Merry Christmas!

One last blog before Christmas! This is aimed more at people either new to triathlon or those thinking of taking up the sport. A lot of it is common sense, but since when did exercise junkies use common sense? Here are some tips and observations I’ve made since taking up the sport in 2006:

• ·         If you’re ill, don’t train.
• ·         If you’re injured, don’t train.
• ·         If you’re physically wiped out, don’t train.
• ·         If you’re just mentally tired, get your arse out there and train.
• ·         If the weather’s rubbish, get out there and train.
• ·         If the weather’s so rubbish it’s dangerous, train indoors.
• ·         A strong core is more important than you think, don’t ignore it.
• ·         To improve at swimming you need to do some swim training.
• ·         A rest day here and there is good for you.
• ·         Too many rest days in a row are not good for you.
• ·         Discover what motivates you and use it.
• ·         Cleary define your goals.
• ·         Fitness compounds year on year – keep at it.
• ·         Replenish well post workout.
• ·         Improving your marathon running will dramatically improve your IM times.
• ·         Learn to eat on the bike, have a nutrition strategy and stick with it – especially when you don’t feel like it.
• ·         Take the bike leg as easily as you can without compromising your goals. Take any free speed on offer and get up hills with as little effort as possible. Keep as much in the tank as possible for the run.
• ·         Once you get into a groove with swim training, keep it up. Stopping for a while is lethal.
• ·         To become a fast swimmer/cyclist/runner you need to swim/cycle/run fast. Sounds simple but you need to be prepared to hurt to improve.
• ·         Just because you train a lot, it doesn’t mean you can eat tonnes of rubbish.
• ·         Try and recognise injuries before they become injuries. Especially repetitive ones, don’t ignore the signs just for the sake of finishing a workout.
• ·         If you’re going to spend thousands on a great bike, spend a fraction more and get a professional bike fit.
• ·         An old station wagon makes a great tri-car.
• ·         Race with a smile and thank the volunteers and supporters. Enjoy!

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and successful  2013!!