Holiday Specifics

Running

Our locations were originally selected because of the beauty of the running routes that we discovered. The Algarve host’s breathtaking coastal tracks, woodland trail runs and flat beaches that span over 6km. The Pyrenees puts size into perspective as you are dwarfed when running by (or up!) the enormous surrounding cols.

We mix each week up to showcase the best of what each location has to offer. All our routes are suitable for a novice through to a championship runner. We normally run two sessions a day and will sit with you at the start of the week to go over what sessions will be most beneficial for you. With clear markings, hydration and Embrace leading the way, you will find the running not only challenging but very rewarding

Cycling

We admit we are a bit spoilt. That is when it comes to cycling at our training destinations! Two Tour of the Algarve (“Volta ao Algarve”) stages are 5min minutes up the road from our villas in Portugal. In France we are based near the foot of the Tourmalet in the Pyrenees.

The Algarve has been a popular destination for cyclists for many years as it offers a wide range of challenging mountain biking and road cycling routes. This includes the Monchique Mountains and the world famous The Tour of the Algarve. The tour is a major cycle race that happens in February and has been won by the likes of Alberto Contador (2009 & 2010) and Floyd Landis (2004). In fact, the fifth and final stage takes in the Monchique mountain ranges close to us.

Swimming

We position our accommodation as close to the training facilities as possible. Each one of our locations is in a short walking distance, if not a 5-10min drive. There are a number of quality indoor swimming pools at each location and a beautiful outdoor Olympic pool in the Algarve. We have built a relationship with each facility to give our guests access to our own private lanes.

Whenever possible we like to do as much open water swim training as we can. We find a lot of guests don’t have access to this back at home so we like to spend the time teaching open water techniques, drafting and getting a general feel for the open water. Because of the climate and locations of our destinations, open water swimming is in abundance.
Although the training week is about swimming in a new destination and experience the open water, we do spend a little bit of time with each guest covering swimming technique. We also hold a small workshop on the transition between swim & bike that can be fun!

Cross Training

Some of our guests come over to the Algarve to try their hand at a number of multisports. These may include tennis, golf, mountain biking, rowing, yachting, surfing, fishing as well as running, cycling and swimming. We are able to tailor a multisports holiday to suit the needs & tastes for almost anyone. We even offer corporate packages on request.

Ability Level

No matter what your ability level is we design our training weeks to allow all shapes and sizes, age groups and ability levels to train with each other and share the same amazing experiences.

Every athlete that attends an Embrace Sports training holiday has his or her own story and journey to share within the sport.

We design, facilitate and support each training session so that everyone trains at the same time but gets out exactly what they are after.

We have been delivering these training holidays for over 7 years and mastered the art of making mixed abilities work. Whether you consider yourself a tortoise or a hare we understand any concerns you may have, as you are part of the majority, and want to ensure you that you will be taken care of 🙂

FHC > Frequently Heard Concerns

Will I hold people up?

No. At the start of each session we form into sub groups based on speed, pace, or distance to be achieved. This means that you are training in a group within the group with those around your ability level. We also clearly map and mark out the course so that those at the front or back of the group don’t feel like they are holding themselves or anyone else back.

Quite often these groups change throughout the week as people progress or have a particular strength in an area e.g short speed work.

I don’t want to keep people waiting around

I don’t want to be the slowest

I’m getting over an injury and therefore very unfit

What if I get lost?

The sample schedule is more than I do in a month!

We’d prefer not to advertise our sample schedules online but it’s unavoidable. The reason we prefer not to is because it’s hard to explain to people how they can achieve so much in one week. This is not a normal week. You have so many positive factors working in your favour to make a schedule like this achievable.

You remove the day-to-day stresses you may face back at home.
You don’t have to go to work and use up energy
There is no one to look after other than yourself
You are in a warm climate and recover a lot quicker
You can relax after each session and detach from everything
You can powernap during the day
You have nutritious food available 24/7
Each day of the week is outlined for you
You are in an environment with positive like-minded people
We have a lot of fun which aids in positive recovery
Embrace coaches do all the thinking for you
We quite often state on holiday that this is your chance to train like an elite athlete, as these are the factors they have working for them.

In fact, the funny thing is the hardest thing that people report back to us post holiday is not having this Embrace schedule outlining their day and having to fend for themselves!

I’m like really fast. Will this be suitable for me?

On a typical week we get between 20 – 30 athletes and at least 4 – 8 of these athletes are at the faster end of scale. Faster being championship or age group runners, national age group representative or Kona focused/qualified triathletes and Cat 2-4 cyclists.

You will be in good company plus the Embrace coaches are always happy to give you the extra push 😉

If the above terms mean nothing to you don’t worry!

I’m an age group representative. Will I be pushed?

Will I be one of the oldest/ youngest on this holiday?

Maybe – but age and sports don’t go hand-in-hand. We may take up sports at different times in our lives but exercise always brings out the best in people. No matter what age we find people on our training holidays there is always a common ground and friendships made. There is not status.

Some of the closest friendships formed on our holidays are from both ends of the age scale. When sports and wellbeing are a common interest good people come together.

I’m more of a social runner. Do you have my kind come along?

The great thing about burning calories is that you can choose how you replace them. The Embrace coaches are the first to put their hand up to say they enjoy a beer or a wine in the evening after a great day. You will find that most of the people on holiday will do the same or have their own naughty treats or pleasures. Work hard, play hard and keep everything in moderation – even moderation. The social aspect part of our trip is very important and is normally where everyone relaxes and enjoys the holiday side of their training holiday.

Is this going to be a strict health conscious holiday?

Is this like one of those fat camps?

People on camp don’t always like hearing it but there is a chance that you might actually put on weight during an Embrace Sports training holiday! Seriously! Although uncommon it does happen and this is not a problem. As it’s a ‘training week’ you need to fuel yourself pre, during and post exercise. This is not a time to be skimping on the fuel you need to perform. This is a week to focus on fitness and performance – save the weight loss / race weight plans for your down weeks.

I swim like a wounded battle ship. Will I get lost at sea?

Even though the rock that we swim around in the Algarve is commonly referred to as ‘Shark Fin’ rock, we have never lost anyone. Triathletes can be anxious coming into a training week if their swimming is weak or non-existent. This is understandable. This is a common fear to have so you will be in good company. We will start of with baby steps during the oceans swims learning the basic principles of open water swimming. By the end of the week we struggle to get you out of the water!

I’m not that confident on a bike on the road

Then we throw you in the deep end on day one!

After you arrive at the Embrace base you will get a quick introduction, grab a bite to eat, unpack and then it’s time to set you up on your bike for the first session. If you are unconfident then an Embrace coach will head out with you on a quite road to make sure you are set up right and aware of all the road cycling skills and signals that you need to know.

After that you will get a chance to ride up and down the quiet street before we head out for an easy introductory ride together. Portugal and France is very cyclist friendly where motorists respect us so you will be at ease very quickly.

Got Another FHC?

Catering

The aim on our training holidays is to take the day-to-day stresses and duties away from athletes so that they can relax, recover and refuel themselves for each session.

The Embrace coaches have a true passion for cooking and a great understanding of nutrition for fuelling athletes on our training holidays and for a healthy lifestyle.

It’s always competitive in the kitchen where each coach takes their turn as the head chef for the night and presents their evening meal for the guests.

There is even an Embrace Sports cookbook in the pipeline due to the pressures of post holiday feedback from the satisfied dinners!

Dietary Requirements

Vegetarian, vegan, lacto, gluten-free, flexitarian, pescetarian and allergies… Don’t worry we have you covered! We ask for your dietary requirements pre-departure and are experienced in catering for all dietary requirements.

Breakfast:

Food is provided for the guests to prepare their own breakfast when they are ready. A large display of cereals, fruits, porridge, toasts, jam’s, eggs, yoghurts, tea & coffee and juices are available.

There is also a porridge board where guests can put their initials up and have hot porridge ready for them at a set time along with a number of creative toppings. This is normally a no-brainer for most people!

Lunches:

As with breakfast everyone gets to make their own lunch at their own timing. The coaches normally over cater with the evening meals so there are so great leftovers ready in the fridge. We also provide lunch ingredients such as: fresh bread rolls, meats, cheese, salads, eggs, fruit and lots of snack foods. Guests are also free to use the cooking facilities if they want to be creative.

Dinners:

Except on two occasions, when you will be taken out to local restaurants (30euros approximate), dinners will be provided for you. Meals are freshly made each day by the coaches. All dinners include fresh salads and a mix of carbs and proteins to help fuel your training. We use good quality local produce and suppliers.

Top regional wine is included at dinner time. Premium tap beer is available at cost price.

Additional Food and Drink:

If anyone requires additional items for themselves they will need to purchase these separately. We make regular trips to the supermarket and are happy to provide transport there. Sometimes, at the discretion of Embrace, we will pick requested items up for guests and provide them with a receipt.

Embrace Classic Dishes

The Great Embrace Bake Off

During the week if the calorie burn rate is high enough, the Embrace coaches highly recommend guests enter the Great Embrace Bake Off. This is a competition where the athletes prepare their cakes in their private apartments and present them to the group follow an evening’s meal.

There is a judging criteria and the panels of Embrace coaches taste (all part of the job) and rank each entry and present the winner. Then its time for everyone to enjoy the creations J

Flights & Arrivals

Once you have booked your Embrace Sports training holiday you have the complete flexibility to arrange your transport to the holiday location.

Our guest’s travel from all over the world so for this reason you keep the flexibility of booking your preferred flights or travel options.

Although we are not travel agents if you are having problems or have any questions regarding flights, please fire us a message via our contact form and we will be happy to offer our help.

Upon completing the booking form you will be sent a confirmation email that will ask you to complete a pre-departure questionnaire. This questionnaire will ask you to include your travel arrangements. From these details we will organise your transfers.

Arrival Times

The preferred arrival time of guests is mid morning to early afternoon on arrival day. This will allow athletes the time to settle in, grab some lunch and then head out for an easy evening session before relaxing for dinner.

However this is not always possible so we do offer additional transfers throughout the day. If you preferred flight arrives very early or very late please let us know first before booking, as a transfer may not be possible.

Algarve, Portugal

Flights:
Faro is the main airport in the Algarve. Once you give us your travel arrangements we will arrange to be there to pick you and your luggage up.

Flights from America and Canada might find they have to arrive at Lisbon International Airport. Although we don’t offer a transfer from Lisbon, there are domestic flights to Faro Airport. There are also bus and train services that run from Lisbon to our local town of Lagos. A lot of travellers from these areas choose to arrive a day early in Lisbon, stay the night and then transfer the next day to Lagos.

Here is a layout map of Faro Airport. An Embrace Sports representative will meet you at the designated café.

Train & Bus:
If you plan to travel via bus or train then Lagos is the local town to head too. This is a very affordable form of transport if you are in the Algarve area. Both the train and bus stations are only a couple of kilometers from the Embrace base so we will pop down and pick you up when you arrive.

Alternative transport:
Occasionally guests hire a car during their stay with us and choose to drive to our base camp. This is not a problem and there is plenty of parking available. However as the weeks are very busy you won’t find a lot of need for a hire car while you are with us. If you choose to stay on we can help to arrange a hire car to be delivered to us on the final day.

Another travel option is to arrive at Faro Airport the day / night before the holiday start date and stay the night at a nearby hotel. We will then arrange to come and collect you in the morning during an airport transfer. Two hotels that we recommend are: Hotel 3K Faro Aeroporto and Hotel Frangaria.

Pyrenees, France

Flights:
Toulouse Airport is where we provide our transfers. It is just over an hours drive to our location in the Pyrenees and offers guests by far the most flight choices.

Tarbes- Lourdes Airport is closer to our base camp but does not have the choice of flights that Toulouse has. If however Tarbes-Lourdes Airport works for you then there is a train that travels directly to our local town of Lannemezan and takes approximately 25min.

Here is a layout map of Faro Airport. An Embrace Sports representative will meet you at the designated café.

Train & Bus:
If you are travelling via bus or train then we will arrange to pick you up at our local town of Lannemezan.

Alternative transport:
Another travel option is to arrive at Toulouse Airport the day / night before the holiday start date and stay the night at a nearby Airport hotel. There are a number of these to choose from. We will then arrange to come and collect you in the morning during an airport transfer.

French Alps, France

Flights:
The local airport to us in the French Alps is Lyon Saint Exupery. This is where we provide our airport transfers. It is a 45min drive to our location in the Alps and offers guests by far the most flight choices.

Although we don’t offer transfers, Geneva International Airport in Switzerland is another option for guests. It is about a 90min drive. Smaller airports that are also close to our base camp are Chambery and Grenoble. Again, you will need to look into transfer options from these airports.

Train & Bus:
If you are travelling via bus or train then we will arrange to pick you up at our local town of Pont De Beauvoisin.

Alternative transport:
Another travel option is to arrive at Lyon Saint Exupery Airport the day or night before the holiday start date and stay the night at a nearby Airport hotel. There are a number of these to choose from. We will then arrange to come and collect you in the morning during an airport transfer.

Accommodation

Lagos, Portugal

Location:
The Embrace Sports complex in Portugal is situated right in the heart of Lagos. Only a 10min walk to the city center with its many interesting shops, bars, cafes and typical restaurants. Beautiful sandy beaches are only a 15min walk away with a number of seaside cafes.

Apartments:
Athletes are accommodated in a private two room modern apartments fully equipped with kitchen, fridge, bathroom, washing machine, satellite TV, large lounge and balconies areas.

Guest Rooms

Each large apartment comfortably fits 4 adults. Two athletes of the same gender share a room unless an athlete has requested a ‘single room supplement’ on the booking form where they have paid for a room (not an apartment) to themselves.

Main complex:
One of the common comments when guests first see our complex in the Algarve is “wow… I never thought we would be staying in a place like this!” The complex is luxurious, spacious, private and located near all training facilities and amenities. It is a great place to refuel, relax, sunbath or socialise with other guests.

Some features include: 17m training pool, exercise / stretch room, large social areas, Ice bath pool ;), large BBQ and outdoor dinning area, indoor & outdoor stereo sound systems, secure bike storage and service area, pool table, commercial coffee machine, ice maker and crusher, fruit juicer, smoothie blender, free wifi including 3 hotspot locations, draft beer on tap, ice cream fridge.

Pyrenees, France

Location:
In the Pyrenees we are positioned near a beautiful town called Lannemezan. This is a perfect location to be as it gives us access to multiple valleys heading towards the famous mountain climbs. Our complex is a 5min drive from Lannemezan in a quiet setting overlooking the mountain ranges. A great place to train, relax and click off between sessions.

Chalet:
Our accommodation has a typical French farmhouse style and feel to it. With beautiful views, a hot spa and a commercial coffee machine, it’s the perfect athletes retreat. The rooms in the chalet are very comfortable and the communal areas include a TV, reading room by the fireplace and large kitchen.

Guest Rooms

Each room is large and fits two athletes comfortably. Two athletes of the same gender share a room unless an athlete has requested a ‘single room supplement’ on the booking form. A single room supplement is not always available at our French locations as capacity is much more limited.

Some features include: Spa pool, commercial coffee machine, tv room, wifi, large bike storage & workshop, 10m swimming pool, BBQ and lounge area.

French Alps, France

Location:
In the Alps we are fortunate to have a Chateau with very large surrounding grounds (which includes a running circuit!). We are based near the small town of Pont de Beauvosin in between the two main towns of Chambery and Grenoble. This positions us well as we have a large fresh water lake up the road and valleys leading to all the famous Tour de France climbs.

Chateau:
The Chateau has a very ‘grand’ feeling about it. It’s a three storied building and includes a picturesque view towards the water fountain and large surrounding grounds. There is no shortage of space here with large entertaining areas, bike workshop, modern kitchen and acres of space to take a book or music and chill out.

Guest Rooms

Some features include: Large private grounds, two extra large lounge areas, bike workshop and storage, modern kitchen, BBQ area, wifi and cable TV.

Transfers & Transport

Optional Extras

Hire Options

Optional extras are subject to availability and Embrace Sports terms and conditions. Here are some hire & purchase options for our Algarve holidays. If you require hire for another destination of ours, please request pricing.

Single Room Supplement:
A single room may be requested upon completing your booking. This entitles someone their own private room for the week without having to share with one other from the same gender. Please note that in the case of the two bedroom apartments in Algarve, Portugal. This only entitles a person to one room in the apartment – not the entire apartment. Due to the limited capacity at the French accommodations, this option is not always available. Cost is £100pp for the week.

Sports Massage:
A 30min sports massage can be requested during the week. If you would like more than one please let us know via your booking and we will arrange this. This is a great way to loosen off the muscles, flush the body and get you ready for the next day. This is not a deep tissue massage! Cost £30 for 30min.

Road Bike Hire:
We have top quality road bikes for hire on our training holidays. These bikes are updated regularly and of a very high component specification. If you are lacking a bike box, can’t be bothered breaking down or carting your bike over, or don’t want to risk getting your pride and joy damaged then hiring is a great option. Cost £110 per week.

Bike Build:
If you are not so confident in rebuilding your bike after it has been put in a bike box then we can help. We will rebuild your bike for you and we are happy to explain the process if you wanted to learn. Cost £20

Wetsuit Hire:
We have top quality wetsuits for hire on our training camps. If you don’t own a wetsuit or would like to try a top branded suit for the week then this is an option for you. It also saves on packing space and weight allowance. It also allows you to swim on the final morning without having to worry about a wet heavy suit to cart back home. Cost £30 per week.

Cycle Helmet Hire:
We have a number of helmets available should you wish to hire one from us. £5 per week.

Large Beach Towel Hire:
An extra towel is always recommended during the week. Should you wish to hire one from us then we offer large beach towels to save on bring them over with you. Cost £5 per week.

Additional Night Request:
An additional night before or after the holiday start or end dates can be requested when booking. This can be the case when athletes in remote locations cannot find suitable flights on these dates. If availability permits we allow athletes to come a night earlier or leave a day later. Please note that we do not provide transfers outside of the arrival and departure days. We can of course assist with contacting a shuttle company. This is for accommodation only however if we are heading out for a meal then you are more than welcome to join us. Cost £45 per night.

Embrace Kit:
For sale either through the online shop or on our training holidays. You can purchase a selection of items like cycle: jerseys, bib shorts, gloves, running: vests, tops, shorts, triathlon: one-piece tri suit, tri top, tri shorts, speed suits. We have a very limited stock on training camps so it is best to either order directly through our online shop.

Nutrition & Hydration:
We stock various nutrition and hydration products onsite which you can purchase for the week. These include energy and protein bars, energy gels, ISO tablets and powders. Prices are simular or lower than what you will normally pay at a sports store or supermarket.

Drink Bottles:
Depending on availability we stock a certain number of drink bottle that you can purchase on our training holidays. Cost £3.

Private Swimming and Cycling Lesson:
A 45min 1-to-1 introduction to cycling can be requested. These lessons are done locally and normally at the start of the training holiday. It’s a great way to build your confidents, learn some new tricks or brush up on some skills before the week begins. Athletes on a running holiday can also request a lesson should they which to try out another sport. Cost £40.

Entertainment

Each day there is free time to go off and check out the local sights, visit cafes, sunbath or just relax with some music or a book. In addition to this we organise one to two excursions during the week to go off and have some fun. It’s a great way to show you the best parts of the location we are in and a reward for the hard work being put in. In the past these excursions have included: Wine tasting, mini golf, boat trips, ten pin bowling, visiting the chocolatier and exploring under water caves.

Locations

Algarve Portugal

The Algarve is our main destination for many reasons. Apart from the fact that we know it well from previous trips prior to setting up the company, it is perfect for it’s accessibly from many locations at a typically low airfare. It also has a great climate for fitness for the vast majority of the year and is extremely tourist friendly. It is therefore easy for us to offer you a great package.

We then chose the Western Algarve as our main area for its beauty, unrivalled training routes and sporting facilities. The surrounding areas and inland Moncheque Mountains offer a diverse range of training options that we want to be able to deliver runners and triathletes. The mix of beaches, great roads, mountain routes, trail routes and coastal tracks are unbelievable.

If you are a seafood lover then the Algarve is your heaven. The daily fish, meat and vegetable markets provide the fresh ingredients for our dinners. There are also so many beachside cafes that we find it hard to get guests to keep running or cycling!

If you are after a training ‘holiday’ then look no further than the Algarve. Browning yourself by the villa pool, eating the fresh local foods, drinking top Portuguese wines, shopping at the markets, exploring the local sights… its hard to remember its also a ‘training’ holiday

Pyrenees, France

Being dwarfed by the magical Col’s in the Pyrenees is reason enough to choose France as your next training destination. Embrace is located at the foothills of the famous Col Du Tourmalet, Col D’Aspin and Col Des Palomieres. A cyclists dream if you have ever followed the Tour De France.

Nature has carved the most amazing trail and valley runs into the Col’s making running in the Pyrenees not only challenging but also breathtaking! But don’t worry what goes up must come down and there are a number of flats to stretch your running legs.

The surrounding towns of Bagneres, Labassere and Tarbes host a number of fresh water indoor Olympic and 25m pools. If the temperature (or bravery!) permits open water swimming is abundant with large lakes and reservoirs.

The Pyrenees is truly a fantastic playground for triathletes and runners where the training is rewarding, relaxing at the local spa chambers is blissful and ending the day at a local cafe for coffee and crepes makes all the hard work worth it!

French Alps, France

Booking Process

Timeline

1) Once reserving your training holiday you will receive an email confirmation with further info and actions. Please check your junk box if this does not appear.
2) We will personally respond to your booking submission with confirmation that we have received it. This may take 24 – 48 hours.
3) We now ask you to look at travel arrangements so that we can arrange airport / station transfers for you.
4) Six weeks out from your departure day we will send you a balance invoice and ask you to fill in a pre-departure questionnaire.
5) One week before departure we will send you transfer information and last minute holiday logistics.
6) On arrival day we will be there to pick you up with the travel details you provided us with.

If you have any other questions not answered on our FAQs page, or need help along the way, we of course will be happy to help.

Reserve