With triathlon you need to remind yourself that you are not doing three separate sports you are doing one sport, with the aim to be consistent with your pace across all three disciplines. Training for my first IRONMAN has amplified my weaknesses across the disciplines so I am trying my hardest to concentrate on my weaker aspects of my racing to bring them up to a higher level before the big day arrives.
My bike leg continues to be a weak point, but as I have been working more on my technique and efficiency, I am making a larger reduction in my overall race times. The following are the four main reasons why I tell myself that I must continue to work on my weakness.
1. Other people won’t
Every year, I get into the pool in September. After a long winter of pushing my training and improving my base and improving my technique, I constantly find people telling me that this is their first swim since May. It’s OK to take a break but working hard over the winter will give you an advantage over a lot of your competition.
2. You will most likely make the biggest gains
Your weakest leg will most likely not have plateaued, so big gains could be made by putting some extra focus on your weakest leg.
3. You might turn out to enjoy it
Some of the most enjoyable times are had when you are learning something new, or better still, when you see a big improvement made. So why not try and turn that weakness into a strength.
4. You will improve your other legs are a result
Don’t forget that each discipline will affect the other. Swimming strong will help you transition easier onto the bike. Extra endurance and strength on the bike will give you legs extra speed when you get out onto the run, and a strong run will give you the confidence to push hard earlier in the race.
Vince Sesto
Vince Sesto
Tri Swim Coach Ambassador
Vince works as an IT Engineer in Melbourne, Australia where he lives with his cat Tim Tam. He has been a runner for longer than he can remember. He competes in distance running races, open water swims and long course triathlons.
