Reflecting on the process so far!
When I decided to start coaches corner I must have had more time and ambitions thinking these would be weekly or possibly monthly! It’s fair to say I will do these when I can and when the time feels right!
Sitting here this morning today feels like a great time to pause reflect and share some thoughts and possible advice. Despite it being only June it feels already like the season is at its busiest! Fortunately triathlon certainly in Europe is going ahead as normal and the athletes have the opportunity to race at the highest level, show there form and put themselves on the line.
Around four weeks ago we sent two athletes to race a European cup in Dnipro (Poland) on a four day trip, their first European race of the season and a chance to test the legs ahead of bigger competitions to come. What has happened since is three more races, 3 countries plenty flights, over 20 covid tests, podiums and a win. Quite a journey that all finishes this weekend with the European championships.
What I wanted to try and do was take a bit of time to reflect on a couple of things. Why we have done this? How we have done this? What are we learning?
Firstly why? That is fairly easy, after the first race in Poland both the athletes raced well and got the feeling back. But they weren’t satisfied, they wanted more and a chance to push on, coming back to the UK would also be restrictive with training and quarantine. So they headed to the Ukraine, not the easiest trip or place to train but a chance to step on another start line and go again. This paid off, two athletes both on the podium and really coming into form. A chance to race right at the front and step up, take an opportunity and make it count. From this race it was two weeks until Europeans and to save a long story they headed to Portugal to race again. Portugal was always a training through race, we described the race as a session and a chance to work on the small things ahead of Europeans, the athletes were fatigued but happy to go again and keep racing.
What happened in Portugal is probably an article for another time but Sophia raced smart, hard and at the front. Running out of T2 with real conviction she went on to brake the tape. Her first European win and a dominant performance. With a very last minute entry Cam was last onto the pontoon in the mens race. The simple challenge was, how high can you finish? Where can you be at the end of this race and what can you make happen? Once again another opportunity taken, to take 10th. To do these performances off the back of 2 races, a hard week of training and travel showed character, strength and that the form was good!
The next question I’ve reflected on is how have we done this? I don’t mean logistics, costing etc but more how do you race back to back, travel, train and prepare. We don’t always see triathletes racing continuously more focusing on a few key bigger races which is certainly no bad thing. But after 12-15 months of no racing and continuous, consistent training I truly believe you should take any opportunity you can. Fitness wasn’t something we really worried about, if you have put in the work you should be able to trust this and move forwards. Yes you can’t train as much between races but you can keep sharp, keep the engine fired up and make small improvements. If you plan and prepare this well athletes can train around races while also recovering. Its about listening to the body, feedback and being honest with yourself. Whilst I say this you must be adaptable, in the Ukraine training on the bike was almost impossible so we made small changes didn’t stress and worked harder in other areas.
After two races and with Europeans a further two weeks away we did decide to run a training block, train “through” Portugal and keep the volume and intensity high. Whilst this isn’t easy and takes trust again it is possible by adjusting your mind set and focus of that race. What small things can you learn on race day whilst also pushing yourself? Can you line up and see it as a hard session but still take your chances.
In these last few weeks I have unfortunately been at home watching the racing from afar. Whilst this has been a shame I’ve had time to reflect and learn from each race, take time to review and see where we are at. I’ll summarise some of my learnings over the last few weeks and hopefully they can be helpful!
- Don’t overthink things, If an opportunity presents itself go for it and take your chances
- Fitness remains! Athletes get caught up in training hours, numbers etc but its all about racing and being on a start line
- Trust what you are doing, trust your coach and plan. This will help you stress less and get on with the job
- Communication is key. Before the race, after the race and every day in between. Plans can be changed, reps adapted and days moved around.
- Be flexible and adaptable. Both coach and athlete! You might have a plan and want it executed but life happens, bad weather happens, food poisoning happens. Relax and adapt.
- Don’t stop learning and reflecting. Take time after the race what can you learn? What can you change?
- Finally, enjoy it. Soak it up.
Hopefully you are still with me! If anything this blog has helped me reflect and take some time to learn from this chaotic period. Ill be back soon.
