Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth and New Beginnings
In 2024, I transitioned from a legal translator to a full-time triathlon coach, driven by my passion and extensive part-time experience. I aimed to address the lack of professionalism in coaching by offering personalized, race-specific training plans. This year has fostered personal growth, athlete connections, and a commitment to elevate coaching standards.
Simplifying Triathlon Nutrition: The Myths and Realities
Triathletes often face nutrition myths that complicate their diet. The article clarifies that expensive products are unnecessary, real food can meet protein needs, and consuming too many carbs during races may hinder performance. Simple strategies, like homemade sports drinks and familiar snacks, are emphasized for effective fueling in endurance events, promoting efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Fads in Triathlon: Why You Don’t Need Gadgets, Gimmicks, or the Next Big Supplement
Triathletes often face pressure from a saturated market of gadgets and supplements promising enhanced performance but delivering minimal real value. Many of these products are overpriced and distract athletes from consistent training and proper nutrition. Instead, genuine success lies in mastering the fundamentals: smart training, balanced diet, and effective recovery practices.
How to Swim Sense Endurance Style
This guide emphasizes the importance of efficient swimming for triathletes, highlighting the Sense Endurance approach. It outlines key techniques, including maintaining a neutral head position, effective hand movements, and utilizing body mechanics to enhance stroke power and conserve energy. Regular use of tools like pull buoys and paddles builds strength and rhythm essential for racing.
Why Triathletes Overcomplicate Their Training
Triathletes often overcomplicate their training with gadgets and conflicting advice, leading to confusion and insecurity. Sense Endurance advocates for simplicity, focusing on fundamental training, reducing cognitive load, and trusting the process. By setting clear goals and limiting metrics, athletes can improve performance and enjoyment while developing confidence in their capabilities.
What working with Brett Sutton taught me
With 15 years in triathlon, I founded Sense Endurance Coaching to simplify training, focusing on aerobic development and biomechanics. Using the Trisutto method, I emphasize manageable techniques under fatigue, low RPM cycling for strength, efficient running form, and mental resilience to build adaptable athletes. Results improve with a focus on fundamentals over metrics.
What should you expect from your coach?
Many coaches fail to prioritize athletes' individual needs and long-term growth. At Sense Endurance, coaching emphasizes personal understanding, adaptability, and resilience. We focus on fostering independence, encouraging athletes to embrace discomfort, learn from failure, and develop the right mindset. Our goal is to prepare athletes for real-world challenges, ensuring sustainable success.
Triathlon vs Regular Running: Key Differences Explained
In triathlons, running requires a different approach than standard races due to pre-fatigued muscles from swimming and biking. Emphasizing muscular endurance over speed, training focuses on sustained efforts and managing fatigue. This involves workouts like build runs and hill training, essential for optimizing performance and maintaining pace throughout the race.
Effective Communication for Athletes and Coaches
The athlete-coach relationship is multifaceted, involving trust, emotional investment, and open communication. Athletes must share honest progress details, while coaches should adapt to their needs. Handling miscommunication promptly is vital, as is recognizing different communication styles. Strong interpersonal skills elevate coaching effectiveness, ensuring mutual understanding and peak performance.
Secure and Insecure Strivers
The post discusses the distinction between "secure" and "insecure strivers" in triathlons. Insecure strivers seek validation through accomplishments, risking burnout and injury. In contrast, secure strivers focus on long-term growth, handling setbacks with resilience and a balanced approach. Coaches should nurture secure strivers to promote sustained success and fulfillment in the sport.
Race Report: Full Distance Challenge Almere-Amsterdam
The athlete recounts their experience at Challenge Almere-Amsterdam, detailing pre-race strategies, a challenging swim, a steady bike ride despite chaos, and a difficult run marked by stomach issues. Despite not achieving their target time, they felt satisfied with their resilience and performance, emphasizing that overcoming obstacles is part of long-distance racing.
The Long-Term Perspective
As the athletic season concludes, a focus on long-term development emerges, emphasizing consistency in training over years for peak performance. Endurance athletes must embrace gradual physiological and mental growth, recognize the significance of rest and reflection during off-seasons, and find joy in the process to sustain motivation and commitment towards their goals.
Don’t Let Perceived Perfection Be The Enemy Of Good
When working out, athletes may feel inclined to push themselves to the limit in every session. However, focusing on max effort can hinder long-term progress. It's crucial to recognise the significance of pacing, aerobic training, and listening to the body's needs. The real goal is consistent progress, not perfection in each workout.
Maximising Triathlon Performance: The Pitfalls of Data Dependency
Triathletes are urged to reconsider their reliance on data devices such as watches, bike computers, and smart trainers. Sense advocates for a more enjoyable and performance-driven approach to training, emphasizing freedom and variety to improve overall athleticism. The use of ERG mode and excessive focus on data is discouraged, with emphasis placed on listening to one's body for optimal results.