Adidas TERREX Team Camp at Fuerteventura – Part 2

After our visit to adidas HQ in Herzogenaurach, we transitioned from the controlled environment of labs and prototypes to the rugged terrains of Fuerteventura. This shift marked a move from product testing to immersive, real-world training—a chance to get some quality training underway and use the group setting to help push ourselves.

There was also the opportunity to test out some of the recently tried prototypes in a real world setting, and as far as terrain goes, you wouldn’t find too much more rugged than Fuerte.

Embracing Fuerteventura's Diverse Terrain

Fuerteventura welcomed us with its stark landscapes: aggressive hills, volcanic trails, coastal paths, and a lot of wind. That’s what Fuerteventura means in Spanish - Strong Wind! But besides this, the island's varied terrain provided a decent backdrop for the diverse training sessions we had planned, each designed to test different aspects of our endurance and adaptability. So with that said - into the training week, which was thoughtfully constructed by mate and teammate Petter Engdahl. We could adapt it as much as we wanted, but I’ve written below the three key sessions I took part in.

Key Training Sessions

March 22, 2025 – Hill Repeats & Flat Intervals

This session was a true test of climbing ability onto an ability to recover and get the legs turning over at a decent clip. We kicked things off with 5 x 5-minute hill climbs, using the steep gradients to build strength and power. The jog-down recoveries were just enough to let the legs settle before hitting the next climb. I found myself just trying to hang on to my teammates as they surged uphill, a clear reminder that I still have some gains to be made in climbing.

After the hills, we transitioned straight into 4 x 4-minute intervals on the flat, running along the beachfront at Playitas Resort. Unlike the climbs, where I was struggling to keep pace, I felt far more relaxed and in control on the flat, able to match the effort comfortably. It was a valuable session, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement as I look ahead to more mountain-focused racing.

March 23, 2025 – Mountain Endurance Run

The following day, we tackled a demanding 38 km route with a significant 1,234 meters of elevation gain. This session focused on building endurance and mental resilience, as we navigated steep climbs and descents under the island's sun.

March 25, 2025 – Track Intervals

Midweek, we shifted gears to speed work on a local track. The session comprised a 15-minute tempo run followed by 6 x 1 km intervals, emphasising pace control and recovery. This workout aimed to enhance our speed endurance, crucial for race scenarios.

Balancing Training and Downtime

Alongside the big running sessions, we mixed in a bit of strength work, with our new teammate Hannah Allgood leading us through a solid circuit focused on functional movements, efficiency, and power —nothing too brutal, but a good reminder that strength is just as important as mileage.

Outside of training, there was also time to unwind. A round of mini putt and a hit at the golf range added some light-hearted competition to the mix, proving that some of us might need to stick to trail running rather than pursuing a career in golf. Mini Putt especially - I may have to show you all a clip that was put together - terrible I’ll tell ya. Also, please excuse some extensive use of expletives if you decide to watch it.

Recovery and Team Dynamics

Our base for the week was Playitas Resort, a well-equipped training hub that had everything we needed. The buffet-style breakfasts and dinners catered for the masses—not quite the same level of quality as Homeground back at adidas HQ, but still plenty to fuel up. The variety was solid, with options like salmon, halibut, quality meats, and a great selection of salads and vegetables, ensuring we got the right balance of nutrients for recovery.

Evenings were spent catching up with teammates, sharing insights from the day’s training, and strategising for the months ahead. These camps aren’t just about pushing limits—they’re about building relationships, and this week definitely reinforced that.

Reflections on the Camp

Training in Fuerteventura offered invaluable lessons. The island's challenging terrain tested our physical and mental fortitude, while the varied sessions—from long endurance runs to targeted speed work—addressed multiple facets of our performance. The March 22nd hill and flat session was particularly insightful, showing where I still need to improve while also highlighting where my strengths currently lie.

This immersive week provided a strong foundation for the season ahead, and I’m excited to carry this momentum forward into upcoming races.

Stay tuned for more updates as we transition from training to competition, applying the lessons learned during our time in Fuerteventura.

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