Read time: 4min.
By Coach Yan Busset
The Paris Olympics triathlon was full of drama, surprises, and some seriously impressive performances. We are not Beaugrand or Yee; our Olympic gold is, for most, "just" a finisher medal, but there’s a lot we can borrow from the pros to up our triathlon game. After all, if you’re going to spend hours in questionable Lycra fashion, you might as well make the most of it! So, let’s dive into some lessons from Paris that can give you an edge in your next race.
Master Your Bike Handling Skills: In the rainy women’s race and in the mixed relay, we saw how even the most skilled athletes can struggle with unexpected maneuvers or challenging conditions like rain. This highlights the importance of not just building your engine but also upping your bike handling skills. Many age groupers spend most of their time on indoor trainers, but mastering your TT bike outside and also using different types of bike (roadie, gravel, or mountain) can improve your ability to handle tough situations. Confidence on the bike is not just for safety but also reduces stress and allows you to focus more on your effort during the race.
Never Give Up: The men’s race provided a powerful reminder that nothing is over until the finish line. Yee, the men’s gold medalist, made an incredible comeback after everyone thought Wilde had secured the victory. For age groupers, this is a reminder that tough moments are inevitable, but they are temporary. Knowing that these challenges will pass can give you the strength to push through, even when it feels like your race is over.
Build a Strong Immune System: The questionable water quality in the Seine River during the Olympics was a good reminder of the importance of health in triathlon. While race organizers usually ensure conditions are safe, a strong immune system can help you stay healthy in less-than-ideal conditions. Intense training can sometimes weaken your immunity, so it’s crucial to avoid overtraining, eat nutrient-dense foods, and get enough sleep. A strong, healthy body is just as important as fitness when it comes to race day.
Nail Your Transitions: The speed and efficiency of the pros in transitions during the Paris Olympics were impressive, and this is something age groupers can easily emulate. You don’t need a high VO2max to be smart about transitions. By practicing and being deliberate, you can save minutes that would otherwise take months of training to shave off your run or bike splits. Being quick and efficient in transitions can give you a significant advantage regardless of your fitness level.
Know the Course: The swim in Paris, with its strong current, highlighted the importance of knowing the race course inside out. Age groupers can benefit greatly from doing a proper recon of the course. Understanding the swim currents, knowing key landmarks, and being familiar with the path to the transition area can save time and reduce stress. Additionally, identifying any tricky corners on the bike course beforehand allows you to approach them with confidence, leading to a safer and faster race.
Think Like an Olympian: The Olympics are the pinnacle of the sport, with athletes meticulously planning and preparing for years. Age groupers can adopt a similar mindset by being systematic in their preparation without putting unnecessary pressure on themselves. The goal is to reach the start line knowing that you’ve done everything you could within the context of your lifestyle. Build a supportive team around yourself: your coach, physio, PT andapproach your preparation with the same mindset as a pro. Remember, it’s not just about the next race but about long term development. So think long term, maybe even as far as four years ahead, and ask yourself how you can build a better version of yourself over time. The journey of preparation is as rewarding as the race itself.
Triathlon is a sport that rewards preparation, consistency, and smart strategies. Sure, you are not a pro or an Olympic athlete; you have a job and maybe family duties or other hobbies. But the cool thing is standing on the start line knowing you trained the best you could according to your lifestyle choices. We can take these lessons to heart, put in the work, and who knows, maybe your next race will feel a little more like your own personal Olympics.
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