This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
TRIATHLON LIFE – BALANCE AND BLISS


By Sally Drake, USA Triathlon Level II Certified Coach


I


t’s 5 a.m. and you are rushing frantically to leave the house for your swim, a key workout for the week. This will


put you at work just in time, unfortunately missing breakfast with the family and leave you with not quite enough sleep, but you will be able to log your workout and feel the sense of accomplishment that you live for. your family has kind of accepted this typical day, and will certainly understand when you have to get on your bike after dinner for a recovery spin. If you are a triathlete,


of triathlon are


The people who enter into the world usually


this may sound familiar. overachievers,


looking to push themselves, constantly striving to find ways to grow and do more in life. Unfortunately, this can result in a struggle for balance in life — trying to keep family happy, finding time for sleep and maintaining a healthy body. All of this while setting aggressive race goals, including


training,


traveling,


racing and recovery.


The triathlete faces many challenges, but if planning is done properly, the tri life can be healthy and rewarding to the athlete and her family. Below are some key aspects to consider when attempting to find balance.


THE TIMING IS RIGHT Take a look at your athlete’s life and what is happening during the upcoming race season. If there is a lot going on at work, many family activities, a sick relative, etc., this may not be the time to register for a big race. Even positive stress such as marriage or moving to a new house will take a toll on the body and mind. Triathlons require training and a major key to successful training and racing is adequate rest. The balance of stress will play a role in performance and how enjoyable the lifestyle is for any athlete. If there are many events that could prevent effective training you may encourage your athletes


to consider doing local sprint races this year, requiring less training (time), money and stress.


TRAVEL TO RACES It is important to take a look at the entire year ahead to ensure that races are spread out to leave time for recovery and family obligations. Start with a wish list of races, family vacation and other important dates. If athletes are new to triathlon, they will learn that traveling for races can be stressful, so consider experiencing the sport close to home for the first season. Or, plan the first out-of-town race at a venue that is within driving distance. The extra stress comes with flying — ship the bike or have a shop disassemble it and pack it in a special bike travel box. And, it is physically and mentally stressful to be away from home, which can add to the race anxiety. With all of these


page 4 | PERFORMANCECOACHING


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18