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My Top 10 Essential Triathlon Tips
How to get the most out of your next race
Over the past 21 years, I’ve completed more than 50 triathlons. Each one has taught me valuable lessons that improved my performance in the next race. I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 essential triathlon tips so – just for you.
Hopefully, they will help you in your next big race!
Veteran experience: 10 triathlon tips
Always get a good night’s sleep
Let’s face it, you probably won’t get the best sleep of your life the night before a big race. I know – I’ve been there.
Instead, focus on nailing your bedtime routine at least one week before the race. Have a few go-to relaxation techniques at the ready to help with those ‘night nerves’. Don’t schedule any late-night commitments in the buildup and follow your bedtime schedule to the letter!
Be mindful of race-day logistics
Arrive early to your event – no matter what. Even if you’ve raced the course before, the racing Gods love to throw a spanner in the works. The last thing you need is relentless traffic, zero parking or long registration queues to set off their nerves.
Warm up like nobody’s watching
Getting your muscles warm and your heart rate elevated before the whistle blows is crucial. If you can’t jump in the water beforehand, bring some bands to do a land-based warmup. Go for a 5-minute job followed by your pre-race routine – anything you can to get your body moving and grooving!
Use Vaseline, baby oil or body glide
Slather and lather it on your neck, arms, nipples, armpits and legs to prevent chafing. It can also make it easier to remove your wetsuit and prevents serious chafing around your neck. You can thank me later.
It’s okay to slow down
You’re tapered, excited, and probably highly caffeinated. No matter how fast your adrenaline-fuelled body wants to go, DO NOT set off out of the gates at full speed.
Hopefully, you’ve already learned that lesson during practice because race day is not the place to red line. Instead, try starting the race just under your planned pace, see how you feel, and then find your ideal rhythm.
Leave your ego at home
Don’t let your ego get the best of you on your big day. There will always be athletes faster and slower than you. Stay true to your plan and your pace. Don’t get caught up in comparisons – in a triathlon, it’s just you against you.
Be mindful of transitions
Your heart rate will be soaring when you finish the swim. Remember to consciously breathe and slow down as you move to the bike. It’s easy to get carried away, especially as you feel the excitement of the crowd!
Stick to the (nutrition) plan
Race day is never the time to be eating or drinking something new. Focus on foods you know work for you and that are easily absorbed and digested. Find out before the event what the aid stations will provide and have your own stash ready too.
Learn more about the importance of meal timing.
The race isn’t over if you’re struggling
If you’re hitting a physical or mental wall, set smaller goals and break things down into manageable chunks. Take it one pedal, stroke or stride at a time.
Better yet, encourage someone else that looks like they could use a boost. This works wonders for distracting you from your own internal struggles. Even better is how much energy you get back from what you’re able to give to others.
Smile, have fun and enjoy the experience
Racing is as much about attitude as it is anything else. You’re in this because you love it – so don’t take yourself too seriously! Try to take in the occasion, tell a passerby a stupid joke and, most of all, have fun!
Do you want to talk about an upcoming race or get help planning for one? Send me a message at jt@innerfight.com
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - SMASH LIFE - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
ENGINE
A sustained 50-minute aerobic workout designed to build your engine and endurance. Expect continuous movement across the bike, rower, ski erg, and running, all at a manageable, steady pace.
GYMNASTICS
This week is all about the bar! On Tuesday, we’ll continue working on pulling strength, followed by kipping and butterfly progressions. On Thursday, Bar Muscle Ups will make an appearance. Get ready for low bar drills, strength work and BMU progressions galore.
HYROX
A high-intensity session focused on building leg strength and muscular endurance. We will finish each movement with short runs to build resilience under fatigue.
MOBILITY
Back to the flows, yes, back in popular demand, I’m running it back. Full body stretching ended with stability/activation of course.
PURE STRENGTH
This week in Pure Strength, we kick off Monday with a heavy set of RDLS, followed by some Front squat volume, and then some frontal plane strength work. On Wednesday, we have some overcoming isometrics to kick our session off, followed by some cluster sets on the bench press, and then some push-pull accessory work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is snatch; we are breaking down the movement. Starting with the 3-position snatch. Drilling the timings under the barbell. Followed by snatch pulls and a complex of behind-the-neck push press into OHS.
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 5 mins blocks. You will take a 2 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 5x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 300m repeats at 3km pace, each with a very easy float between.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running 100m effort through the park behind InnerFight, you will then have 300m easy/recovery before repeating the sequence.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be working on a negative split run. After 20 mins of easy running you will go into 1 min on, 1 min off intervals for 30 mins. Post session coffees at Common Grounds from 7am.
Monday:
Starting the week with some pressing tempo push-up work, followed by some bench press and death march, and then a strongman-style workout for an epic start to the week!
Strength:
A) EMOM x 8 - 3 to 5 tempo push-ups tempo @31x1
B) Every 90 sec x 10 alt between - 5 Barbell bench press @20x1 (building) & 16 alt DB death march
Conditioning:
For Time:
10-1 Sandbag Over Shoulder
1-10 Dumbbell STOH
Tuesday:
Tuesday, we have some sled work in the strength, and then some Interval work that will challenge your squat and pull endurance.
Strength:
A) 6 mins build to max triple broad jump
Rest 2 mins
B) Every 2 mins x 5 2 length sled push
Conditioning:
4 min window
30 sec wall sit
30 wall balls
15 pull-ups
AMRAP cal ski
Rest 2 mins x 4
Wednesday:
Wednesday is all about the barbell in both the skill and a fast-paced
Squat clean and run workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 8 - 2 power clean + 2 push press
Rest 2 mins
B) Every 90 sec x 3 6 BB good mornings @30x1
Conditioning:
For Time:
15-12- 9 Squat Cleans
After each set, a park run
Thursday:
Thursday, we have some strict pull-up work followed by a long endurance workout on the rower.
Strength:
A: In a 2-minute window, establish a MAX unbroken set of strict pull-ups/chest 2 bar/bar muscle-ups
+
B: EMOM 8 @ 33% of A
Conditioning:
30 mins Max Cal Row:
0-10 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpees
11-20 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpee box jump
21-30 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpee box jump over
Friday:
FUF, we are finishing off with some single-leg and core work, and then 6 rounds of
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 20 sec strict TTB/SLR
rest 2 min
B) Every 2 mins x 4 - 12 alt front rack KB reverse lunge
Conditioning:
6 Rounds For Time:
12 TTB
40/30 Cal Ass Bike and C2 bike (Alternating)
20 Russian KB Swing
Over the past 21 years, I’ve completed more than 50 triathlons. Each one has taught me valuable lessons that improved my performance in the next race. I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 essential triathlon tips so – just for you.
Hopefully, they will help you in your next big race!
Veteran experience: 10 triathlon tips
Always get a good night’s sleep
Let’s face it, you probably won’t get the best sleep of your life the night before a big race. I know – I’ve been there.
Instead, focus on nailing your bedtime routine at least one week before the race. Have a few go-to relaxation techniques at the ready to help with those ‘night nerves’. Don’t schedule any late-night commitments in the buildup and follow your bedtime schedule to the letter!
Be mindful of race-day logistics
Arrive early to your event – no matter what. Even if you’ve raced the course before, the racing Gods love to throw a spanner in the works. The last thing you need is relentless traffic, zero parking or long registration queues to set off their nerves.
Warm up like nobody’s watching
Getting your muscles warm and your heart rate elevated before the whistle blows is crucial. If you can’t jump in the water beforehand, bring some bands to do a land-based warmup. Go for a 5-minute job followed by your pre-race routine – anything you can to get your body moving and grooving!
Use Vaseline, baby oil or body glide
Slather and lather it on your neck, arms, nipples, armpits and legs to prevent chafing. It can also make it easier to remove your wetsuit and prevents serious chafing around your neck. You can thank me later.
It’s okay to slow down
You’re tapered, excited, and probably highly caffeinated. No matter how fast your adrenaline-fuelled body wants to go, DO NOT set off out of the gates at full speed.
Hopefully, you’ve already learned that lesson during practice because race day is not the place to red line. Instead, try starting the race just under your planned pace, see how you feel, and then find your ideal rhythm.
Leave your ego at home
Don’t let your ego get the best of you on your big day. There will always be athletes faster and slower than you. Stay true to your plan and your pace. Don’t get caught up in comparisons – in a triathlon, it’s just you against you.
Be mindful of transitions
Your heart rate will be soaring when you finish the swim. Remember to consciously breathe and slow down as you move to the bike. It’s easy to get carried away, especially as you feel the excitement of the crowd!
Stick to the (nutrition) plan
Race day is never the time to be eating or drinking something new. Focus on foods you know work for you and that are easily absorbed and digested. Find out before the event what the aid stations will provide and have your own stash ready too.
Learn more about the importance of meal timing.
The race isn’t over if you’re struggling
If you’re hitting a physical or mental wall, set smaller goals and break things down into manageable chunks. Take it one pedal, stroke or stride at a time.
Better yet, encourage someone else that looks like they could use a boost. This works wonders for distracting you from your own internal struggles. Even better is how much energy you get back from what you’re able to give to others.
Smile, have fun and enjoy the experience
Racing is as much about attitude as it is anything else. You’re in this because you love it – so don’t take yourself too seriously! Try to take in the occasion, tell a passerby a stupid joke and, most of all, have fun!
Do you want to talk about an upcoming race or get help planning for one? Send me a message at jt@innerfight.com
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - SMASH LIFE - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 5 mins blocks. You will take a 2 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 5x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 300m repeats at 3km pace, each with a very easy float between.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running 100m effort through the park behind InnerFight, you will then have 300m easy/recovery before repeating the sequence.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be working on a negative split run. After 20 mins of easy running you will go into 1 min on, 1 min off intervals for 30 mins. Post session coffees at Common Grounds from 7am.
Monday:
Starting the week with some pressing tempo push-up work, followed by some bench press and death march, and then a strongman-style workout for an epic start to the week!
Strength:
A) EMOM x 8 - 3 to 5 tempo push-ups tempo @31x1
B) Every 90 sec x 10 alt between - 5 Barbell bench press @20x1 (building) & 16 alt DB death march
Conditioning:
For Time:
10-1 Sandbag Over Shoulder
1-10 Dumbbell STOH
Tuesday:
Tuesday, we have some sled work in the strength, and then some Interval work that will challenge your squat and pull endurance.
Strength:
A) 6 mins build to max triple broad jump
Rest 2 mins
B) Every 2 mins x 5 2 length sled push
Conditioning:
4 min window
30 sec wall sit
30 wall balls
15 pull-ups
AMRAP cal ski
Rest 2 mins x 4
Wednesday:
Wednesday is all about the barbell in both the skill and a fast-paced
Squat clean and run workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 8 - 2 power clean + 2 push press
Rest 2 mins
B) Every 90 sec x 3 6 BB good mornings @30x1
Conditioning:
For Time:
15-12- 9 Squat Cleans
After each set, a park run
Thursday:
Thursday, we have some strict pull-up work followed by a long endurance workout on the rower.
Strength:
A: In a 2-minute window, establish a MAX unbroken set of strict pull-ups/chest 2 bar/bar muscle-ups
+
B: EMOM 8 @ 33% of A
Conditioning:
30 mins Max Cal Row:
0-10 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpees
11-20 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpee box jump
21-30 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpee box jump over
Friday:
FUF, we are finishing off with some single-leg and core work, and then 6 rounds of
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 20 sec strict TTB/SLR
rest 2 min
B) Every 2 mins x 4 - 12 alt front rack KB reverse lunge
Conditioning:
6 Rounds For Time:
12 TTB
40/30 Cal Ass Bike and C2 bike (Alternating)
20 Russian KB Swing
ENGINE
A sustained 50-minute aerobic workout designed to build your engine and endurance. Expect continuous movement across the bike, rower, ski erg, and running, all at a manageable, steady pace.
GYMNASTICS
This week is all about the bar! On Tuesday, we’ll continue working on pulling strength, followed by kipping and butterfly progressions. On Thursday, Bar Muscle Ups will make an appearance. Get ready for low bar drills, strength work and BMU progressions galore.
HYROX
A high-intensity session focused on building leg strength and muscular endurance. We will finish each movement with short runs to build resilience under fatigue.
MOBILITY
Back to the flows, yes, back in popular demand, I’m running it back. Full body stretching ended with stability/activation of course.
PURE STRENGTH
This week in Pure Strength, we kick off Monday with a heavy set of RDLS, followed by some Front squat volume, and then some frontal plane strength work. On Wednesday, we have some overcoming isometrics to kick our session off, followed by some cluster sets on the bench press, and then some push-pull accessory work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is snatch; we are breaking down the movement. Starting with the 3-position snatch. Drilling the timings under the barbell. Followed by snatch pulls and a complex of behind-the-neck push press into OHS.
Over the past 21 years, I’ve completed more than 50 triathlons. Each one has taught me valuable lessons that improved my performance in the next race. I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 essential triathlon tips so – just for you.
Hopefully, they will help you in your next big race!
Veteran experience: 10 triathlon tips
Always get a good night’s sleep
Let’s face it, you probably won’t get the best sleep of your life the night before a big race. I know – I’ve been there.
Instead, focus on nailing your bedtime routine at least one week before the race. Have a few go-to relaxation techniques at the ready to help with those ‘night nerves’. Don’t schedule any late-night commitments in the buildup and follow your bedtime schedule to the letter!
Be mindful of race-day logistics
Arrive early to your event – no matter what. Even if you’ve raced the course before, the racing Gods love to throw a spanner in the works. The last thing you need is relentless traffic, zero parking or long registration queues to set off their nerves.
Warm up like nobody’s watching
Getting your muscles warm and your heart rate elevated before the whistle blows is crucial. If you can’t jump in the water beforehand, bring some bands to do a land-based warmup. Go for a 5-minute job followed by your pre-race routine – anything you can to get your body moving and grooving!
Use Vaseline, baby oil or body glide
Slather and lather it on your neck, arms, nipples, armpits and legs to prevent chafing. It can also make it easier to remove your wetsuit and prevents serious chafing around your neck. You can thank me later.
It’s okay to slow down
You’re tapered, excited, and probably highly caffeinated. No matter how fast your adrenaline-fuelled body wants to go, DO NOT set off out of the gates at full speed.
Hopefully, you’ve already learned that lesson during practice because race day is not the place to red line. Instead, try starting the race just under your planned pace, see how you feel, and then find your ideal rhythm.
Leave your ego at home
Don’t let your ego get the best of you on your big day. There will always be athletes faster and slower than you. Stay true to your plan and your pace. Don’t get caught up in comparisons – in a triathlon, it’s just you against you.
Be mindful of transitions
Your heart rate will be soaring when you finish the swim. Remember to consciously breathe and slow down as you move to the bike. It’s easy to get carried away, especially as you feel the excitement of the crowd!
Stick to the (nutrition) plan
Race day is never the time to be eating or drinking something new. Focus on foods you know work for you and that are easily absorbed and digested. Find out before the event what the aid stations will provide and have your own stash ready too.
Learn more about the importance of meal timing.
The race isn’t over if you’re struggling
If you’re hitting a physical or mental wall, set smaller goals and break things down into manageable chunks. Take it one pedal, stroke or stride at a time.
Better yet, encourage someone else that looks like they could use a boost. This works wonders for distracting you from your own internal struggles. Even better is how much energy you get back from what you’re able to give to others.
Smile, have fun and enjoy the experience
Racing is as much about attitude as it is anything else. You’re in this because you love it – so don’t take yourself too seriously! Try to take in the occasion, tell a passerby a stupid joke and, most of all, have fun!
Do you want to talk about an upcoming race or get help planning for one? Send me a message at jt@innerfight.com
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - SMASH LIFE - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 5 mins blocks. You will take a 2 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 5x.
Tuesday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 300m repeats at 3km pace, each with a very easy float between.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running 100m effort through the park behind InnerFight, you will then have 300m easy/recovery before repeating the sequence.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
This week we will be working on a negative split run. After 20 mins of easy running you will go into 1 min on, 1 min off intervals for 30 mins. Post session coffees at Common Grounds from 7am.
Monday:
Starting the week with some pressing tempo push-up work, followed by some bench press and death march, and then a strongman-style workout for an epic start to the week!
Strength:
A) EMOM x 8 - 3 to 5 tempo push-ups tempo @31x1
B) Every 90 sec x 10 alt between - 5 Barbell bench press @20x1 (building) & 16 alt DB death march
Conditioning:
For Time:
10-1 Sandbag Over Shoulder
1-10 Dumbbell STOH
Tuesday:
Tuesday, we have some sled work in the strength, and then some Interval work that will challenge your squat and pull endurance.
Strength:
A) 6 mins build to max triple broad jump
Rest 2 mins
B) Every 2 mins x 5 2 length sled push
Conditioning:
4 min window
30 sec wall sit
30 wall balls
15 pull-ups
AMRAP cal ski
Rest 2 mins x 4
Wednesday:
Wednesday is all about the barbell in both the skill and a fast-paced
Squat clean and run workout.
Strength:
A) Every 2 mins x 8 - 2 power clean + 2 push press
Rest 2 mins
B) Every 90 sec x 3 6 BB good mornings @30x1
Conditioning:
For Time:
15-12- 9 Squat Cleans
After each set, a park run
Thursday:
Thursday, we have some strict pull-up work followed by a long endurance workout on the rower.
Strength:
A: In a 2-minute window, establish a MAX unbroken set of strict pull-ups/chest 2 bar/bar muscle-ups
+
B: EMOM 8 @ 33% of A
Conditioning:
30 mins Max Cal Row:
0-10 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpees
11-20 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpee box jump
21-30 mins every 2:30 mins 6 burpee box jump over
Friday:
FUF, we are finishing off with some single-leg and core work, and then 6 rounds of
Strength:
A) EMOM x 6 - 20 sec strict TTB/SLR
rest 2 min
B) Every 2 mins x 4 - 12 alt front rack KB reverse lunge
Conditioning:
6 Rounds For Time:
12 TTB
40/30 Cal Ass Bike and C2 bike (Alternating)
20 Russian KB Swing
ENGINE
A sustained 50-minute aerobic workout designed to build your engine and endurance. Expect continuous movement across the bike, rower, ski erg, and running, all at a manageable, steady pace.
GYMNASTICS
This week is all about the bar! On Tuesday, we’ll continue working on pulling strength, followed by kipping and butterfly progressions. On Thursday, Bar Muscle Ups will make an appearance. Get ready for low bar drills, strength work and BMU progressions galore.
HYROX
A high-intensity session focused on building leg strength and muscular endurance. We will finish each movement with short runs to build resilience under fatigue.
MOBILITY
Back to the flows, yes, back in popular demand, I’m running it back. Full body stretching ended with stability/activation of course.
PURE STRENGTH
This week in Pure Strength, we kick off Monday with a heavy set of RDLS, followed by some Front squat volume, and then some frontal plane strength work. On Wednesday, we have some overcoming isometrics to kick our session off, followed by some cluster sets on the bench press, and then some push-pull accessory work.
WEIGHTLIFTING
Weightlifting this week is snatch; we are breaking down the movement. Starting with the 3-position snatch. Drilling the timings under the barbell. Followed by snatch pulls and a complex of behind-the-neck push press into OHS.
Monday Ride
A ride dedicated to group riding skills and some fitness. Coach Rob Foster leads this ride, if you'd like to join email Rob Foster
Start time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: The Loop Cafe, Bike DXB
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1.5 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Friday - Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride.
Please email Rob Foster for more details.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Over the past 21 years, I’ve completed more than 50 triathlons. Each one has taught me valuable lessons that improved my performance in the next race. I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 essential triathlon tips so – just for you.
Hopefully, they will help you in your next big race!
Veteran experience: 10 triathlon tips
Always get a good night’s sleep
Let’s face it, you probably won’t get the best sleep of your life the night before a big race. I know – I’ve been there.
Instead, focus on nailing your bedtime routine at least one week before the race. Have a few go-to relaxation techniques at the ready to help with those ‘night nerves’. Don’t schedule any late-night commitments in the buildup and follow your bedtime schedule to the letter!
Be mindful of race-day logistics
Arrive early to your event – no matter what. Even if you’ve raced the course before, the racing Gods love to throw a spanner in the works. The last thing you need is relentless traffic, zero parking or long registration queues to set off their nerves.
Warm up like nobody’s watching
Getting your muscles warm and your heart rate elevated before the whistle blows is crucial. If you can’t jump in the water beforehand, bring some bands to do a land-based warmup. Go for a 5-minute job followed by your pre-race routine – anything you can to get your body moving and grooving!
Use Vaseline, baby oil or body glide
Slather and lather it on your neck, arms, nipples, armpits and legs to prevent chafing. It can also make it easier to remove your wetsuit and prevents serious chafing around your neck. You can thank me later.
It’s okay to slow down
You’re tapered, excited, and probably highly caffeinated. No matter how fast your adrenaline-fuelled body wants to go, DO NOT set off out of the gates at full speed.
Hopefully, you’ve already learned that lesson during practice because race day is not the place to red line. Instead, try starting the race just under your planned pace, see how you feel, and then find your ideal rhythm.
Leave your ego at home
Don’t let your ego get the best of you on your big day. There will always be athletes faster and slower than you. Stay true to your plan and your pace. Don’t get caught up in comparisons – in a triathlon, it’s just you against you.
Be mindful of transitions
Your heart rate will be soaring when you finish the swim. Remember to consciously breathe and slow down as you move to the bike. It’s easy to get carried away, especially as you feel the excitement of the crowd!
Stick to the (nutrition) plan
Race day is never the time to be eating or drinking something new. Focus on foods you know work for you and that are easily absorbed and digested. Find out before the event what the aid stations will provide and have your own stash ready too.
Learn more about the importance of meal timing.
The race isn’t over if you’re struggling
If you’re hitting a physical or mental wall, set smaller goals and break things down into manageable chunks. Take it one pedal, stroke or stride at a time.
Better yet, encourage someone else that looks like they could use a boost. This works wonders for distracting you from your own internal struggles. Even better is how much energy you get back from what you’re able to give to others.
Smile, have fun and enjoy the experience
Racing is as much about attitude as it is anything else. You’re in this because you love it – so don’t take yourself too seriously! Try to take in the occasion, tell a passerby a stupid joke and, most of all, have fun!
Do you want to talk about an upcoming race or get help planning for one? Send me a message at jt@innerfight.com
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - SMASH LIFE - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
Over the past 21 years, I’ve completed more than 50 triathlons. Each one has taught me valuable lessons that improved my performance in the next race. I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 essential triathlon tips so – just for you.
Hopefully, they will help you in your next big race!
Veteran experience: 10 triathlon tips
Always get a good night’s sleep
Let’s face it, you probably won’t get the best sleep of your life the night before a big race. I know – I’ve been there.
Instead, focus on nailing your bedtime routine at least one week before the race. Have a few go-to relaxation techniques at the ready to help with those ‘night nerves’. Don’t schedule any late-night commitments in the buildup and follow your bedtime schedule to the letter!
Be mindful of race-day logistics
Arrive early to your event – no matter what. Even if you’ve raced the course before, the racing Gods love to throw a spanner in the works. The last thing you need is relentless traffic, zero parking or long registration queues to set off their nerves.
Warm up like nobody’s watching
Getting your muscles warm and your heart rate elevated before the whistle blows is crucial. If you can’t jump in the water beforehand, bring some bands to do a land-based warmup. Go for a 5-minute job followed by your pre-race routine – anything you can to get your body moving and grooving!
Use Vaseline, baby oil or body glide
Slather and lather it on your neck, arms, nipples, armpits and legs to prevent chafing. It can also make it easier to remove your wetsuit and prevents serious chafing around your neck. You can thank me later.
It’s okay to slow down
You’re tapered, excited, and probably highly caffeinated. No matter how fast your adrenaline-fuelled body wants to go, DO NOT set off out of the gates at full speed.
Hopefully, you’ve already learned that lesson during practice because race day is not the place to red line. Instead, try starting the race just under your planned pace, see how you feel, and then find your ideal rhythm.
Leave your ego at home
Don’t let your ego get the best of you on your big day. There will always be athletes faster and slower than you. Stay true to your plan and your pace. Don’t get caught up in comparisons – in a triathlon, it’s just you against you.
Be mindful of transitions
Your heart rate will be soaring when you finish the swim. Remember to consciously breathe and slow down as you move to the bike. It’s easy to get carried away, especially as you feel the excitement of the crowd!
Stick to the (nutrition) plan
Race day is never the time to be eating or drinking something new. Focus on foods you know work for you and that are easily absorbed and digested. Find out before the event what the aid stations will provide and have your own stash ready too.
Learn more about the importance of meal timing.
The race isn’t over if you’re struggling
If you’re hitting a physical or mental wall, set smaller goals and break things down into manageable chunks. Take it one pedal, stroke or stride at a time.
Better yet, encourage someone else that looks like they could use a boost. This works wonders for distracting you from your own internal struggles. Even better is how much energy you get back from what you’re able to give to others.
Smile, have fun and enjoy the experience
Racing is as much about attitude as it is anything else. You’re in this because you love it – so don’t take yourself too seriously! Try to take in the occasion, tell a passerby a stupid joke and, most of all, have fun!
Do you want to talk about an upcoming race or get help planning for one? Send me a message at jt@innerfight.com
Fun - Honesty - Simplicity - SMASH LIFE - Mental Toughness - Hard Work
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