One thing I loved about triathlons is that it’s such an individual sport. After the start, you’re racing against yourself. But as I got more into it, I noticed the same people consistently finishing ahead of me. That got me thinking, “What are they doing differently?”
I knew I wasn’t the fastest, especially in running, so I made a plan to improve across the board—swim, bike, and run. I started logging my workouts, paying attention to nutrition, reading more, and eventually hiring coaches. I trained hard to beat those who used to finish ahead of me, and race by race, I got there!
As my racing years went on, I started to get to know the people around me during the whole race, you talk with them in transition before the race and at the finish line. You start to run into them on training rides and at other events. You talk about everyday life stuff, Maybe bike equipment or a killer workout you had riding with some roadies, But nothing about one’s ego. You become good friends and after races, you talk bout how close the race was or compliment each other about our finishing times.
Prepare to change your life for yourself.
In my many years of racing, I competed in different cities and states talking to different triathletes, from pros to everyone people. I didn’t change my training to be better than the person who finished before me, I trained for myself, yes I still pushed myself on my swims and runs and my training rides were never “just training rides” but I stopped trying to be better than someone else.
Working daily, with goals in mind will truly make all the difference
Life became easier and my mindset changed to just being the best person for myself. I have my own set of goals that I set weekly, and monthly. Staying active is still a priority I have and it’s become a lifestyle. It’s what’s important to me. I am still able to do most of what I could do when I was younger, I’ve even picked up some new activities from rock climbing to playing pickle-ball. I know I can make a difference in helping others my age and older, It starts with small goals and taking that first step.
