As much as we love to give tips and advice at Brownlee Fitness, sometimes it’s good to flip the script and focus on mistakes.
Because even the best of the best make mistakes with their training and racing.
And if you don’t know what mistakes to look out for, you might be falling foul of a few basic errors.
So here are the top 5 mistakes we see even the best triathletes make:
1. Non-specific training.
Triathlon is obviously swimming, cycling and running.
But not all swimming, cycling and running are equal.
Doing all your training in a pool for example, if your event is going to be in rough open waters.
Or doing nothing but flat road runs when your race is through more rugged mountains.
While it might not always be possible to replicate race conditions exactly, you want to try and get as close as possible.
2. Neglecting Pacing
We can all get carried away and go out too hard, too soon.
But giving it full gas straight from the off is a surefire way to fizzle out or bonk.
The longer your race (or training session) is, the steadier you need to be at the start.
Even if you feel amazing, always try to hold a bit back for the last 30-50% of the event.
3. Skipping Your Zones
We talk about heart rate zones and pacing for swimming and running training for a reason -
It matters.
If you’re doing all your training at the same pace/ intensity, there’s a high chance you’re leaving performance gains on the table.
Which leads us on to…
4. Overtraining
Wanting to work hard and be consistent is great.
But too many triathletes try to stick to the plan at all costs, going as far as to train when injured or burnt out.
There’s a time and a place for pushing through, and a time and a place for stepping back.
Get to know your body, and remember it’s better to go into a race 10% under-trained than 1% overtrained.
5. Using New Kit on Race Day
Think you’ll benefit from running in box-fresh kicks on race day?
Think again.
New shoes are amazing, but test them out BEFORE you race in them.
The same goes for all your kit, in fact -- Tri-suits, goggles, swim caps -- everything.
You’d be amazed how many athletes put on brand new kit on race day, only to suffer later down the line.
So there you have it - 5 top mistakes triathletes make.
Hopefully, you’re not making any of these.
But if you are, well - now you know!
Happy racing.
The Brownlee Fitness Team
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