRI247 x Challenge Family podcast takes you beyond the start lines this race season
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!)
French Riviera T100 bike course Esterel
Let’s race… French Riviera T100
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
Gustav Iden aero position body rocket
How to get better at holding your time trial position – Expert tips from former PRO time trial cyclist Alex Dowsett
latest News
Lionel Sanders wins 70.3 St George 2025 photo credit Getty Images for IRONMAN
Triathlon superstar Lionel Sanders moving again but taking it step by step in injury battle
Magnus Ditlev - T100 San Francisco 2024 run
“I lost it mentally” – Magnus Ditlev reveals why he was shown red card at IRONMAN Frankfurt
Marjolaine Pierre World Long Distance Triathlon win 2025
World Triathlon Long-Distance Championships 2025 results: Pierre and Benito add second wins
Kristian Blummenfelt wins IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025
IRONMAN Frankfurt 2025 results: Blummenfelt defends title on drama-packed day
Magnus Ditlev run Challenge Roth 2024 Photo credit: Simon Fischer | Challenge Roth
Crazy scenes as Magnus Ditlev is shown a red card but runs on at IRONMAN Frankfurt
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...