Lessons I Learned this 2014 Tri Season

Here are just a few lessons I learned from this racing season:

1.Triathlons are 90% mental, and the other half physical.

Yes, this picture is self-explanatory.  You can train your heart out, but if your mental focus is not there, your physical capacity will suffer along with it.  I thought I was completely done with triathlon after I was mentally and emotionally defeated after a particular race I had, but really it was just a wall I put up of my own accord.  Only you can decide whether you succeed, or put up your own wall.


2.  Sometimes you come in Dead Last Finish, but you still get an age group award!
That same race in which I mentally defeated myself, I came in Dead Last.  But to my surprise, I still received an age group award!  Never under-estimate yourself!

3. Enjoy the course.
We often focus so much on our finish time, that we forget to enjoy our surroundings.  Take a breath, look a round, and enjoy the beauty of your race course.  Others don't have the opportunity to take part in such events in these beautiful settings!

4.  Do not let anyone re-define YOUR definition of finish.
We all know that cut off times are a big element in preparing for a race, but whether you finish in the alotted time or not, don't let a cutoff time determine your success.  What is your definition of FINISH?  Mine?  I didn't let the cutoff time deter me from finishing the course.  I had accomplished too much to allow a timing mat tell me whether I finished or not!  And even if you don't finish, hold your head high - YOU ACCOMPLISHED SOMETHING GREAT JUST BY STARTING!

5.  Make sure to have some burritos, or burgers, to replenish!
 Grab a running buddy - or two or three - and go have something to eat together after those long training days!  Or better yet, whenever you feel like it!  You've depleted those calories and have earned it!  And... there's nothing better than to bond over your experience with a meal!  :)  Food always brings people together!

6.  You can't do this alone.
Okay, so maybe you can train alone, but it's difficult to tackle a huge goal on your own.  You'll experience high highs, and low lows.  One thing for sure is... you'll need that support for both ends of the spectrum, and everything in between.  When you're experiencing those lows, having teammates and training buddies [or whatever your support system may consist of] can help you refocus.  In a race, a positive and encouraging word can pull you up from the valleys of gloom and help you remember why you set this goal. But it's also nice to share those special moments (highs) with good friends!

7.  Just Start.  And give yourself a pat on the back for doing so!
It takes a lot of courage to start a training regimen - whether you're coming back from a hiatus, or just starting your first program.  There will be lots of ups and downs in your training, and even in your races, but DON'T GIVE UP!  Get out there and start!  And don't forget to give yourself a pat on the back because... guess what?  You're out there doing it!