RTA Triathlon
  • Home
  • SERVICES
    • TRAINING PROGRAMS
    • 1 ON 1 SESSIONS
    • TRAINING CAMPS >
      • Lake Placid
      • Chattanooga
    • CLINICS >
      • Open Water Swim Clinics
      • Triathlon Transition Clinic
      • Bike Skills Clinic
    • Triathlon Starter Package
    • CORPORATE / CHARITY
  • TRI CLUB
  • ABOUT
  • BLOG

​BLOG

It’s NOT Always About Your Time

1/25/2016

 
Picture
Most athletes are very competitive people.

Whether competing against actual competitors, or just one’s self, athletes like to keep track of the score… or the time… or whatever the measuring stick happens to be.

Measuring performance and monitoring self-improvement is what keeps endurance athletes coming back for more. Athletes know their PRs (personal records) and naturally, they are looking to improve them.

This is our inherent nature.  It’s a good thing, BUT it should NOT be the ONLY thing.
It is impossible to PR every time one races.  However, there are always lessons to learn and internal battles to be conquered along the way. This is important to recognize because the final time on the clock may not always be indicative of what the athlete had to overcome to get to the finish line.

From all of the preparation leading up to the event to execution and overcoming race day mishaps, there are a lot of lessons that can and should be learned along the way.

Each time we endure and overcome an obstacle, it is important to learn and treat them as an accomplishment. Sometimes overcoming adversity is more admirable then a new PR.

Below are just a few obstacles athletes face.  It is important to recognize and learn from these experiences when you’re faced with them.
Overcoming Injury/Sickness
We have all been there. Being injured is the worst. It can drive type-A triathletes CRAZY.

As uncool as it may be, it is extremely important to establish a plan and stick to it. Go see a doctor and figure out what’s wrong. Then, do what you have to do to get back on your feet.

If your doctor tells you ‘no running for 4 weeks,’ LISTEN! AND (just as important) when you finally can run again LISTEN to your coach. If your coach tells you to go easy, DO IT! If your coach prescribes a rest day, TAKE IT! The consequences are likely far worse and could be season ending.

Working with an experienced coach, strength conditioning, ensuring proper (run) form, having a proper bike fit and regular massage therapy are all ways to help prevent and/or help heal from injury.
The Mental Battle
Pushing yourself HARD on the track.

Finishing a race strong when all you want to do is walk.

Powering through your final bike interval when your legs are ON FIRE.

Essentially, allowing yourself to go “there.” Becoming comfortable, being uncomfortable. Conquering the little voice inside your head that tells you “it’s ok to [fill in the blank]” … “your not good enough to do this/that.”

We all know the mind is a powerful thing. When used to your advantage, it will help bring you to the next level.

Positive self-talk and reinforcement is a great place to start. INSTEAD of saying “don’t stop,” say “KEEP GOING.” Your brain doesn’t hear “don’t.” Think about it… and don’t think about PINK ELEPHANTS. Wait, what just popped into your head?  ;)
Picture
Race Day Mishaps
No one wants to get a flat on race day or experience mechanical issues. However, these things happen occasionally. It’s important to be prepared if they do.

Do you know how to change your tire? Are you carrying the proper tools to make a quick adjustment on the fly? It’s your responsibility and I promise you’ll feel much better knowing you can take care of yourself if when this happens.

Regardless of what goes wrong on race day, it’s important to PROMISE yourself in ADVANCE you’re going to do your best to stay calm and be cool. It’s ok to take 5 SECONDS to scream and stomp your feet, then take a deep breath and move on. It’s not the end of the world. Take care of what’s necessary and adjust your expectations if you have to.
Bad Weather
Inclement weather is never fun on race day. It is THE WORST. However, everyone else racing has to deal with it too. A lot of time, having the right attitude can go a long way. And if you’re trying to place high in your age group, the bad weather may be a blessing in disguise as other athletes may lose focus and tank.

Regardless, just remember, be safe and keep going. You’ll likely have an epic story at the end of the day
Weight Loss
For most athletes, the journey to the finish line in itself is an incredible task. All of the training, commitment and sacrifice in preparation for their goal event is impressive.

However, there are other athletes who do all of the above AND lose a significant amount of weight in the process. For these determined individuals the actual event is like a vehicle to better health and newfound fitness… among many other things. In many cases, merely finishing the race is a massive accomplishment.


In the end, everyone has a different journey to the finish line.  We all have to conquer our own set of obstacles and its important to learn from these experiences.

It’s not always about your time. It’s the guts, determination and perseverance it took to get there.  That’s the real measuring stick. Never forget that.
Picture

Comments are closed.

    Categories

    All
    ANNOUNCEMENTS
    BEGINNER
    BIKE
    Cross Training
    Mental Fitness
    Notes From Coach
    Nutrition
    Racing
    Recovery
    RTA Virtual Rides
    RUN
    Strength & Conditioning
    SUCCESS
    SWIM
    Team Challenge
    TEAM RACES
    Team RTA
    TRAINING
    WEBINARS
    Women In Triathlon

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024
    December 2023
    September 2023
    June 2023
    May 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    September 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    January 2018
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    July 2016
    June 2016
    January 2016
    September 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    August 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    January 2013

    RSS Feed

RTA Triathlon

RTA is a comprehensive triathlon coaching organization and fully supported USAT sanctioned triathlon club. 

We are based in Ridgewood, NJ and coach triathletes of all abilities from across the country. 
 

​Our mission is to make you a better triathlete.

Contact us when you're ready to take your "game" to the next level.
ABOUT US

    Become a Better Triathlete

    Free tips and resources on training, racing and recovery to help you conquer your next big race.

    ​PLUS we'll send you "6 Proven Ways to Perform Better" (infographic). 

    No spam, we promise.
Sign Up

    Contact Us

    How can we help you? What are your goals?
Submit

Quick Links

FREE TRAINING CONSULT

COACHING PROGRAMS

1 ON 1 TRAINING SESSIONS

TRIATHLON CLUB

TRIATHLON TRAINING CAMPS

TRIATHLON CLINICS

ABOUT US

​BLOG

CONTACT

Let's get social

Picture
RTA Triathlon
​Copyright © 2022
  • Home
  • SERVICES
    • TRAINING PROGRAMS
    • 1 ON 1 SESSIONS
    • TRAINING CAMPS >
      • Lake Placid
      • Chattanooga
    • CLINICS >
      • Open Water Swim Clinics
      • Triathlon Transition Clinic
      • Bike Skills Clinic
    • Triathlon Starter Package
    • CORPORATE / CHARITY
  • TRI CLUB
  • ABOUT
  • BLOG