Starman Night Triathlon

You've still got 4 whole months before you watch the sun start to set over Loch Morlich, heralding the start of Starman 2019.
Add one of the UK's toughest triathlons to your calendar today: www.starmannighttri.com

Monday Motivation! Meet Sean McFarlane - our first ever Starman winner. Sean has numerous long-distance wins under his belt and here he gives us some training tips for our unique event!

Not a bad option for a night time swim if you're nervous!

The water is warming up (🥶). Who's swimming outside this weekend?

Sunset at Loch Morlich. Absolutely beautiful.*

Hopefully this won't hang around for Starman but, let's face it, you never know!
Good opportunity for some adversity training if you are there this week!

Just a reminder that Starman will be starting at 7am this year as we realised starting it at night was a bit too brutal.

Summer is here!
We have had an incredible weekend in Aberfeldy with Performance Edge coaching, learning all about hill safety, navigation and training processes.
Neil and Beth are fantastic coaches who work with the individual to help them reach their goals, no matter how crazy they are (did someone say "midnight triathlon"?!)
... Scotland was at it's absolute best this weekend - where did you guys get your training in?
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We've all been there!

A wee flashback to our past Starmen and Starwomen!

Can you think of a better finish line?
Nope!
Still lots of time to register and start training: www.starmannighttri.com

Workout Wednesday!
We keep joking about those hills but seriously, there are some pretty big hills to conquer in Starman. If you're time poor and can't run up and down a mountain before breakfast during the week, here's a fast and effective run session to do for a Wednesday evening:
10 mins warm up pace to your local hill (could be anywhere, and can be road or trail, whatever is closest).... 10 x 30 seconds up, 1 min recovery down 5 mins jog steady (in a wee circle to take you back to the hill) 10 x 30 seconds up, 1 min recovery down 10 mins jog back to home.
This takes roughly an hour - if you're short on time just reduce the reps.
Top Tips: use the hill repeats to focus on technique: - shoulders back - eyes forward - use strong arm movements - high knees and good drive from your glutes to push you up. - remember to stretch afterwards, especially your calves which tend to work harder on hills.
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"She said it would be fun..."
And it is, in that type A kind of way!
Enter now and join us in August 2019 for the adventure of a lifetime.
... www.starmannighttri.com
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The UK's only night triathlon, starting at midnight on Saturday night (18th August through into the 19th August) 1900m Swim under the stars in Loch Morlich 56 mile Bike round the dark roads of Aviemore 13 miles of trails over Cairngorm

Medal Monday! The season has started - did you guys get any bling this weekend? We think our medals by The Workshop, Aberfeldy are pretty special.
You could be the proud owner in August if you sign up today (and you've still still got more than 20 weeks to train!).
www.starmannighttri.com

Don't forget we are at Highland Adventure Fest in Inverness today from 10am. Come and see us for an exclusive discounted entry to Starman 2019.

Athlete Interview: Beth Scholes talks night cycling, hallucinations and hills.

What an amazing event. My toughest challenge yet. A great atmosphere- Standing on the beach that is lit up just before midnight with glow sticks attached to your goggles and wetsuit and a puffa jacket on to keep the cold off before getting in the loch and all you can hear is the lapping of water and in amongst the darkness the course marked out by flashing bouys. Well organised and every member of the support team there to keep you going with great enthusiasm. A challenge not to be underestimated however, one to give it your all (especially at 3am �)!

What a great event, True Grit you put on an awesome event. All the marshalls and staff did an amazing job, chapeau to you all for staying up all night feeding, directing, encouraging and keeping us all safe. Hope this becomes a yearly addition to the calendar

Took part in inaugural Starman triathlon which was in the Cairngorms national park. It's a middle distance event which started at midnight.

Swim was in lock Morlich and struggled with cramp in right calf at end of lap 3 then left calf for final lap.

Cycle ride went well really please with time of around 4 hours. Light started to flash every so often towards end and was paranoid would pack all together, very kindly another comptitor cycled with me so was not a problem. Big thanks 'Jock' starman no. 5!

Run was great, when left transition was no need for head torches and headed u[p Cairngorm and then Meall a Bhuachaille.



Great event with really good atmosphere, thanks loads Caz, Andy and rest of True Grit team.

This is an amazing event, well organised and run. The event organisers are amazing, they thought of everything. Health and safety was their priority and when you’re swimming in the dark that’s the reassurance that you need.



Friendly and encouraging volunteers who kept you going no matter what, I’ll definitely be doing it next year.

Surreal, Epic, Bonkers, Amazing, Brutal - not sure there are sufficient superlatives to describe this most unique of events. A midnight swim lit by the glow of cylumes, an eerie cycle through the dead of night and a climb up Cairngorm in the half light of dawn. Hats off to True Grit for the inspiration and amazing organisation behind Starman. I feel truly privileged to have been one of the 'Pioneers' of what will undoubtedly become a classic....

Superb. Scottish weather was kind.All folks helping and organising were brilliant. The lonely run through the woods was tough character building stuff. Would i come back?? Hell yeah

Over the years I've done several triathlons and adventure races. The Starman Night Tri definitely has something different. Although Loch Morlich is our home swimming venue I have to admit to getting the fear waiting at the start staring out into the dark abyss! No worries, everyone piled in with gusto and we were off. 4 laps and back up the beach for T1 and a fantastic bike ride round the deserted rounds of Speyside. Coming down into Grantown and being escorted along the A95 by a motorcycle outrider made me feel like a pro - a big thumbs up for that one. Up the mountain to T2 and then onto the run. Toiling halfway up Cairngorm in the pitch darkness and mist and I was thinking perhaps Amsterdam might have been a better choice for my first 70.3! From the summit, down, down, down to Glenmore and one final haul up Meall a Buachaille which seemed to go on forever. The descent to Loch Morlich smoked the thighs but every step was one nearer the finish. Through the tape and straight to the massage table on the beach - superb!



For a first-time event, True Grit did a fantastic job. Kudos for committing in style to running the event with a small field. The staffing was tremendous with someone always in the right place often toughing it out in the cold and dark conditions, ready to high five and keep all athletes going through the night.



I'm pretty sure the Starman Night Tri will become a classic. Well done to everyone who made this happen and took part in what was a truly memorable night. Epic!

My first taste of Triathlon and this was absolutely brilliant! Excellent choices of routes to really test the triathletes, and definitely amazing crew for keeping us smiling and encouraged to push on through. We were well looked after from before the race with all queries being answered and information shared, through the race itself, to being fed and pampered with much needed bacon rolls and welcome massage for tired muscles after. Felt most welcome and enjoyed every aspect - especially the sunrise as I ran down Cairn Gorm! Hope we get first dibs on places next year!

Lovely people and well organised event. Loved it.

Every couple of years my friend Dave and I do something a bit different. This year it was Starman. It was an incredible adventure and tough. There's definitely a real sense of accomplishment when you finish. The swim is like nothing you'll experience again. Loch Morlich was calm and a little intimidating but I soon calmed down. You're never too far from shore and the flashing bouys are easy to spot. The cycle in the surrounding areas was, again, a very different experience as it's dark and very quiet. I really enjoyed it. It's fairly straightforward to navigate and the roads are virtually pothole free. There's no getting away from it, the run is tough, very tough. First you have to get yourself to the top of Cairngorm then down then run a few miles to the base of Bhuachaillie then climb and descend it. I thought it was tougher than Cairngorm. The scenery is tremendous as you are ascending at dawn. The volunteers are super friendly and very encouraging. The mountain rescue guys stay at the summits until the last of us make it up. Hats off to all of them. You may even have some interesting reindeer experiences as me and Dave did ! The campsite near to the start is a perfect base and the cafe/bar that's nearby is also perfect for the following evening's calorie replacement program :-) If you have done a few triathlons but fancy something different, this is it.

Sunset at Loch Morlich. Absolutely beautiful.*

What an amazing event. My toughest challenge yet. A great atmosphere- Standing on the beach that is lit up just before midnight with glow sticks attached to your goggles and wetsuit and a puffa jacket on to keep the cold off before getting in the loch and all you can hear is the lapping of water and in amongst the darkness the course marked out by flashing bouys. Well organised and every member of the support team there to keep you going with great enthusiasm. A challenge not to be underestimated however, one to give it your all (especially at 3am �)!

What a great event, True Grit you put on an awesome event. All the marshalls and staff did an amazing job, chapeau to you all for staying up all night feeding, directing, encouraging and keeping us all safe. Hope this becomes a yearly addition to the calendar

Took part in inaugural Starman triathlon which was in the Cairngorms national park. It's a middle distance event which started at midnight.

Swim was in lock Morlich and struggled with cramp in right calf at end of lap 3 then left calf for final lap.

Cycle ride went well really please with time of around 4 hours. Light started to flash every so often towards end and was paranoid would pack all together, very kindly another comptitor cycled with me so was not a problem. Big thanks 'Jock' starman no. 5!

Run was great, when left transition was no need for head torches and headed u[p Cairngorm and then Meall a Bhuachaille.



Great event with really good atmosphere, thanks loads Caz, Andy and rest of True Grit team.

This is an amazing event, well organised and run. The event organisers are amazing, they thought of everything. Health and safety was their priority and when you’re swimming in the dark that’s the reassurance that you need.



Friendly and encouraging volunteers who kept you going no matter what, I’ll definitely be doing it next year.

Surreal, Epic, Bonkers, Amazing, Brutal - not sure there are sufficient superlatives to describe this most unique of events. A midnight swim lit by the glow of cylumes, an eerie cycle through the dead of night and a climb up Cairngorm in the half light of dawn. Hats off to True Grit for the inspiration and amazing organisation behind Starman. I feel truly privileged to have been one of the 'Pioneers' of what will undoubtedly become a classic....

Superb. Scottish weather was kind.All folks helping and organising were brilliant. The lonely run through the woods was tough character building stuff. Would i come back?? Hell yeah

Over the years I've done several triathlons and adventure races. The Starman Night Tri definitely has something different. Although Loch Morlich is our home swimming venue I have to admit to getting the fear waiting at the start staring out into the dark abyss! No worries, everyone piled in with gusto and we were off. 4 laps and back up the beach for T1 and a fantastic bike ride round the deserted rounds of Speyside. Coming down into Grantown and being escorted along the A95 by a motorcycle outrider made me feel like a pro - a big thumbs up for that one. Up the mountain to T2 and then onto the run. Toiling halfway up Cairngorm in the pitch darkness and mist and I was thinking perhaps Amsterdam might have been a better choice for my first 70.3! From the summit, down, down, down to Glenmore and one final haul up Meall a Buachaille which seemed to go on forever. The descent to Loch Morlich smoked the thighs but every step was one nearer the finish. Through the tape and straight to the massage table on the beach - superb!



For a first-time event, True Grit did a fantastic job. Kudos for committing in style to running the event with a small field. The staffing was tremendous with someone always in the right place often toughing it out in the cold and dark conditions, ready to high five and keep all athletes going through the night.



I'm pretty sure the Starman Night Tri will become a classic. Well done to everyone who made this happen and took part in what was a truly memorable night. Epic!

My first taste of Triathlon and this was absolutely brilliant! Excellent choices of routes to really test the triathletes, and definitely amazing crew for keeping us smiling and encouraged to push on through. We were well looked after from before the race with all queries being answered and information shared, through the race itself, to being fed and pampered with much needed bacon rolls and welcome massage for tired muscles after. Felt most welcome and enjoyed every aspect - especially the sunrise as I ran down Cairn Gorm! Hope we get first dibs on places next year!

Lovely people and well organised event. Loved it.

Every couple of years my friend Dave and I do something a bit different. This year it was Starman. It was an incredible adventure and tough. There's definitely a real sense of accomplishment when you finish. The swim is like nothing you'll experience again. Loch Morlich was calm and a little intimidating but I soon calmed down. You're never too far from shore and the flashing bouys are easy to spot. The cycle in the surrounding areas was, again, a very different experience as it's dark and very quiet. I really enjoyed it. It's fairly straightforward to navigate and the roads are virtually pothole free. There's no getting away from it, the run is tough, very tough. First you have to get yourself to the top of Cairngorm then down then run a few miles to the base of Bhuachaillie then climb and descend it. I thought it was tougher than Cairngorm. The scenery is tremendous as you are ascending at dawn. The volunteers are super friendly and very encouraging. The mountain rescue guys stay at the summits until the last of us make it up. Hats off to all of them. You may even have some interesting reindeer experiences as me and Dave did ! The campsite near to the start is a perfect base and the cafe/bar that's nearby is also perfect for the following evening's calorie replacement program :-) If you have done a few triathlons but fancy something different, this is it.

Sunset at Loch Morlich. Absolutely beautiful.*

What an amazing event. My toughest challenge yet. A great atmosphere- Standing on the beach that is lit up just before midnight with glow sticks attached to your goggles and wetsuit and a puffa jacket on to keep the cold off before getting in the loch and all you can hear is the lapping of water and in amongst the darkness the course marked out by flashing bouys. Well organised and every member of the support team there to keep you going with great enthusiasm. A challenge not to be underestimated however, one to give it your all (especially at 3am �)!

What a great event, True Grit you put on an awesome event. All the marshalls and staff did an amazing job, chapeau to you all for staying up all night feeding, directing, encouraging and keeping us all safe. Hope this becomes a yearly addition to the calendar

Took part in inaugural Starman triathlon which was in the Cairngorms national park. It's a middle distance event which started at midnight.

Swim was in lock Morlich and struggled with cramp in right calf at end of lap 3 then left calf for final lap.

Cycle ride went well really please with time of around 4 hours. Light started to flash every so often towards end and was paranoid would pack all together, very kindly another comptitor cycled with me so was not a problem. Big thanks 'Jock' starman no. 5!

Run was great, when left transition was no need for head torches and headed u[p Cairngorm and then Meall a Bhuachaille.



Great event with really good atmosphere, thanks loads Caz, Andy and rest of True Grit team.

This is an amazing event, well organised and run. The event organisers are amazing, they thought of everything. Health and safety was their priority and when you’re swimming in the dark that’s the reassurance that you need.



Friendly and encouraging volunteers who kept you going no matter what, I’ll definitely be doing it next year.

Surreal, Epic, Bonkers, Amazing, Brutal - not sure there are sufficient superlatives to describe this most unique of events. A midnight swim lit by the glow of cylumes, an eerie cycle through the dead of night and a climb up Cairngorm in the half light of dawn. Hats off to True Grit for the inspiration and amazing organisation behind Starman. I feel truly privileged to have been one of the 'Pioneers' of what will undoubtedly become a classic....

Superb. Scottish weather was kind.All folks helping and organising were brilliant. The lonely run through the woods was tough character building stuff. Would i come back?? Hell yeah

Over the years I've done several triathlons and adventure races. The Starman Night Tri definitely has something different. Although Loch Morlich is our home swimming venue I have to admit to getting the fear waiting at the start staring out into the dark abyss! No worries, everyone piled in with gusto and we were off. 4 laps and back up the beach for T1 and a fantastic bike ride round the deserted rounds of Speyside. Coming down into Grantown and being escorted along the A95 by a motorcycle outrider made me feel like a pro - a big thumbs up for that one. Up the mountain to T2 and then onto the run. Toiling halfway up Cairngorm in the pitch darkness and mist and I was thinking perhaps Amsterdam might have been a better choice for my first 70.3! From the summit, down, down, down to Glenmore and one final haul up Meall a Buachaille which seemed to go on forever. The descent to Loch Morlich smoked the thighs but every step was one nearer the finish. Through the tape and straight to the massage table on the beach - superb!



For a first-time event, True Grit did a fantastic job. Kudos for committing in style to running the event with a small field. The staffing was tremendous with someone always in the right place often toughing it out in the cold and dark conditions, ready to high five and keep all athletes going through the night.



I'm pretty sure the Starman Night Tri will become a classic. Well done to everyone who made this happen and took part in what was a truly memorable night. Epic!

My first taste of Triathlon and this was absolutely brilliant! Excellent choices of routes to really test the triathletes, and definitely amazing crew for keeping us smiling and encouraged to push on through. We were well looked after from before the race with all queries being answered and information shared, through the race itself, to being fed and pampered with much needed bacon rolls and welcome massage for tired muscles after. Felt most welcome and enjoyed every aspect - especially the sunrise as I ran down Cairn Gorm! Hope we get first dibs on places next year!

Lovely people and well organised event. Loved it.

Every couple of years my friend Dave and I do something a bit different. This year it was Starman. It was an incredible adventure and tough. There's definitely a real sense of accomplishment when you finish. The swim is like nothing you'll experience again. Loch Morlich was calm and a little intimidating but I soon calmed down. You're never too far from shore and the flashing bouys are easy to spot. The cycle in the surrounding areas was, again, a very different experience as it's dark and very quiet. I really enjoyed it. It's fairly straightforward to navigate and the roads are virtually pothole free. There's no getting away from it, the run is tough, very tough. First you have to get yourself to the top of Cairngorm then down then run a few miles to the base of Bhuachaillie then climb and descend it. I thought it was tougher than Cairngorm. The scenery is tremendous as you are ascending at dawn. The volunteers are super friendly and very encouraging. The mountain rescue guys stay at the summits until the last of us make it up. Hats off to all of them. You may even have some interesting reindeer experiences as me and Dave did ! The campsite near to the start is a perfect base and the cafe/bar that's nearby is also perfect for the following evening's calorie replacement program :-) If you have done a few triathlons but fancy something different, this is it.