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Earlier this year, local athlete John Holly visited Buckinghamshire New University’s state-of-the-art human performance laboratory to prepare for his upcoming feat in the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii.

John, an investment director by day, has previously taken part in Marathon Des Sables, a gruelling event consisting of six marathons in five days across the Sahara Desert, the Dragons Back Race – dubbed the toughest mountain race in the world - alongside multiple ultra-marathons and marathons across the UK.  

“As a UK native, I was initially concerned about the notorious conditions in Kona, Hawaii – where temperatures would exceed 30°C with 100% humidity. To prepare for this challenge, I reached out to the team at BNU who I had worked with the previous year.” Said John.

He continued: “Last year, the team guided me through a series of heat chamber sessions in BNU’s facility, simulating the brutal desert conditions, with midday temperatures reaching over 40°C with no shade. Their approach helped me adapt physically and mentally, resulting in a strong performance where I placed 28th out of 1,800 participants.”.

The Human Performance Lab, situated in the University’s main campus in High Wycombe, is equipped for assessing the function and performance of a wide range of human physiological, biomechanical, and psychological parameters with equipment designed to optimise athletic performance. The tools available provide athletes with detailed insights into their physical condition, helping them to enhance their training regimens and improve overall performance.

John added:

“For Kona, we replicated a similar process, tailoring heat chamber sessions to mirror race-day conditions. The data gathered - including lactate testing, internal body temperature, sweat loss, and overall physiological response to heat - was invaluable. Not only did it show how my body adapted over time to prepare for the race, but it also gave me confidence at the start line knowing that I had felt the conditions before and knew how my body would respond. These insights allowed me to measure and manage my effort effectively during the race, ensuring I finished the run with strength and control. 

“The professionalism and personalized approach of the BNU team made all the difference. I couldn’t recommend their services more highly. Thank you to the entire BNU team, for your ongoing help, support, and professionalism. You have played an integral role in my successes, and I look forward to working with you again in the future."

The University regularly opens its doors to local and regional athletes, offering them access to its top-tier facilities and highly trained staff. In 2023, world cup star Mitch Duke was welcomed to the University’s Sport and Wellbeing Clinic – part of the Human Performance Lab - to assist in recovery and injury prevention. 

If you would like to make an enquiry or booking, then please contact Philip.woodbridge@bnu.ac.uk or call 01494 603090.

Buckinghamshire New University offer foundation, undergraduate, and postgraduate courses in sport and human performance. More here.