Why not slowing down is the new speeding up

​By Head Coach - Scott Farrell
If you’re confused by that statement then you haven’t yet felt the wrath of the piano on your back making sure you can’t possibly go any faster towards that finish line. If you’re with me… then you should be working hard on what I’m about to tell you.

When thinking about racing a triathlon, we get so preoccupied with the need for speed and pushing harder and faster. Don’t get me wrong… this is a big part of it too. But the real secret to finishing a race well and knocking over killer performances, is the ability to not slow down. Easier said than done right!? Yep, pretty much. When it comes to an endurance sport like triathlon, there’s no getting around the hard work over long periods of time and if you haven’t done the work, you’ll meet my friend the piano with a side of green room at some stage and that’s a guarantee.
 
So, how do we get to the point where we ‘don’t slow down’? Good question. Let’s break it down into some key fundamentals:
 

1. Core strength: you need it and you need it bad. If your core is weak, how do you expect to maintain that robotic form and power to the finish line. Think of your core like the trunk of a tree. If the trunk is weak the tree topples over in the wind, especially if it has been held up with a stake or tied back with a piece of rope. A tree that has done the work over the years and braved the conditions will withstand the harshest conditions and stand strong. Like you, if you put in the work and create a stable, mobile core ‘trunk’ it’ll take a lot more to stop you in your tracks. Hence, you won’t be running like an old man with 10k to go in your next Ironman.
2. Time: real strength takes years to accumulate. Your biggest weapon in the game of triathlon is consistency over a long period of time (many years).
3. Consistency: Coupled with old mate time over here, those of you with the patience to stick it out consistently for many years and resist the urge to flog your body too much early on, will be repaid with true ‘old man strength’… you know what I’m talking about, it’s unwavering.
4. Mental game: the ability to keep going whether it be in training or on race day is helped or hindered greatly by what’s going on between your ears. Succumb to the waves of negative thoughts that batter you from all sides and you’re a goner. Accept the fact it’s hard and often unpleasant and roll with it. Remember your why! You and all those people around you sacrificed a lot for you to be where you are today so put your big person pants on and get it done. Smile and enjoy the ride.

 
So there you have it folks, a simple, albeit short recipe for not slowing down- it’s not sexy by any means but the real stuff never is. A combination of the right motivation, a mighty strong core, a focused, positive mind, years if consistency and a good coach ;-) will take you to where you want to be. My suggestion would be to start with a good foundation by working on your trunk. Build a solid core and work out from there, one session, one day at a time.

 Scotty