Search
shop

PTO World #1 Sam Long embarking on ‘Hell Month’ to consolidate top spot ahead of London T100

American Sam Long, who has been on a roll so far in 2024, has set out a blueprint to continue to get even better this season.
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Sam Long has shared his plans to utilise scorching temperatures and a gruelling schedule for what he is calling ‘Hell Month’ during his training in the buildup to the London T100.

The American, who is the PTO World #1 after five podiums so far in 2024, also has two-second place finishes on the T100 Triathlon World Tour but wants more.

Revealing his blueprint to success on Instagram, the 28-year-old ‘Big Unit’ hopes the skyrocketing temperatures in the American Southwest will help him become the very best this season.

Advertisement

Go hard or go home

Originally from Boulder, Long is now based in Arizona, where last summer temperatures peaked at 48 degrees celsius, and plans to train there ahead of the London T100 showdown on July 27-28.

Sam Long celebrates at the San Francisco T100.
[Photo Credit – PTO]

Explaining his reasoning, Long says he hopes the benefits will be as psychological as they are physical, as he pushes his body to the max.

“Hell Month is here: I’ve dubbed the next four weeks this: why? The daily temperatures rarely dip below 76F (25C) as a low and the highs are as high as 110F (40C). It reaches such high temps even by 9 am. The morning wake up is set to 4:45am each day. 

“It’s a month to better myself. Not just to train for the next race but to move my long term physiology and mindset up. To become a hardened man. To teach the body how to handle heat better than ever before.”

Not settling for second best

After overcoming huge deficits out of the water to claw himself back on to the podium in both the Singapore and Miami T100, Long remarkably found himself within touching distance of the front group last month at the San Francisco T100.

Sam Long Triathlete United States Big Unit
Sam Long (Photo Credit: Aquasphere)

Unfortunately, however, he wasn’t able to capitalise on his excellent position in California, coming home in eighth place, some two minutes down on race winner Marten Van Riel.

Looking ahead to London, Long assured fans that he would continue to develop his swim over the next four weeks, despite a career best performance on the West Coast.

“It [Hell Month] will also be heavily focused on continuing the swim development through increased volume while holding and improving technique. Let’s go!”

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
tri-fit vortex tri suit review
TRI-FIT VORTEX tri suit review – race day approved performance
Maja Stage Nielsen Kat Matthews Jocelyn McCauley IRONMAN Texas 2023 podium photo credit IRONMAN
PremiumRacing to keep up: Is social media making us train harder?
Cadomotus chronos aero triathlon cycling shoes
The triathlon cycling shoe that promises a 10-watt saving: Cadomotus Chronos Aero triathlon cycling shoes review
Wahoo ELEMNT RIVAL
PremiumTraining to heart rate vs power on the bike
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumHow to pace a triathlon to leave it all out there WITHOUT blowing up
latest News
Hayden Wilde wins T100 London 2025
T100 French Riviera 2025: Date, start time, who’s racing and how to watch live
Jeanne Lehair Georgia Taylor Brown Fanni Szalai Supertri Chicago
Supertri Chicago 2025 women’s results: Lehair holds off Olympic star Taylor-Brown
Alberto Gonzalez Garcia wins Supertri Chicago
Supertri Chicago 2025 men’s results: Speedy Gonzalez Garcia STUNS the big names
Jeanne Lehair Supertri Chicago 2025
WATCH AGAIN: Supertri Chicago 2025 as Lehair and Gonzalez Garcia take the wins
Tim Don Supertri Toronto 2025
Tim Don: Watch out for Jonny Brownlee bounce back and Fanni Szalai at Supertri Chicago
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

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

All plans include a 7-day free trial

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...