10 Years of Tri Training Harder
10 years ago the idea of Tri Training Harder was officially realised and now, founder Philip Hatzis looks back on what he has learned and what he wants to continue working on going forwards.
July 2020 signifies ten years since Tri Training Harder was born. It has been quite a roller coaster ride, one which is reflective of many small businesses. As I look back on ten years of TTH, I can’t help but do so with the smile of a battle-scarred warrior; we have seen a heck of a lot. When I first started the business, mentally, I had said, it would be an enjoyable experience instead of an MBA or equivalent (whilst allowing me to follow my passion for training!).
This reflection highlights the growth I have experienced, learning from the mistakes, celebrating the successes and finding enjoyment in what has been my self-made career to date.
Here are a few highlights of the last ten years:
Travel: I have been lucky enough to have travelled to numerous amazing countries around the globe and visited some of the most exciting corners of the British Isles all because of the sport of triathlon.
Successes: I have coached medal-winners and world champions and got people through their first-ever triathlon or IRONMAN; such achievements will stay with me forever, always shared so thank you.
Business Partnerships: We have partnered with the biggest companies in the sport (IRONMAN), and we have worked with two of the biggest names in the sport (The Brownlees). We have equally helped the newest coaches, businesses and athletes find their way through the sport too. We have enjoyed working with all areas of sport from grass roots to the most experienced.
Tragedy: We have worked through the tragic death of one of our team athletes which shook our community to the core but ultimately made us closer and more aware of the fragility of life.
New relationships: We have met an endless list of fantastic people. Every one of which has enthused and inspired us. All of the TTH athletes and their friends are our family. We are always thrilled to see you racing in red, white and blue at events and anyone who has been on our training camps is one of us.
Pandemic: We couldn’t omit the C-word! We have and continue to face the unknown of a global pandemic and try and carve the best way forwards that we can. We will adapt to overcome.
Each point above offered challenges in their own right: leadership, business, science, soft skills and many more. All of which I learned along the way. But what did I learn that is useful or valuable to other people? A lot of my learning points are quite specific, but how can I use them and offer something that can be used by others.
What advice would I give myself ten years ago?
Of course, anyone ten years your senior will undoubtedly tell you that there are a whole load of simple fixes that hindsight can help solve immediately. You should have invested here, or you shouldn’t have done that training run now you are injured are a couple of simple examples. However, I want to offer some points that anyone can use and importantly, I can apply to the next ten years of TTH. I tried to find learning points that I can take forward for my personal, coaching and business life.
Looking back what advice would I give myself now to carry forwards? Here are my ten pieces of advice for ten years - my 10 for 10:
The only guarantee in life is that it is unpredictable – out of the unpredictability comes challenges or obstructions, and out of those challenges come opportunities. Plan for the unpredictability and roll with the opportunities.
For the most part, triathletes are genuinely decent people and fascinating too. The camaraderie and kindness are often unlike any other sport and it is this that makes this small industry truly special to be part of. Coaching can be disconnected but everyone stands to gain more by working together than trying to be competitive. Embrace collaboration.
Knowing your values are critical to making decisions that you can live with and keep your moral compass facing north. Live a value-orientated life.
Leadership matters - make sure everyone is aligned before you start anything. If they aren’t, objectives won’t be met. Recognise that authority can be delegated, but responsibility can’t. Bring out the best in the people around you and always serve yourself last.
In coaching, you do impact people’s lives, and that is so very rewarding. Always remember you are working with people’s dreams, treat them as delicately as you would your own.
Tough times don’t build character; they reveal it.
An adjusted Pareto’s principle: without the 80% ‘things’ don’t happen but without the 20%, ‘things’ aren’t finished. Finish the 20%!
In all aspects of life, you have to be able to look up in order to objectively see where you are going. Otherwise, you end up being too busy to see the destination you are trying to go. Have the headspace always to know where things are going.
The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing – identify what your main thing is and stick to it
Love what you do, then hold on to it. Be passionate in everything you do – you only have one life: live it.
Perhaps this is a little cliché, but maybe it does just boil down to three simple words: Believe. Strive. Achieve.
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.