Helping shape the future of running
adidas TERREX Team Camp at adidas HQ - Part 1
It’s coming upto a year that I’ve been a member of the Adidas TERREX one team. Having joined in April last year I just missed out on taking part in the team camp so this time round is my first and something I’ve been looking forward to. The team camp is split in two parts, the first being at adi HQ testing and providing feedback and the second is focused on a week of tough training (with a bit more time to socialise) at the Canary Island, Fuerteventura.
Spending time at the adidas HQ in Herzogenaurach for our adidas TERREX team camp was an experience that blended cutting-edge innovation with the camaraderie of teammates. From testing prototype shoes to diving into performance assessments, it was a deep dive into the science and creativity behind our gear. But, also reconnecting with teammates who for a majority have been battling through Northern Hemisphere winters. Everyone though was in great spirits, Herzo saw 4 days of sunshine for the first signs of Spring, and yea it was cool to catch up.
Feedback and Innovation
One of the most valuable aspects of our time at the HQ was the opportunity to provide direct feedback to the product development teams. We tested prototypes on treadmills with a range of protocols. The new shoe in development that I focused on was the shoe targeted for UTMB 2026. This is a real privilege and a responsibility. With testing prototypes we are tasked with wearing and giving our interpretation of how the shoe feels with each iteration of prototype. Sometimes our feedback is harsh, but we need to get across our perception of how the shoe fits, feels, handles and stands up to the terrain (quite technical being a UTMB focused shoe) so that the ideal product is created.
An exciting part of this visit to HQ is that we received a fresh iteration of prototypes that we tested on a series of treadmill tests, comparing against a control (Agravic Speed Ultra) and the results were amazing. We ran on an incline, flat and decline (yes decline on a treadmill is somewhat scary) and not only were our perceptions that this was a very good shoe, but the data also corroborated to our perceptions.
An essential part of this process of the treadmill test involved measuring running economy — how efficiently we use energy at a given pace. By assessing how different shoe prototypes influence our running mechanics, we can identify which designs provide the most benefit. Improved running economy often means less fatigue over long distances, which is a game-changer in ultra-running. The outcome of certain measures and inclines saw potential efficiencies of a substantial percent (think initial super shoe running economy increases). Exciting times I’ll tell ya.
Performance Testing: Pushing the Limits
We also underwent lactate threshold and VO2 max testing. Lactate threshold testing measures the point at which lactate builds up in the blood faster than the body can clear it, indicating when fatigue is likely to set in. Understanding our lactate zones can be effective when working out training programs and gauging effort. By training just below this threshold, we can enhance endurance and improve our ability to sustain higher efforts for longer periods.
VO2 max testing, on the other hand, determines our maximum oxygen uptake — a marker of cardiovascular fitness. This number holds less value but it’s an interesting metric to see how the increasing lactate levels correspond to increasing VO2 and Heart Rate. The results can offer insight into our current fitness levels and highlight areas for improvement. It’s a tough, all-out effort, so not overly enjoyable to do often, but it also served as a great workout to really push our limits.
There were also some other max strength testing we did looking for imbalances. I mention this, as the machine we used was super high-tech and I wanted to show you one of the clips we got of this max test.
Note: It looks like I’m being tortured in this video, but it is a max strength test of my calf and tibialis anterior (muscle on the front of shin used in pulling toes towards you).
All this testing is great to do personally, but also knowing that our experiences contribute to the evolution of trail running gear makes it all the more rewarding.
Connecting with the Community
Beyond the testing and performance assessments, we also had the chance to engage with the local running community. We joined a community trail run, logging some easy miles with local runners while getting a feel for the trails around Herzo. But it wasn’t just a casual jog—some of the locals came ready to push the pace, especially on the targeted Strava segments that had been set up for the run. There were some big efforts thrown down, making for a fun mix of friendly competition and social running.
Back at the adidas campus, we stayed at Homeground, which provided a perfect setup for recovery between sessions. One of the highlights was the food—breakfast, lunch, and dinner were next-level. Mornings started with a great spread of fresh fruits, eggs, and a variety of breads, while lunch and dinner featured incredible meals like perfectly cooked salmon, halibut, and top-quality meats. There was also a huge selection of salads and vegetables, making sure we had everything needed to refuel properly. It was the kind of food that not only tasted amazing but also left you feeling strong and ready for the next session.
It was also a good chance to catch up with teammates outside of training—something that doesn’t happen often during a busy race season.
Next Stop: Fuerteventura
With the feedback sessions and innovation phase wrapped up, we left adidas HQ and headed to Fuerteventura for the next phase of the camp. Swapping the crisp, early spring sunshine of Herzo for the dry, rugged landscapes of the Canary Islands was a stark contrast—not just in climate but in focus. At HQ, it was all about testing, data, and refinement; in Fuerteventura, the attention shifted to pure training.
What followed was a week of challenging but rewarding training—an experience that deserves its own write-up. Stay tuned for the next article, where I’ll dive into the highs, the challenges, and what made the training camp in Fuerteventura special.
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