A Degree in Triathlon

by Sue Aquila

I was recently speaking with a young triathlete who was lamenting his “relationship” with his coach. He was complaining that his coach has been hard on him lately for not following the workouts. He then went on to complain about how he has some strong weeks of training and then ends up injured. I find these conversations interesting as a business owner, coach and “mature” (as in over 35) triathlete.

I work with many college students and I often refer to them as the “microwave generation.” Most of them do not remember a time without a microwave. Their palate for delayed gratification is impaired. They don’t understand why they aren’t hired to be a manager immediately or why they haven’t developed the next Facebook already.

Since this is ultra month on Endurance Corner, I thought it would be helpful to write about thinking long term in our development as triathletes. Sure, there are a few of you out there with the genetic gifts to qualify for Kona on your first attempt. For the rest of us, developing a long term perspective is the difference between reaching your dreams and being a one and done.

My suggestions:

• Find a coach. Date for a bit until you marry him or her. Coaches don’t need to be great athletes but they do need to be great students practicing to be wise teachers.
  
  
• Track your progress. Use TrainingPeaks or a similar training log. Set up “report cards” for yourself. Know your TSS, ATL and TSB like they were your SAT score.
  
  
• Follow the plan. If you are one of those people that gets carried away in a group, avoid the group! Group runs and rides are often ego focused on the gratification of a daily victory. Your journey is a long one.
  
  
• Do your homework. Nutrition. Recovery. Strength. The difference between success and mediocrity is what we do when we are not training.
  
  
• Evaluate your progress. Do not do this when you are tired. Sometimes we need to change advisers but make sure you have thought this through carefully and discussed each and every point with your current coach. A good coach has the big picture in mind while you may be only seeing the snapshot of a disappointing race or an acute injury.
  
  
• Celebrate your success.Thank your coach, share your joy and enjoy your the mile markers of your journey.

When I started my commitment to ironman, I decided that I was getting a college degree in triathlon. In my mind I made a four year commitment to my coach and my plan.

1. My freshman year was learning skills and endurance.
2. My sophomore year was building upon my endurance and sharpening my skills. Some intensity was included.
3. My junior year added increased intensity and advanced skills. I learned to “race” a half and full ironman.
4. My senior year is now. I am probably at the top of the time allotment I have to develop endurance. The focus now is on increasing intensity and the duration of intensity. I am choosing targeted races for qualification and a commitment to one to three potential ironman races this year.

Getting a degree in triathlon requires choosing the right teacher and making the commitment to invest your time in the education. The microwave may be fast but too often the quality of the end product is poor.

My plan next year is a Master’s degree in triathlon...

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