Seven Things We’ve Discovered (But Probably Already Knew)

Seven Things We’ve Discovered (But Probably Already Knew)

Ok, moving away from resolutions, here are seven things we’ve discovered recently (that we probably already knew).

7 – Consistent Training Is Hard Work!

Putting in solid training, week after week, is harder than it sounds.  Life, energy levels, priorities, other interests, injuries, motivation peaks and troughs, all conspire to derail your efforts.  As best you can, get out of the door, day after day, week after week – your future triathlete self will thank you for it.

A Previous Post About Consistency

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6 – Some Training Sessions Can Be Boring! 

Particularly indoor training sessions.  There is a balance between being entertained by your training, and doing the hard work that is necessary to improve.  Apps like Zwift bring entertainment to the training party.  However, not all sessions keep you entertained.  Some of them require you to put your head down and do the work.  Worse still, some of these ‘less interesting’ sessions need to be repeated throughout training cycles.  Urgh! 

Fortunately for me, I love these types of sessions! 60 x 50m anyone?

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5 – Intervals Are Magic Dust

I have been surprised at how many people have never really experienced interval training.  Some of us seem to head out for a run, or go to the pool, and just train at the same intensity for the whole hour, every single session.  Intervals, as I think I’ve mentioned before, are a great way to beat the boredom (above), train harder, work at different intensities and make big improvements.

One Of Our Previous Posts About Swim Intervals

4 – Swim Technique Is Critical For Speed And Efficiency

We’ve seen a lot of people in the pool recently, many of whom have the same technical flaws in their stroke.  Fix the main issues and they will be quicker swimmers – without any additional fitness or endurance.  Aim to get your technique ‘good enough’ so you can work hard and reap the benefits.

One Of The Many Posts Written About Technique

3 – Motivation Dips In The Dark & Cold

Many of us have races in June, July, August.  Months and months away.  We start off our training with super high motivation, the race looms large in our minds.  However, as the weeks progress, the reality of training in a garage or a shed, or running in the rain and cold, hits home.  We’re busy.  We get a bit fed up.  Training doesn’t seem that important.

Adjust your lens a little and focus on some short term targets – local running races, gains in power on the bike, improving your 100m or 400m time in the pool. 

Also, remember, that this slump in motivation is temporary.  It will get lighter.  You will be able to ride outside.  Keep your training going, motivation might be low right now, but it won’t be in Spring and Summer.  Remember, you don’t win prizes in July if you only start training in May when the sun is out and the flowers are blooming.

2 – Being Part Of A Club Or Squad Is Much Better Than Being Alone 

Having teammates is a marvellous thing.  Whether that’s for some serious advice, some laughs, a sense of being in this together, a realisation that there are fellow crazies out there, some support for you and your journey or taking pride in our friends achievements.

1 – We are going to have an exciting 2024! 

With so many athletes in our community, with so many races in our calendars, with so much energy flowing, we are going to have an exciting 2024!