We have many registrants for the New River Valley Triathlon, some first-timers, some veterans, and some in-betweens.
To assist those in their second triathlon seasons, we posed a question to our local coaches. We'll share their responses.
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Dear USAT Certified Triathlon Coaches in the Roanoke and New River Valleys,
I set a personal goal to complete a triathlon last year. I did that – then found myself competing in more races!
To place in the 2009 Virginia Triathlon Series, one must register for 5 races. I have done that for my second triathlon season.
I have found myself inconsistent in my training. I either set personal records for speed or distance, or miss several workouts in a row. I don’t seem to follow the consistent pattern I did last year.
What’s wrong?
Is it because the novelty of the “first triathlon” has passed?
Is it because the mystery of the “first triathlon” has been revealed?
Is it because I am focusing intensely on work in this economic downturn?
Are there universal truths about a second triathlon season that I just don’t know about?!
If you care to offer your wisdom about a second triathlon season, I would welcome it.
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Coach Kati Derrick replies:
I think there are several factors that are affecting your motivation.
First, and probably foremost, are your goals. Last year, your goal was to finish, period. You didn't put a lot of pressure on yourself about time and performance. This year, your focus has been on speed and performance and your workouts have been harder.
If you tend to be naturally hard on yourself - many triathletes can be - I can only imagine your worry over meeting your goals. When you begin to question if you will meet your goals and you are facing harder workouts, it's easy to throw your hands up and choose not to do a workout with which you might or might not be successful.
Having said that, I am guessing that work, family life, perhaps community service, and a recession are also taking a toll on your workouts. Rather than doing workouts that will stress you more, you are choosing to do the workouts that you like and at which you can succeed.
So, what is the answer? I think you need to find the joy in your workouts again. You need to find your workouts as a stress reliever, not as a measure of your success or a measure of YOU. Let a workout be a workout.
Some years, life might take priority over triathlon and this season might not be amazing. BUT don't count yourself out. Each day is a new day to find your spark and to have one of those workouts that light your fire and give you bliss.
Look for your daily bliss. Relax and take it day by day.
Kati
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