The Athlete Inside by Sue Reynolds

Author:Sue Reynolds [Reynolds, Sue]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-5064-5881-6
Publisher: Fortress Press
Published: 2020-02-28T16:00:00+00:00

TRIATHLON SEASON 3: DEVELOPING GRIT

Chapter 9

NO STONE UNTURNED

Coach Brant and I sat down in September to map out my training for the fall, winter, and spring as I prepared for my third triathlon season. This year would be different: I would be training as an elite, even though, with just two seasons of triathlon experience, I still considered myself a beginner.

I had already made some changes to my routine that I knew were more aligned with an elite performer’s mind-sets and behaviors. Most notably, I adopted a “no stone unturned” approach to my triathlon preparation. My self-imposed rule required me to implement anything I could think of that would make me faster, no matter how big or small, difficult, or boring. I also committed to my favorite mantra, “No excuses, whatever it takes, find a way.” And finally, I pledged to not see roadblocks as dead ends. Instead, I would see them as temporary detours or bumps in the road, and figure out a way through or around them. Nothing would stop me.

I also started seeking role models, and had many. I admired some of the coaches I heard on podcasts, including Matt Dixon, Adam Zucco, and Suzanne Atkinson. They not only talked about the nuts and bolts of triathlon, but also discussed the mental aspects of performing at a high level. I loved listening to their inspiring ideas as I ran.

However, the person I looked up to the most was Gwen Jorgensen, the first Olympic champion in triathlon from the United States. I loved watching her compete at the World Triathlon Series in Chicago. I highly respected her method for setting goals, her work ethic, and her hunger for success. In addition, Gwen carried herself with a humility that I admired. Throughout the year, when I wasn’t sure how to handle a situation, I’d ask myself, What would Gwen do?

I had confidence in my ability to handle the mental side of training as an elite, but I depended on Coach Brant to teach me how to physically train as an elite triathlete. My education began when we met in September. The first thing he explained was how to approach A, B, and C races. I would have one A race: the USA Triathlon National Championship in August. In that race, our goal was to place as high as I possibly could. We’d use all my other races to test different pacing strategies and teach me how to race. Some of those races would be B races. Those were races where we wanted to do well and therefore would rest my body slightly before the race. But most of my races would be local C races, where we would treat the race as though it was just another day of training.

Next, Coach Brant explained how the year would be laid out. We’d spend months building a base by doing long distances at a relatively relaxed pace. That base would prepare my body for the hard work that Coach Brant would give me later.

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