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Top 9 Training and Racing Tips From Triathlon Experts
Written by
Every coach has an arsenal of advice, but some things they can't help repeating. Whether you write it down, sing it out loud, or turn it into a mantra, this advice is something top triathlon coaches don't want you to forget.
Be a Student of the Sport
Nate Helming, Helming Athletics
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Remember that when you commit yourself to a new passion, a new sport, a new pursuit, that you must begin with an open mind and an eagerness to learn from others. You must be students of your sport or you risk holding yourself back. As the great Bruce Lee said, "In order to taste my cup of water you must first empty your cup."
Train Early and Often
Jay and Miriam Zacharias, TriathlonExperts.com
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Make "early and often" your training mantra. Prep early in the season and focus on frequency for incredible results.
Get a Professional Bike Fit
Marc Evans, Marc Evans Coaching
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Bike fitting is entering an unprecedented state where science, software, equipment and individual movement are combining to provide the greatest aerodynamics, optimal power and most functional posture on the bike.
A professional bike fit is quickly becoming an absolute necessity for optimal performance.
A professional bike fit is quickly becoming an absolute necessity for optimal performance.
Bad Workouts Happen
Nicole Weidensaul, Fit4YouPrograms.com
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One workout does not make or break a training plan. Don't stress if a workout doesn't go as planned. What you do on a daily, weekly and monthly basis is much more important than the results of an individual workout. It's the consistency in the work you do over time that breeds success; so trust in your training.
Less Is More
Karen Buxton, CoachBuxton.com
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For faster, more efficient transitions, bring only what you will need for your race into the transition area. Too many unnecessary items—chairs, coolers, bags—can clutter your area and be a hazard to you and your competitors. Make a list of your specific transition needs and, the evening before your race, lay everything out and check the items off as you place them in your transition bag.
Prepare, Eliminate Doubt, Go Fast
Gale Bernhardt, galebernhardt.com
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• If you don't value preparation, you shouldn't be surprised by disappointment at the finish line—if you make it there.
• The negative voice in your head is the first doubter to be eliminated.
• If you're not managing discomfort while racing, you're not going fast enough.
• The negative voice in your head is the first doubter to be eliminated.
• If you're not managing discomfort while racing, you're not going fast enough.
Conserve Energy on Race Day
Nicole Weidensaul, Fit4YouPrograms.com
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Ride the bike split you should, not the bike split you could.
Believe in Yourself
Ben Greenfield, bengreenfieldfitness.com
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When the going gets tough, think back to those hard sessions—those times when you didn't want to get out of bed to run but you did anyway; those times when the hill felt too steep to tackle but you kept climbing; those times when you put your head down and plowed through the rising waves. Trust those times, trust your training, and trust your body.
Delight in the Day
Jay and Miriam Zacharias, TriathlonExperts.com
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To get the most out of race day arrive fit, expect the unexpected, and make self-care on the course your first priority. You can't outrace your training. If your training falls short of your plan, focus on what you DID accomplish and go out and delight in the day.