“And remember to enjoy it…”
Yup we have all heard those famous last words your Coach, parents or partner echo as you are about to head to the start line, game face on. And yes however annoying it is to admit they are once again right – if you don’t enjoy it why are you doing it? Why put yourself through gruelling hours of training and restrictive, boring diets to gain nothing but a grimace and a better profile picture? There is no reason, you have to enjoy the lifestyle and the race itself for you, no one else or the kudos, but 100% for you. Will power burns out, enjoyment and love will always burn through.
Of course, some sessions and races are anything but fun, yes it’s OK to admit it. Some hurt, some are emotional and some just don’t happen, but this is not the end, it is life – all we can do is focus on maximising the highs and minimising the lows – humans are not perfect, and athletes are human!
Following on from these hurt races motivation can wane or be questioned, whether due to the disappointment, general tiredness or injury/illness that has hampered these race plans or the real killer of all joy, comparison. However, the love of the game will return with a bit of perspective, refreshment and a change of focus. It is not weak to make choices to step back from the “conventional” approach in the sport, whether for the mind and or body, to return leaping forward and hungry – if anything when you come back your fire will be stoked and stronger than ever to make much greater gains both mentally and physically.
This step back does not mean RACE or TRAINING free – panic everted you can continue reading – well only if it is not illness or injury related, if it is then please listen to experts! This time is about kickstarting the fire and taking the pressure away from everything you do to just have fun, yes solely fun with nothing more with the bonus is a good training stimulus.
So here are three ideas to attain pressure-free and fun racing – with more focus on the process, experience and enjoyment over any result… but then again with this approach you may even surprise yourself:
1. Be part of a relay team
This is one of the best ways to take the pressure off as you can focus on just enjoying the race whilst sharing some laughs and memories with your teammates regardless of the result! There is nothing better than sharing a common passion and experience with friends or club members.
2. Do something different
By trying something new, whether completely un-triathlon related or not, there is very little pressure as by definition it is unknown therefore your mind cannot run into a frenzy of why you should do x, finish in y or create doubt. As it is entirely new the only way to tackle this new feat is to stay in the present, tick the boxes required to complete it and then just enjoy the whole experience. And hey, with this refreshed more process-driven approach you may learn a lot about what you need as an athlete to perform whilst also stepping out of your comfort zone you didn’t realise was possible. This mix-up may even lead to a newfound confidence that you can do anything you put your mind to.
3. Change the focus
One way to put a spring back in your step is to change the focus of both your training and racing. Whether it be the two above points or solely going back to 100% enjoyment, by feel and or social training. This is about returning the why – why you started, why you do this sport etc. For example, start riding your bike for the sole reason of riding your bike – meet up with friends to spin a few kilometres to a café then spin home or maybe just drive to the café, because no one cares and you have to do what you 100% want and enjoy again.
So however, tough training and racing can get there is always a way to ensure you once again have that smile on your face and are jumping back out of bed when that swim alarm goes off. Focus on the fun, taking yourself a tad less seriously and sharing the good times with people you care about. And who knows this may be your new recipe for success…
If you need people to share the journey with or looking for some triathlon teammates why not check out the Nebula community? You may even find a few relay buddies!