Braveheart Athletes, insecure overachievers, neurotically obsessed endurance nutbags who could probably benefit from calming down, and those simply swimming, biking, and running away from problems...

It’s that time of year again! The time has come to start planning your trip to San Diego for the 5th Annual Braveheart Highland Games Triathlon Camp!

Dates: Jan 30- Feb 2, 2020 (Thurs- Sun).

Location: San Diego, CA (with sessions all across SD county)

The 2020 BHG is a one-of-a-kind, four-day triathlon training camp for Braveheart Athletes and friends in sunny San Diego. Last year, we had an amazing turnout of Paterson-fearing souls from all over the world! Grown men cried. Women laughed. Dogs ran.

The camp is FREE if you're being coached by a Braveheart Coach during January and February 2020. (See end of this message for more details about what this actually means).

Hosted by four foul-mouthed immigrant coaches -- Triathlon World Champion and verbally corrosive Lesley Paterson, her charming and impossibly attractive and charismatic husband, Simon Marshall, gobby Glaswegian and Ironman-addict, Alan Greening, now residing in Denver, CO; and Braveheart Ironman Pro, Nicholas Chase from St George, UT.

Camps details:

• Four fun-filled days of great training (all coached), outdoor swims, legendary climbs, warm trails, weird games, expert and motivational talks, Q&As, great conversation, and a few adult beverages. Oh, and lots of heckling. We love heckling.

• PRE-CAMP activities available on the Wed (for purchase), such as a beginner track cycling class on the local Velodrome, a swim-mechanics analysis at Swim Labs, and more! (Details will be on the agenda available in early Jan).

• Massage available throughout the entire camp (paid).

• Our local athletes provide home stays for out-of-town athletes. Whether you come alone or with a family in tow, we’ll do our best to find a local triathlete willing to put you up for free. If you want your own space, there are some great family friendly hotels in town. You must tell us if you WANT a homestay during registration. NOTE: (1) homestays will be prioritized for Braveheart Athletes, but surplus rooms will be offered to non-Braveheart athletes on a first-come, first-serve basis. (2) Homestays do NOT provide meals, transportation. They provide a free bed. Thus, Divas are not welcome.

• We have ONE paid session -- a coached pool swim – but that's a minimal charge ($15) to cover lane rental costs. The swim price is included if you registered as a paying, non-Braveheart athlete.

• Meals are provided (although optional) but we charge to cover our costs (typically $10-20 per meal). All meals are integrated into the agenda. Vegetarian options always available. Please tell us in the registration form what meals you plan to have. This is to help our planning.

• End of January means that flight costs are off-peak. San Diego means sunshine instead of frost, snow, or trainer-in-garage hell.

• Can’t bike, swim, or run due to injury? Join in the sessions you can do and/or help with SAG support and athlete support during the camp. We give you free food if you help as a volunteer!

• Because of the varied abilities (from absolute beginners to pro), each training session has A, B & C designations, with ability-matched groups for every session. All groups have designated session leaders and SAG support. The camp is inclusive, supportive, and fun. Yes, it's hard but not having experience or fitness is no reason to avoid coming. Do as much or as little as you want. No judgin', promise.

• It's a road triathlon camp, so road bikes are recommended. If you're just a runner or biker, this camp is still perfect for you. More rest in between sessions!

• You have to drive to individual sessions because we use trails and roads across San Diego County. Make sure you rent a car or car share with other athletes.

ABOUT TRAVELING WITH A BIKE:

• For those of you who dread flying with a bike, we recommend using www.BikeFlights.com. It's simple and surprisingly cheap. Our fantastic local mechanic, Keven Lee from Master Mechanics, will be available to help those of you who want to opt in to the package: called "I just want to show up and pedal my own bike." You can email Keven directly at kevenleewithane@gmail.com for help with getting your bike shipped directly to him, unpacked, built up, delivered to the camp location, and then everything in reverse for going home.

The final camp itinerary will be sent in early January.

I'm confused, is the camp free to ME?

Yes, if you're a Braveheart athlete. A Braveheart athlete is someone who is currently (as of January & February, 2020) being coached by one of the following Braveheart Coaches: Lesley Paterson, Simon Marshall, Alan Greening, Pam Kallio, Corey Dillon, Tammy Tabeek, Chris Hague, Will Kelsay, Mau Mendez, Sean Thompson, Nic Chase, Cherell Jordin or Aaron Jordin. Non-Braveheart athletes are also welcome to attend the camp for $425.