Over the past few years, as a triathlete, I have learned many things about the sport, training, racing, people and most importantly myself. Over the past couple months I have been reflecting on these things and how this fantastic sport has improved my life. During this time I have also listed things I have read, seen, been told and have come to my own conclusion about. This is what I put together as my triathlon, training and racing creed.
I will get to the start line with a plan and have contingencies thought through. I will know my nutrition timing and stick to it. I will trust my training. I have put the work in to be at this start line and have the physical and mental strength to get to the finish line. I have triple checked my gear list and have not forgotten anything. I know I will get to the finish line in the fastest possible time my body and mind will allow me to on that day. I know how I am going to feel at the finish line, FRIKIN AMAZING.
The swim is not something to get through nor is it something to survive and just make it out of the water. The swim is the only and most direct route to the bike. I must get out of the water feeling good, not exhausted. I will feel ready to ride not ready to fall over. I will train to be the fastest swimmer I can be, able to run through transition and not be the athlete that is gassed and barely able to walk getting out of the water.
I will train on the bike to be the fastest cyclist I can be. I will become more efficient and skilled than needed and will not allow myself to OVERBIKE. By being a stronger cyclist I will be a stronger runner. The bike is not the place to pass everyone ahead of you, the cyclist in front of you is not a carrot to be caught or someone to be overtaken(though there will be plenty of victims to your speed, not all need to be). I will not attempt to catch someone who passes me. On the I bike will maintain a heart rate and power rate that can be maintained for 56 or 112 miles, not exhausting myself leaving nothing left for the run. The bike is the time to eat and store calories for the run. I will eat on schedule, not burning fat or calories that I don’t have stored. I am not trying to lose weight on the bike. It is a time to keep calm, ride your ride and be ready for the coming run.
I will not start my run at my 10k pace or 1/2 marathon pace. The start of the run is a place to relax and recover from the bike at a pace that I can maintain for at least the first 3 miles. This pace may be a minute or two slower than my training pace which is OK. It is then I can implement my run plan as I have trained(slow run, shuffle, run walk, stop at every aid station or every other). It is important to remember that the time I lose by burning yourself out in the first 6 or 10 miles can not be made up once you slow down to snails pace or walk.
I will make community part of my training, racing and daily thoughts and will bring this community to the Orange Swim Buoys Tri Club. I will work to create an inclusive, accepting, respectful and welcoming community and club to all athletes, new to the sport or very experienced. I will attempt to help, answer questions and motivate any athlete that asks or reaches out. I will remember that I am not a coach and remind people to that fact and that they should always seek advisement from a certified or licensed professional.
Some of you are coaches, doctors and maybe even professional triathletes, I am not, any advice you get from people in this group or post on this site or any site related to the Orange Swim Buoys Tri Club is ‘use at your own risk’, always consult a licensed and/or certified professional for advice.
Thank you for reading
Be Fast, Be Safe, Stay Healthy
Mike