Attention to Detail but Not Too Much Detail
I started tapering for Ironman Texas on Saturday. Taper is defined as having too much time to think and fuck up your race. Which got me thinking about why I have had success in triathlon.
- Genetics. Mine are middling at best but my ability to mentally endure is strong.
- Work. I realized that I can do a lot of work day in and day out. As a fringe benefit, my friends get to experience my fatigue induced hysteria.
- Consistency. I don’t miss workouts unless there is a family emergency. Winners get up early! (This is for my family that trained with me at six am every day during a vacation in the Caribbean. And may never travel with me again.)
- Coaches. I started with Gordo Byrn and graduated to Marilyn Chychota. I have had only two coaches in over 10 years in the sport. Poor Marilyn has probably earned some time off for good behavior!
- Team. I was with Endurance Corner from the beginning. My heart will always be with them despite it ending. Now I am with MCC (Marilyn Chycota Coaching) and I am excited about our mission going forward. I perform better when I am invested in the people training around me.
- Education. I continue to read and research in multiple disciplines. And I apply what I learn.
- Nutrition. I am not perfect because that would lead to a divorce. I eat healthy and fuel properly. Feed the machine!
- Technology. I know the anti-tech movement is growing however I love having a HR Monitor, GPS and a power meter. The data almost feels like I am cheating when I race. My performances are a direct result of having the information necessary to race well. I race well when I simply repeat what I have practiced in training. A great day is when I exceed them.
The most important part is that I haven’t gotten lost in the weeds. I keep it simple. I can’t win training but I can carry the confidence of training well into my race. It is my job to show up on race day and do the work.
No easy way.