And then you get injured.
There goes the master season plan you built six months ago. You know the one that you drew up one night and then dropped over $500 on registrations for? The ones you told all your friends you were doing? The ones you can't race anymore?
Not all is lost. Every year I see athletes come down with injuries that interrupt their training but don't end their life as they know it. The key is being able to refocus, to shift your goals and apply the energy to a new intermediary set of milestones that will get you back on track.
You might not be able to salvage your entire season, but you can certainly come back stronger than ever. There are a variety of options for you. Remember, the "right" one might vary based on your current situation or injury.
Take a break.
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Your body/mind might just need a rest. Start with seven days and continue adding a day, up to 14, until you feel human again.
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Your Next RaceMake sure your doctor fits your needs.
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Use this chance to find out just how "athlete-friendly" your primary care doctor is; do you need to change?
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Your Next RaceDetermine if surgery is the next step.
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Might need surgery? Be sure to search your local and/or online communities for folks who've had the same work done? Get it from those who know!
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Your Next Race
Race with friends.
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Convert your entry into a relay team and recruit some friends to do the sport(s) you can't.
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Your Next RaceTry physical therapy.
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Find a physical therapist to help with an efficient recovery.
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Your Next RaceRefresh your gear.
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Scan your training gear to see if old, faulty or poorly fit equipment is to blame.
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Your Next RaceResearch self-care.
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Research some self-care options to see how you might be able to speed recovery.
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Your Next RaceTry a chiropractor.
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Identify a chiropractor or other healer in your area.
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Your Next RaceVolunteer.
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Transfer your race entries to your friends—if legal—and be the best damn volunteer ever.
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Your Next RaceDevote time to other obligations.
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Use the non-training time to rock your work, family and social obligations.
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Your Next RacePut your all into recovery.
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Apply yourself to recovery as you would do if it were training.
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Your Next RaceTry a different approach.
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Consider homeopathic remedies, treatments or cures.
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Your Next RaceBecome a yogi.
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Become a yoga triathlon god or goddess and master those five poses that have kicked your butt for so long.
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Your Next RaceGo back to the basics.
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Return to basics and review your form and technique for areas that could use work.
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Your Next RaceWork on your weaknesses.
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Can't run? Bike more. Can't bike? Run more. Can't bike or run? Swim and aqua jog more.
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Your Next RaceFocus on nutrition.
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Focus on your diet and lock in great eating habits so your triumphant return will be doubly impressive.
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Your Next RaceFind the cause.
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Review your training logs to find the culprit; swear to heed the warning signs early and avoid this same issue in the future.
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Your Next RaceShare your experiences.
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Take notes on how you heal so you can pass them on to your friends/team should it happen to them.
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Your Next RaceMove on.
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Have one pity party and get on with it. You are so blessed to be a triathlete and you WILL be back!
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