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My Top 10 Essential Triathlon Tips
How to get the most out of your next race
Over the past 21 years, I’ve completed more than 50 triathlons. Each one has taught me valuable lessons that improved my performance in the next race. I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 essential triathlon tips so – just for you.
Hopefully, they will help you in your next big race!
Veteran experience: 10 triathlon tips
Always get a good night’s sleep
Let’s face it, you probably won’t get the best sleep of your life the night before a big race. I know – I’ve been there.
Instead, focus on nailing your bedtime routine at least one week before the race. Have a few go-to relaxation techniques at the ready to help with those ‘night nerves’. Don’t schedule any late-night commitments in the buildup and follow your bedtime schedule to the letter!
Be mindful of race-day logistics
Arrive early to your event – no matter what. Even if you’ve raced the course before, the racing Gods love to throw a spanner in the works. The last thing you need is relentless traffic, zero parking or long registration queues to set off their nerves.
Warm up like nobody’s watching
Getting your muscles warm and your heart rate elevated before the whistle blows is crucial. If you can’t jump in the water beforehand, bring some bands to do a land-based warmup. Go for a 5-minute job followed by your pre-race routine – anything you can to get your body moving and grooving!
Use Vaseline, baby oil or body glide
Slather and lather it on your neck, arms, nipples, armpits and legs to prevent chafing. It can also make it easier to remove your wetsuit and prevents serious chafing around your neck. You can thank me later.
It’s okay to slow down
You’re tapered, excited, and probably highly caffeinated. No matter how fast your adrenaline-fuelled body wants to go, DO NOT set off out of the gates at full speed.
Hopefully, you’ve already learned that lesson during practice because race day is not the place to red line. Instead, try starting the race just under your planned pace, see how you feel, and then find your ideal rhythm.
Leave your ego at home
Don’t let your ego get the best of you on your big day. There will always be athletes faster and slower than you. Stay true to your plan and your pace. Don’t get caught up in comparisons – in a triathlon, it’s just you against you.
Be mindful of transitions
Your heart rate will be soaring when you finish the swim. Remember to consciously breathe and slow down as you move to the bike. It’s easy to get carried away, especially as you feel the excitement of the crowd!
Stick to the (nutrition) plan
Race day is never the time to be eating or drinking something new. Focus on foods you know work for you and that are easily absorbed and digested. Find out before the event what the aid stations will provide and have your own stash ready too.
Learn more about the importance of meal timing.
The race isn’t over if you’re struggling
If you’re hitting a physical or mental wall, set smaller goals and break things down into manageable chunks. Take it one pedal, stroke or stride at a time.
Better yet, encourage someone else that looks like they could use a boost. This works wonders for distracting you from your own internal struggles. Even better is how much energy you get back from what you’re able to give to others.
Smile, have fun and enjoy the experience
Racing is as much about attitude as it is anything else. You’re in this because you love it – so don’t take yourself too seriously! Try to take in the occasion, tell a passerby a stupid joke and, most of all, have fun!
Do you want to talk about an upcoming race or get help planning for one? Send me a message at jt@innerfight.com
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - SMASH LIFE - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’ll focus on pull-up development. Whether your goal is to continue building strict strength or you’re working to increase kipping capacity, we will cover progressions to help you advance your pull-up performance.
Thursday, we’ll work on handstand walks. Get ready to refine technique, build control, and develop confidence while moving upside down.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's hybrid session involves combining multiple elements from racing to understand the feel of transitioning between disciplines, followed by a lower-body endurance EMOM.
MOBILITY
Take your front squat mobility to the next level with this progression class focused on dynamic flow, stability, and control. Building on the foundations established in our previous session, we’ll reinforce improved mobility in the ankles, hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders while introducing active movement patterns and stability drills that directly translate to enhanced squat performance. Expect to move through controlled flows, tempo holds, and mobility-activation sequences.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is cleans. Working on speed under the bar and catch position, in the full squat. Spicy complex of clean pull, hang power clean, squat clean. Followed by some heavy clean pulls. Finishing with doubles on the back squats.
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Session: LRC Tempo
This week we will be holding the tempo pace (7/10 effort) for 6 mins with a 1 min recovery. The sequence will be repeated 5x. Evening session only this week!
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we will be running 800m intervals off a 2 min rest.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
Today we will bridge repeats with IFE. Hill running is a great way to build some strength and power in your legs.
Monday:
Nothing like kicking off the week with some Back Squats! Before we get the engine fired up for some repeatable efforts! What will your times look like?
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 5/4/3/5/4/3 front squat
Conditioning:
Every 5 minutes x 6 Alt between
A: Park Run + 25 Wall Balls
B: 30/25/20 Cal Ass Bike + 25 Wall Balls
Tuesday:
Strength accessory to get the session started before we build to some heavy deadlifts! Then we hit a fast and furious workout.
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 12
1: 12 Incline DB bench press
2: 30-45 sec glute hamstring bridge
3: 20 sec straight arm side plank/arm
B) Deadlift Every 2:00 x 6 - 2/2/1/1/1/1 reps
Conditioning:
FOR TIME
30 Power clean
30 Burpees over the bar
Wednesday:
We're building to a tough single in the push press before we partner up for some working out!
Strength:
EMOMx10 - 1 Push press
Conditioning:
In pairs every 5 mins x 6 on a rolling clock
4 rounds
YGIG
6 STOH (60/40)
6 TTB
AMRAP - Cal Ski
Thursday:
Legs, legs, legs, then into a 12-minute workout where you rest during the run!!!
Strength:
A) Every 90 sec x 8 - 8 DB Box Step Up
B) Every 90 sec x 5 - 6 Alternating Barbell Reverse Lunges
C) EMOM x 8 Alt - 5 Goblet Spanish Squats & 3-5 strict knee to elbow
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
3 Devils Press
6 DB Hang Cleans
9 DB Front Rack Squats
Car Park Run
Friday:
Long Weekend, so we're going to bring the fire this Friday to kick start the long weekend! See you on the floor!
Over the past 21 years, I’ve completed more than 50 triathlons. Each one has taught me valuable lessons that improved my performance in the next race. I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 essential triathlon tips so – just for you.
Hopefully, they will help you in your next big race!
Veteran experience: 10 triathlon tips
Always get a good night’s sleep
Let’s face it, you probably won’t get the best sleep of your life the night before a big race. I know – I’ve been there.
Instead, focus on nailing your bedtime routine at least one week before the race. Have a few go-to relaxation techniques at the ready to help with those ‘night nerves’. Don’t schedule any late-night commitments in the buildup and follow your bedtime schedule to the letter!
Be mindful of race-day logistics
Arrive early to your event – no matter what. Even if you’ve raced the course before, the racing Gods love to throw a spanner in the works. The last thing you need is relentless traffic, zero parking or long registration queues to set off their nerves.
Warm up like nobody’s watching
Getting your muscles warm and your heart rate elevated before the whistle blows is crucial. If you can’t jump in the water beforehand, bring some bands to do a land-based warmup. Go for a 5-minute job followed by your pre-race routine – anything you can to get your body moving and grooving!
Use Vaseline, baby oil or body glide
Slather and lather it on your neck, arms, nipples, armpits and legs to prevent chafing. It can also make it easier to remove your wetsuit and prevents serious chafing around your neck. You can thank me later.
It’s okay to slow down
You’re tapered, excited, and probably highly caffeinated. No matter how fast your adrenaline-fuelled body wants to go, DO NOT set off out of the gates at full speed.
Hopefully, you’ve already learned that lesson during practice because race day is not the place to red line. Instead, try starting the race just under your planned pace, see how you feel, and then find your ideal rhythm.
Leave your ego at home
Don’t let your ego get the best of you on your big day. There will always be athletes faster and slower than you. Stay true to your plan and your pace. Don’t get caught up in comparisons – in a triathlon, it’s just you against you.
Be mindful of transitions
Your heart rate will be soaring when you finish the swim. Remember to consciously breathe and slow down as you move to the bike. It’s easy to get carried away, especially as you feel the excitement of the crowd!
Stick to the (nutrition) plan
Race day is never the time to be eating or drinking something new. Focus on foods you know work for you and that are easily absorbed and digested. Find out before the event what the aid stations will provide and have your own stash ready too.
Learn more about the importance of meal timing.
The race isn’t over if you’re struggling
If you’re hitting a physical or mental wall, set smaller goals and break things down into manageable chunks. Take it one pedal, stroke or stride at a time.
Better yet, encourage someone else that looks like they could use a boost. This works wonders for distracting you from your own internal struggles. Even better is how much energy you get back from what you’re able to give to others.
Smile, have fun and enjoy the experience
Racing is as much about attitude as it is anything else. You’re in this because you love it – so don’t take yourself too seriously! Try to take in the occasion, tell a passerby a stupid joke and, most of all, have fun!
Do you want to talk about an upcoming race or get help planning for one? Send me a message at jt@innerfight.com
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - SMASH LIFE - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Session: LRC Tempo
This week we will be holding the tempo pace (7/10 effort) for 6 mins with a 1 min recovery. The sequence will be repeated 5x. Evening session only this week!
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we will be running 800m intervals off a 2 min rest.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
Today we will bridge repeats with IFE. Hill running is a great way to build some strength and power in your legs.
Monday:
Nothing like kicking off the week with some Back Squats! Before we get the engine fired up for some repeatable efforts! What will your times look like?
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 5/4/3/5/4/3 front squat
Conditioning:
Every 5 minutes x 6 Alt between
A: Park Run + 25 Wall Balls
B: 30/25/20 Cal Ass Bike + 25 Wall Balls
Tuesday:
Strength accessory to get the session started before we build to some heavy deadlifts! Then we hit a fast and furious workout.
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 12
1: 12 Incline DB bench press
2: 30-45 sec glute hamstring bridge
3: 20 sec straight arm side plank/arm
B) Deadlift Every 2:00 x 6 - 2/2/1/1/1/1 reps
Conditioning:
FOR TIME
30 Power clean
30 Burpees over the bar
Wednesday:
We're building to a tough single in the push press before we partner up for some working out!
Strength:
EMOMx10 - 1 Push press
Conditioning:
In pairs every 5 mins x 6 on a rolling clock
4 rounds
YGIG
6 STOH (60/40)
6 TTB
AMRAP - Cal Ski
Thursday:
Legs, legs, legs, then into a 12-minute workout where you rest during the run!!!
Strength:
A) Every 90 sec x 8 - 8 DB Box Step Up
B) Every 90 sec x 5 - 6 Alternating Barbell Reverse Lunges
C) EMOM x 8 Alt - 5 Goblet Spanish Squats & 3-5 strict knee to elbow
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
3 Devils Press
6 DB Hang Cleans
9 DB Front Rack Squats
Car Park Run
Friday:
Long Weekend, so we're going to bring the fire this Friday to kick start the long weekend! See you on the floor!
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’ll focus on pull-up development. Whether your goal is to continue building strict strength or you’re working to increase kipping capacity, we will cover progressions to help you advance your pull-up performance.
Thursday, we’ll work on handstand walks. Get ready to refine technique, build control, and develop confidence while moving upside down.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's hybrid session involves combining multiple elements from racing to understand the feel of transitioning between disciplines, followed by a lower-body endurance EMOM.
MOBILITY
Take your front squat mobility to the next level with this progression class focused on dynamic flow, stability, and control. Building on the foundations established in our previous session, we’ll reinforce improved mobility in the ankles, hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders while introducing active movement patterns and stability drills that directly translate to enhanced squat performance. Expect to move through controlled flows, tempo holds, and mobility-activation sequences.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is cleans. Working on speed under the bar and catch position, in the full squat. Spicy complex of clean pull, hang power clean, squat clean. Followed by some heavy clean pulls. Finishing with doubles on the back squats.
Over the past 21 years, I’ve completed more than 50 triathlons. Each one has taught me valuable lessons that improved my performance in the next race. I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 essential triathlon tips so – just for you.
Hopefully, they will help you in your next big race!
Veteran experience: 10 triathlon tips
Always get a good night’s sleep
Let’s face it, you probably won’t get the best sleep of your life the night before a big race. I know – I’ve been there.
Instead, focus on nailing your bedtime routine at least one week before the race. Have a few go-to relaxation techniques at the ready to help with those ‘night nerves’. Don’t schedule any late-night commitments in the buildup and follow your bedtime schedule to the letter!
Be mindful of race-day logistics
Arrive early to your event – no matter what. Even if you’ve raced the course before, the racing Gods love to throw a spanner in the works. The last thing you need is relentless traffic, zero parking or long registration queues to set off their nerves.
Warm up like nobody’s watching
Getting your muscles warm and your heart rate elevated before the whistle blows is crucial. If you can’t jump in the water beforehand, bring some bands to do a land-based warmup. Go for a 5-minute job followed by your pre-race routine – anything you can to get your body moving and grooving!
Use Vaseline, baby oil or body glide
Slather and lather it on your neck, arms, nipples, armpits and legs to prevent chafing. It can also make it easier to remove your wetsuit and prevents serious chafing around your neck. You can thank me later.
It’s okay to slow down
You’re tapered, excited, and probably highly caffeinated. No matter how fast your adrenaline-fuelled body wants to go, DO NOT set off out of the gates at full speed.
Hopefully, you’ve already learned that lesson during practice because race day is not the place to red line. Instead, try starting the race just under your planned pace, see how you feel, and then find your ideal rhythm.
Leave your ego at home
Don’t let your ego get the best of you on your big day. There will always be athletes faster and slower than you. Stay true to your plan and your pace. Don’t get caught up in comparisons – in a triathlon, it’s just you against you.
Be mindful of transitions
Your heart rate will be soaring when you finish the swim. Remember to consciously breathe and slow down as you move to the bike. It’s easy to get carried away, especially as you feel the excitement of the crowd!
Stick to the (nutrition) plan
Race day is never the time to be eating or drinking something new. Focus on foods you know work for you and that are easily absorbed and digested. Find out before the event what the aid stations will provide and have your own stash ready too.
Learn more about the importance of meal timing.
The race isn’t over if you’re struggling
If you’re hitting a physical or mental wall, set smaller goals and break things down into manageable chunks. Take it one pedal, stroke or stride at a time.
Better yet, encourage someone else that looks like they could use a boost. This works wonders for distracting you from your own internal struggles. Even better is how much energy you get back from what you’re able to give to others.
Smile, have fun and enjoy the experience
Racing is as much about attitude as it is anything else. You’re in this because you love it – so don’t take yourself too seriously! Try to take in the occasion, tell a passerby a stupid joke and, most of all, have fun!
Do you want to talk about an upcoming race or get help planning for one? Send me a message at jt@innerfight.com
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - SMASH LIFE - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Session: LRC Tempo
This week we will be holding the tempo pace (7/10 effort) for 6 mins with a 1 min recovery. The sequence will be repeated 5x. Evening session only this week!
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. Come ready to run fast and have fun.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we will be running 800m intervals off a 2 min rest.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
Today we will bridge repeats with IFE. Hill running is a great way to build some strength and power in your legs.
Monday:
Nothing like kicking off the week with some Back Squats! Before we get the engine fired up for some repeatable efforts! What will your times look like?
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 6 - 5/4/3/5/4/3 front squat
Conditioning:
Every 5 minutes x 6 Alt between
A: Park Run + 25 Wall Balls
B: 30/25/20 Cal Ass Bike + 25 Wall Balls
Tuesday:
Strength accessory to get the session started before we build to some heavy deadlifts! Then we hit a fast and furious workout.
Strength:
A) Every 75 sec x 12
1: 12 Incline DB bench press
2: 30-45 sec glute hamstring bridge
3: 20 sec straight arm side plank/arm
B) Deadlift Every 2:00 x 6 - 2/2/1/1/1/1 reps
Conditioning:
FOR TIME
30 Power clean
30 Burpees over the bar
Wednesday:
We're building to a tough single in the push press before we partner up for some working out!
Strength:
EMOMx10 - 1 Push press
Conditioning:
In pairs every 5 mins x 6 on a rolling clock
4 rounds
YGIG
6 STOH (60/40)
6 TTB
AMRAP - Cal Ski
Thursday:
Legs, legs, legs, then into a 12-minute workout where you rest during the run!!!
Strength:
A) Every 90 sec x 8 - 8 DB Box Step Up
B) Every 90 sec x 5 - 6 Alternating Barbell Reverse Lunges
C) EMOM x 8 Alt - 5 Goblet Spanish Squats & 3-5 strict knee to elbow
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
3 Devils Press
6 DB Hang Cleans
9 DB Front Rack Squats
Car Park Run
Friday:
Long Weekend, so we're going to bring the fire this Friday to kick start the long weekend! See you on the floor!
GYMNASTICS
This Tuesday, we’ll focus on pull-up development. Whether your goal is to continue building strict strength or you’re working to increase kipping capacity, we will cover progressions to help you advance your pull-up performance.
Thursday, we’ll work on handstand walks. Get ready to refine technique, build control, and develop confidence while moving upside down.
HYBRID FITNESS
This week's hybrid session involves combining multiple elements from racing to understand the feel of transitioning between disciplines, followed by a lower-body endurance EMOM.
MOBILITY
Take your front squat mobility to the next level with this progression class focused on dynamic flow, stability, and control. Building on the foundations established in our previous session, we’ll reinforce improved mobility in the ankles, hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders while introducing active movement patterns and stability drills that directly translate to enhanced squat performance. Expect to move through controlled flows, tempo holds, and mobility-activation sequences.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is cleans. Working on speed under the bar and catch position, in the full squat. Spicy complex of clean pull, hang power clean, squat clean. Followed by some heavy clean pulls. Finishing with doubles on the back squats.
The Monday Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Nad al Sheeba
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Wednesday - Indoor Ride
Our community program is delivered via TrainingPeaks for AED 750 p/month. If you're interested to have a plan to follow, email tw@innerfight.com
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Over the past 21 years, I’ve completed more than 50 triathlons. Each one has taught me valuable lessons that improved my performance in the next race. I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 essential triathlon tips so – just for you.
Hopefully, they will help you in your next big race!
Veteran experience: 10 triathlon tips
Always get a good night’s sleep
Let’s face it, you probably won’t get the best sleep of your life the night before a big race. I know – I’ve been there.
Instead, focus on nailing your bedtime routine at least one week before the race. Have a few go-to relaxation techniques at the ready to help with those ‘night nerves’. Don’t schedule any late-night commitments in the buildup and follow your bedtime schedule to the letter!
Be mindful of race-day logistics
Arrive early to your event – no matter what. Even if you’ve raced the course before, the racing Gods love to throw a spanner in the works. The last thing you need is relentless traffic, zero parking or long registration queues to set off their nerves.
Warm up like nobody’s watching
Getting your muscles warm and your heart rate elevated before the whistle blows is crucial. If you can’t jump in the water beforehand, bring some bands to do a land-based warmup. Go for a 5-minute job followed by your pre-race routine – anything you can to get your body moving and grooving!
Use Vaseline, baby oil or body glide
Slather and lather it on your neck, arms, nipples, armpits and legs to prevent chafing. It can also make it easier to remove your wetsuit and prevents serious chafing around your neck. You can thank me later.
It’s okay to slow down
You’re tapered, excited, and probably highly caffeinated. No matter how fast your adrenaline-fuelled body wants to go, DO NOT set off out of the gates at full speed.
Hopefully, you’ve already learned that lesson during practice because race day is not the place to red line. Instead, try starting the race just under your planned pace, see how you feel, and then find your ideal rhythm.
Leave your ego at home
Don’t let your ego get the best of you on your big day. There will always be athletes faster and slower than you. Stay true to your plan and your pace. Don’t get caught up in comparisons – in a triathlon, it’s just you against you.
Be mindful of transitions
Your heart rate will be soaring when you finish the swim. Remember to consciously breathe and slow down as you move to the bike. It’s easy to get carried away, especially as you feel the excitement of the crowd!
Stick to the (nutrition) plan
Race day is never the time to be eating or drinking something new. Focus on foods you know work for you and that are easily absorbed and digested. Find out before the event what the aid stations will provide and have your own stash ready too.
Learn more about the importance of meal timing.
The race isn’t over if you’re struggling
If you’re hitting a physical or mental wall, set smaller goals and break things down into manageable chunks. Take it one pedal, stroke or stride at a time.
Better yet, encourage someone else that looks like they could use a boost. This works wonders for distracting you from your own internal struggles. Even better is how much energy you get back from what you’re able to give to others.
Smile, have fun and enjoy the experience
Racing is as much about attitude as it is anything else. You’re in this because you love it – so don’t take yourself too seriously! Try to take in the occasion, tell a passerby a stupid joke and, most of all, have fun!
Do you want to talk about an upcoming race or get help planning for one? Send me a message at jt@innerfight.com
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - SMASH LIFE - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
Over the past 21 years, I’ve completed more than 50 triathlons. Each one has taught me valuable lessons that improved my performance in the next race. I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 essential triathlon tips so – just for you.
Hopefully, they will help you in your next big race!
Veteran experience: 10 triathlon tips
Always get a good night’s sleep
Let’s face it, you probably won’t get the best sleep of your life the night before a big race. I know – I’ve been there.
Instead, focus on nailing your bedtime routine at least one week before the race. Have a few go-to relaxation techniques at the ready to help with those ‘night nerves’. Don’t schedule any late-night commitments in the buildup and follow your bedtime schedule to the letter!
Be mindful of race-day logistics
Arrive early to your event – no matter what. Even if you’ve raced the course before, the racing Gods love to throw a spanner in the works. The last thing you need is relentless traffic, zero parking or long registration queues to set off their nerves.
Warm up like nobody’s watching
Getting your muscles warm and your heart rate elevated before the whistle blows is crucial. If you can’t jump in the water beforehand, bring some bands to do a land-based warmup. Go for a 5-minute job followed by your pre-race routine – anything you can to get your body moving and grooving!
Use Vaseline, baby oil or body glide
Slather and lather it on your neck, arms, nipples, armpits and legs to prevent chafing. It can also make it easier to remove your wetsuit and prevents serious chafing around your neck. You can thank me later.
It’s okay to slow down
You’re tapered, excited, and probably highly caffeinated. No matter how fast your adrenaline-fuelled body wants to go, DO NOT set off out of the gates at full speed.
Hopefully, you’ve already learned that lesson during practice because race day is not the place to red line. Instead, try starting the race just under your planned pace, see how you feel, and then find your ideal rhythm.
Leave your ego at home
Don’t let your ego get the best of you on your big day. There will always be athletes faster and slower than you. Stay true to your plan and your pace. Don’t get caught up in comparisons – in a triathlon, it’s just you against you.
Be mindful of transitions
Your heart rate will be soaring when you finish the swim. Remember to consciously breathe and slow down as you move to the bike. It’s easy to get carried away, especially as you feel the excitement of the crowd!
Stick to the (nutrition) plan
Race day is never the time to be eating or drinking something new. Focus on foods you know work for you and that are easily absorbed and digested. Find out before the event what the aid stations will provide and have your own stash ready too.
Learn more about the importance of meal timing.
The race isn’t over if you’re struggling
If you’re hitting a physical or mental wall, set smaller goals and break things down into manageable chunks. Take it one pedal, stroke or stride at a time.
Better yet, encourage someone else that looks like they could use a boost. This works wonders for distracting you from your own internal struggles. Even better is how much energy you get back from what you’re able to give to others.
Smile, have fun and enjoy the experience
Racing is as much about attitude as it is anything else. You’re in this because you love it – so don’t take yourself too seriously! Try to take in the occasion, tell a passerby a stupid joke and, most of all, have fun!
Do you want to talk about an upcoming race or get help planning for one? Send me a message at jt@innerfight.com
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - SMASH LIFE - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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