Evolving through Coronavirus – Coached Athlete Rebecca's Insights

Rebecca has been working with Tri Training Harder for a few months now and has put together some really thought-provoking reflections in her weekly summary on Training Peaks. So much so, that we felt it was worth a share. Have a read here of how some athletes are coming with this fairly drastic change of plan. Thanks!

Each week as part of our programmes as coached athletes, we write a little reflection on how we feel the week has gone - in relation to training life and non-training life. Here are a few of my Sunday thoughts following the first week of “lockdown” in the UK.

Firstly, I don’t think I will be alone in saying everything has felt a little bit bitty this week, but as the week comes to an end I feel as though I am starting to find some normal in the abnormal. I am finding it helps to make new goals for each day and stick to a “normal” routine as much as I can.

As triathletes, it’s easy to disguise unhealthy obsessions with food or exercise as “training” and it’s easy to use such routines as coping mechanisms for perhaps some ordinarily slightly pathological behaviours. We like to see a sea of green in training peaks, we like to eat a certain way, we like to train a certain way and as a general rule, we like to “stick to the plan or programme”

After the initial wave of panic amongst our peers in response to closed pools, closed gyms, empty supermarkets and movement restrictions, we are left with a choice - to adapt to the change and rise to the challenge or to sulk about this new life and hang around wondering when it will end.

It’s a bit of a learning curve for us all, and it is easy to see that some are finding it easier than others to cope. I know that If you had put me in the same situation several years ago I don’t think I would have had the emotional or athletic maturity to adapt my life in response to the ever-evolving world around us.

It helps to remind oneself that everything in life is a choice. I have chosen to embrace the change and be constructive in my approach - because what’s the alternative…

Here are a few lessons I have learnt this week:

Doing daily mobility and physio exercises make you feel healthy both psychologically and physically.
Bodyweight/plyometric based strength workouts can be just as taxing as gym-based sessions – if you don’t believe me try Soraya’s Core/Plyo “S&C Live” session, I felt like I’d run a marathon the next day!
Land-based "swimming" might be harder than normal swimming - RIP Arms. I am looking forward to seeing whether going back to basics, breaking down the stroke and working on dryland form translates into improved technique in the pool.
I am yet to figure out the virtual world of Zwift, hopefully, perseverance pays off in this situation and by the end of the lockdown, I might be less of a technophobe and have a few more virtual strings to my bow.
With a new life comes new challenges, it feels fun to be challenged in an "alternative" way again. I feel a bit like I am studying for vet school finals again - being locked up in the flat with only myself for company. It prompts you to develop strategies to maintain efficiency and effective time management. Eg. Small exercise breaks throughout the day, limit social media use, sticking to a waking/sleeping routine.
My number one challenge is avoiding restriction and compulsive behaviours. Being surrounded by an unstable world is challenging my recovery (orthorexic/anorexic behaviours of the past) but something I think I'm strong enough to cope with right now! Game on brain…
Training smarter is more important than training harder right now, I feel more in tune with my body and know when I need to rest (even if sometimes I try to trick myself/ignore my own advice - now is not the time to ignore!)
Psychological stress can have as big an impact on your body as physical stress - monitoring Heart rate variability (HRV) is a good way to monitor this and know when your body needs a little less stress.

I really feel as though the current situation is really making us slow down and think about our core values and our "why's" in the world of triathlon (or whatever other hobbies you might have) - it is helping me to develop habits and routines that I (think/hope) I will carry forward beyond this pandemic.

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.

Tri Training HarderMarch 31, 2020Coached Athlete, Covid-19, TrainingComment

Can you avoid drafting in triathlons? Navigating Reality and Making the Most of Your Race

In this latest article, Coach José explores how drafting is a part of the sport, why there are drafting rules, what to do if you find yourself stuck amongst the drafting group, and how to ensure you race with integrity.

What Makes Tri Training Harder's Athlete Network Special?

In this article, we explore Tri Training Harder’s community-driven approach and how building a supportive and inclusive athlete network fosters success. Featuring stories from Tri Training Harder community members, the article highlights how collaboration and shared knowledge positively impact athletes, emphasising the value of a collective, inclusive environment for athletes of all levels.

Why should you Integrate Physiotherapy and Nutrition into Endurance Training

This article explores the science behind endurance training, focusing on the crucial roles of physiotherapy and nutrition. With insights from Tri Training Harder’s expert partners, including physiotherapists and nutritionists, we highlight how their expertise is integrated into training plans to enhance athlete performance and prevent injury, underscoring the importance of a well-rounded approach to endurance training.

What is The Power of Holistic Endurance Coaching?

This article delves into the power of holistic coaching, emphasising our comprehensive approach that goes beyond just a training plan. By incorporating mental, physical, and emotional support, this coaching strategy has helped athletes thrive. Testimonials from current athletes highlight the significant benefits of this well-rounded methodology, reinforcing the importance of a holistic approach to coaching.

How can you Balance Endurance Training with a Busy Life: Tips from Tri Training Harder

This article explores practical strategies for balancing endurance training with a busy lifestyle. Drawing on insights from TTH coaches, the article offers advice on effective time management, prioritising workouts, and finding the right balance between triathlon training, work commitments, and personal life.

How is fear transmitted amongst athletes before an endurance event?

At some recent events, we have overheard athletes talking about their concerns and have been intrigued by how their fears have rippled out. In this latest article, Coach Philip explores how fear is spread and how it can impact athletes. More importantly, he also identifies how athletes can mitigate this group-social effect and rise above this group phenomenon.

What happens to my swim speed in open water

For most triathletes the majority of their swim training is done in a swimming pool. While this allows for the athlete to spend time on drills, technique and speed work, most triathlons involve a swim in open water. In this article Coach Denise looks at what impacts your speed when moving from the pool into open water.

What should you wear for a cold triathlon?

Although racing in the UK has many perks, one downside is that we don’t usually get the excessive heat that some of our European and US friends are accustomed to racing in. In this article, Coach Philip explores some top tips for racing in the cold.

Warming up for the swim, on the land

The first leg of any triathlon event is the swim, but how can you make sure that you are ready to race from the starting hooter? In some events it is possible to get into the water for a quick few minutes recce, but this is often not an option. In this blog Coach Denise takes a look at how you can get ready to race from the moment you enter the water.

Getting into cold water – acclimatising and having fun

At the start of race season, as thoughts turn to open water swims, one of the key considerations is, just how do you swim comfortably in cold water. In this article Coach Denise uses her extensive experience of swimming in Scotland to look at how best to make the transition from the pool to outside, helping you to have the best swim leg you can.

Planning to fuel or fuelling to plan?

Every year, nutrition and its strategies take centre stage in our conversations with athletes. It's a subject that sparks genuine curiosity and interest. Yet, the challenge lies in translating this knowledge into effective race strategies. Coach Philip delves into some common pitfalls in nutrition strategy, emphasising the potential for significant performance improvements.

Why is a Warm-up Important?

We all know warm-ups are important, but when it comes to racing, we tend to do things differently than in training. Coach Philip explores why the warm-up is important.

How should you categorise your races through the season?

Athletes often categorise their races. In this article, Coach Philip outlines how athletes can use a category to help adjust their mindsets before the event.

Evolving through Coronavirus – Coached Athlete Rebecca's Insights

We’re here to help

Read the latest content from Tri Training Harder Coaching

Sign up to receive the latest news and updates from Tri Training Harder

Believe. Strive. Achieve.