Practical Triathlon

The 48 hours prior to an Ironman can make or break an opportunity to perform optimally on race day.  During this window of time, the list of details that need to be attended to is lengthy and can be stressful.  Minimizing this stress can help you wake up on race morning feeling rested, focused, confident and ready.  Allowing unnecessary stress to consume your energy and attention can lead to a drag on performance on race day.

Here are a few things to consider to minimize stress:

• Plan! Plan! Plan! – At least a week in advance have all of your travel, event check-in, and logistical details determined.  Write the plan down and account for every hour of your time for the final 48 hours before your race.  Have a written plan noting specifically what final workouts you will complete.  Plan all of your meals and consider avoiding public eating arrangements (race organizers don’t shoot me!) so that you can have greater control over the composition, timing and ambiance (eating pasta in the hotel recliner may be preferable to a busy restaurant) of your meals.  Plan everything and avoid deviating from your plan unless absolutely necessary.
• Travel to the event at least 2 to 3 days early. – The stress of traveling is taxing on the body.  Even if you’re resting on a flight or snoozing in the passenger seat, travel will sap some energy.  Get the travel day out of the way early, if possible, and then relax and recover for a day or two.  Local races, where little or no travel is required, can be great opportunities to perform exceptionally as this stress variable can be completely neutralized.
• Make equipment decisions and maintenance as early as possible. – Don’t wait until the week of your race to make any final adjustments to your bike setup.  Do as much as you can a week in advance to ensure that all of your equipment is in order and ready for race day.  Avoid putting yourself in the situation of shopping for accessories or making significant bike repairs in the final days prior to your race.
• Quiet time. – Schedule some naps, reading or other sedentary activities, especially inside of the 24 hour window, that will give you an opportunity to relax your body and mind.
• Don’t get excited when “Stuff” happens. – Don’t fret unexpected challenges that you may face in your travel, logistics and race prep in the days before your race.  Be patient and deal calmly with any challenges.  The triathlon community is a friendly and compassionate bunch.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it from your fellow triathletes.  Whether it’s a tire pump on race morning or some help with a repair, someone will be there to assist.
• Don’t doubt. – Doubting is a waste of mental energy.  Remind yourself of your preparedness and your commitment to succeed and flush all doubt away.
•  Appreciate what you’re doing. – Remind yourself of how fortunate you are to be prepared and capable of participating in such an exciting sport.  Race day will be challenging but you’re where you are because you will achieve something that will satisfy you deeply.  Be positive and appreciate your opportunity to race and compete.

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