Triathlon doesn't need to be so lonely...
Triathlon can often be a lonely road and the training can at times be challenging to complete. In the beginning gains can come easily and enthusiasm is high but with time this fades and performance gains can be harder to find. So how do successful athletes maintain this momentum and enthusiasm over the long term? Simple, they reach out to others and join a group that share a mutual support in each others athletic journey. Often this comes in the form of clubs, but which one is right for you and why?
A club or group of athletes can come with many benefits the most obvious of which is psychological. A club session can drastically ease the height of the mental barrier to completing (or turning up for) a session that is proving difficult to get ‘up’ for. The company of others trying to achieve the same goal can reduce the energy required to simply do. Just like a much needed can of cola, coffee or piece of cake can resolve a ‘bonk’ situation physically on a long ride, the support of others can help tremendously when the psychological reserves are low.
Once at these sessions the company of and observation of other athletes can give you boost in belief. Perhaps just to complete the session, but at other times to make a breakthrough and reach a new level of performance. The first step in #believestriveachieve is often the most challenging. When added up over weeks, months and even years this gentle increase in consistency both psychologically and physically can be very considerable.
Not only that but clubs are fun! Social interaction is extremely healthy and who doesn’t like a bit of ‘friendly’ competition in training when the time is right. Heading towards common goals can have many knock on benefits shared travel and accommodation can not only save you money potentially but transport sharing for training and racing can really add up to a small contribution to looking after the planet! Then on race day you get to share the experience with those friends and that really is the best bit.
Finally safety, there is safety in numbers when out training for many reasons. Over the years and as recently as yesterday I have personally benefitted from the kindness and assistance of other club members. A broken rear mech in cold conditions on a ride this weekend left me stranded. A chain tool helpfully left on the bench at home meant I was saved by the wife of another rider in the group on a cold, wet December ride. I think I might still be walking now…so I’m very grateful for the lift!
There are however challenges, timetabling with other commitments and sometimes the make up of the group can mean a lack of perfection in training, but the benefits far out weigh the challenges.
Athletes in action at the pool at Tri Training Harder Abingdon Squad Swim
It is important to consider what you personally would like from a group or club. An athlete who requires a little extra motivation for swimming, or any other discipline, will often benefit from club training to help with the nudge to the pool. So consider which discipline you want to priorities for club sessions, what will help your overall consistency?
Clubs can also vary significantly in their activity. They may look good online but in reality attendance is poor and there is little interaction between members so try before you buy! All clubs will let you trial sessions before you commit to membership, don’t be afraid to try a few if you are lucky enough to have choice. In some locations you may take up to a month early in your season to try different sessions each week.
Ask yourself do the clubs match your personal outlook and mindset? Is the club community or performance orientated? Short distance or Long Distance? Trail or Road for running? You may train best in a social setting that is relaxing or feel you need the push to work a little harder and this works really well for you. Ultimately this comes down to which clubs sessions are you going to enjoy? Talk to members don’t be afraid to ask them what it is really like, does the club match with and share your own personal values athletic and otherwise.
Although Tri Training Harder coached athletes come from a geographically diverse background they do share some common ground on the ground at our training camps, squad sessions and also within out Strava Club. If you are a coached athlete or indeed simply keen to see how you measure up within the group feel free to join the club here.
We’re here to help
Tri Training Harder are one of the leading Triathlon coaching providers in the UK, using our wealth of experience to unite scientific and technological research with already well-established and successful best practices, to create a formula for triathlon and endurance coaching that works.
The result is an honest, dynamic, yet simple new way of constructing an athlete’s training to allow them to reach their potential.
If you’re planning your next season, just starting out in the sport or are looking for extra guidance at the very top end of the field, we are here to help, and our coaches would be delighted to hear from you. You can contact us via the website, and one of the team will be in touch.