Each year, all OUAC athletes are invited to attend a warm weather training trip abroad. We typically spend 7-10 days at a resort on the Algarve during the Easter holidays. We are accompanied by one or more OUAC coaches, who are veterans of warm weather training trips and help direct our training to ensure that we get the most out of the experience and return to Oxford in better condition than we left in. The trip is very reasonably priced and is often subsidised by the Achilles Club.

The purpose of the trip is twofold:

• To train - The trip provides athletes with an opportunity to train using excellent facilities and hopefully in excellent weather. Training at this point in the year is some of the most important. Athletes may be doing transitional work from their winter routine to their summer program. Other athletes might be doing last minute "fine-tuning" before the competitive season kicks off. Such training can be performed most effectively away from the unpredictable and typically inclement weather at home during the spring and also in an environment in which athletes can give extra time to complete their sessions as well time to assess how their training is going and to rest. Standard facilities at a resort will include an 8 lane, well-maintained track, Olympic standard field event facilities, weights, swimming pools, a beach and physios and masseurs nearby.
• To foster team spirit It is more often than not, during our trip away that many of the all-important foundations are laid in generating a strong team spirit for the summer ahead. The trip provides athletes with the opportunity to get to know each other better, build up the camaraderie within the club and enjoy a relaxing break before Trinity term. It is naive to underestimate the advantage of having a strong team spirit. A wise man once said, "It is in Portugal where the Varsity match is won or lost."

Check out the photos from the last few years in the photos section and feel free to contact the men's vice-captain for further information.