Triathlon Reflections: The Journey to an End Goal
Reflecting on my recent triathlon experience. How planning and a targeted approach turned into a rewarding journey.
Finding Motivation Beyond Training
Six weeks ago, I noted that I needed more than just training; I needed a goal. This triathlon was not just a race but a meaningful goal that transformed my approach to training. Using the triathlon end goal, I built a training plan that gave me a roadmap towards my end goal and, more importantly, provided a reason not to rush back into running as I worked back from my phantom injury.
Creating a plan allowed me to tailor my training to specific goals. It wasn't about arbitrary improvements but rather about hitting precise targets that would collectively lead me to my ultimate aim. This structured approach transformed my training from “Ah, what should I do today?” into a series of feedback loops, each offering insights that fine-tuned my expectations and prepared me for race day.
Race Day: Planning and Execution
The triathlon was a testament to my planning. Achieving an 11-minute swim, a 30-minute bike ride and an 18:30 run was spot on what I had hoped and planned for. Finishing 14th overall, especially as one of the “older” competitors in the top 20 (sprint tri is mostly un20s 🫠), gave me a good buzz. #dadbod
Overcoming Illness and Adverse Conditions
The week leading up to the race was tough, with a stomach bug knocking me out for a couple of days and torrential rain over the weekend. In the past, this might have led me to pull the pin, but I really wanted to complete this triathlon journey, and as I spoke about last week. I wanted to forget about the result and enjoy the process.
The Transition: From Triathlon to Track
With the triathlon chapter closed, my focus now shifts primarily to running, particularly my sub-15 5k goal. Specifically, I’m looking ahead to my next event, a 5,000-meter track race in four weeks. My training will focus on threshold development and track-specific preparation as I pivot towards my track race. The next four weeks are about building towards this next event.
Upcoming Mini-camp: A Focused Effort
With my family away for a few days, I plan to undertake a minicamp since I won’t need to follow up my long run with 30 min on the trampoline and an afternoon of pretending to be a doctor, patient, lion, horse, lego master builder, and professional cleaner.
As all of you parents know, the training is not the issue. It’s the time availability and recovery that slows us down. Like getting a stomach bug the week of your race 😒….
I plan to do an intensive three-day block for my mini-training camp with an easy double on Friday, a Threshold session on Saturday, and a long run on Sunday. The main goal is a large acute stimulus with maximal recovery. I might head out for an easy run on Saturday arvo, depending on how much energy I have.
The Importance of Goals in Athletic Pursuits
My experience underscores the importance of having a clear end goal. A target not only provides direction but also a sense of purpose. It turns training into a journey with a destination rather than “just going for a run”.
For those struggling with self-guided training or seeking structure, I recommend exploring my training plans or my comprehensive one-year program, “Run Fatser with Data”, that’s included in my Training Unlimited Membership. These resources are designed to provide a roadmap for runners, setting benchmarks and tailored workouts to show you how to develop your own feedback loops to ensure training is successful.
Week Twenty-Four - Strava Link
📊4:37 hrs total (TSS 296)
🏃2x Run = 1:27 hrs (20 km)
🏊2x Open Water Swims = 40 min (2 km)
🏊🚲🏃1x Triathlon = 1:01 hrs
Mon - Bike - Swim - Bike - Run - Bike
Tue - Sick
Wed - Sick
Thur - Sick
Fri - Easy Run 33 min (7 km)
Sat - Bike - Swim - Bike - Run
Sun - Sprint Triathlon
No recent content this week since I was sick.