Words By: Trace Rogers
After the tragic death of a triathlete last month, the newspaper headlines read: “Triathlete dies on tough course”; this headline was inaccurate. Describing the Mamzar venue as a “tough” course is a lot like describing Mary Poppins as a serial killer. What the newspaper article did however demonstrate brilliantly, was just how little understanding there is of this sport. In order for participants to be able to fully grasp the sport, I believe that we should all go through a rite of passage.
Here is what I suggest:
Volunteer at an event. A colleague of mine was telling me that in Australia, in order to qualify as a rally driver, you first need to prove that you have spent time working on previous rallies. The same should be par for the course where Triathlon is concerned. By volunteering, I don’t mean arriving at the venue on the day to wave a flag around for a few hours. I mean spending days (many times much longer) working on the logistics of making races safe and fair. This would help participants appreciate the work and consideration that goes into doing something as “small” as a sprint distance triathlon.
Go longer with time – not peer pressure. When Googling the word “endurance” here are the two definitions that present themselves:
- The ability to endure an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way.
- The capacity of something to last or to withstand wear and tear.
I have noticed a subculture worming its way into this beautiful sport. This subculture approaches Triathlon in the same manner that one would a CrossFit class – go hard or go home. This sport has no place for that mentality. Time needs to be taken to learn to “endure” the difficult process of the sport and to have the capacity to withstand wear and tear. Accept that recovery is an integral part of Triathlon.
Follow a training plan. Whether choosing to work with a coach or download a plan from the internet, it is important that whatever training is done it has to satisfy the following requirements: it always has a specific purpose; it allows for the safe progression of the athlete; allows sufficient recovery time and ensure that the athlete is race ready on the day.
Triathlon is a way of life and should therefore be a healthy and happy one. It does not matter how old or young you are, anyone can participate in this beautiful sport and I would encourage them to. Take to it but take to it easy. If the path is walked in wisdom, you won’t need to tell your grandchildren about your days as a triathlete. You can show them.
