Things I've Learned in Triathlon

You learn from your mistakes. If that's the case, I've learned a lot over the years as an Athlete and Triathlon Coach.

So from me to you, lessons I've learned through experience, mistakes and successes. 

1. Don't Judge the Book by the Cover

It  has happened to us all, you head into transition on race morning and everyone looks fitter, has better gear, are stretching, tieing their shoes to their bike, strategically placing their aero helmets upside on their handlebars, all very po-faced and serious. This is triathlon don't you know, its not life or death, its more important than that. 

Or worse, you'll travel to an Ironman, where you'll have all this multiplied by 10 for the days preceding the race, except with Italians in budgie smugglers sprinkled on top!!

You're last before you even start

Don't buy any of it for a second, Don't be intimidated, its not a beauty contest, its about getting from A to B as fast as possible, not how you look, and they only place where you can truly judge that is at the finish line!! 

2. Baby Powder is your Friend

It should be the first thing into your race bag!! Wet Feet + Cycling + Fields + Running = Sore Feet

Alphaflys aren't much use to you if you've a blister!!

I've been filling ma boots with baby powder at every race for years and I swear by it.

3. Technology isn't always you Friend

Sometimes its a very good friend to have around, its good to know your HR zone, or what power numbers you're hitting on the bike, but how reliant on it are you? 

I'm aware how old I'm gonna sound saying this, but in my experience, the only thing you can rely on technology doing, is letting you down. Like when your Bluetooth just decides for no reason, that it doesn't wanna connect to anything anymore, or when your laptop will just randomly change all its settings, just because!! 

If something like this happened in a race, say your bike computer shuts down? How would you cope? How much do you need to see those power numbers or what zone your HR is in? 

I know I'm in the position, with 14+ years in Triathlon, I have a good idea of what my effort level is without having to look at my watch, but I think its something everyone should try get used to, be more in tune with how your effort levels are, without having to be told.

Its something I'm constantly asking my athletes, "how did it feel?"

Do bring your technology with you and yes it definitely has its uses, but don't chain yourself to it either.

Do your next Sprint Tri on Feel, go on, I dare ya!!

4. Don't Over complicate Things

You don't have to tie your shoes to your bike and do a flying mount onto your bike and get your feet into your shoes all whilst zooming down the road at 30 km/h.

You can, if you want, but you don't have to, because it doesn't really matter.

5. Two Mediocre Sessions are better than 1 good session.

This is a glib example, but the principle is important, in fact, this should really be point No. 1

Consistency beats everything. Keep doing the sessions, even if it feels shit and you think you're not getting anywhere. One 5 hour hero session is no good in isolation, its the day in day out consistency that gets you there. And this works the other way too, if you're consistent over weeks and months, it makes that missed session because of other commitments or just life getting in the way, less important.

Find that routine and schedule that gives you consistency and you'll never look back, its more effective than any piece of equipment. And its much easier to find free time in 30/45 min windows, than it is to find a 4 hour window in a week.

I can and will write more on these lessons I've learned over the years (cue the cheering) but for now, if you wanna know more, head on over to .Comeragh Coaching