TOP 10 LESSONS LEARNED - FROM THE MUSSELMAN TRIATHLON 2017
A couple of weeks ago a group of 15 Team Triumphers went to the Musselman Triathlon in Geneva, New York. After the race, we had a debrief on our successes, challenges and lessons learned. Here is the list of our lessons learned. Feel free to share it with your fellow triathletes!
1) Always ride your bike before your race. If your gears got messed up in transportation, that's a long 90km with messed up gears!
2) When it's HOT outside, take a dip in the lake then keep your core temperature down by waiting to put on your wetsuit, keeping it up only half way and then only put your swim cap on just before you go in.
3) Learn how to change a flat with a CO2 cartridge and be familiar with your pump.
4) Always confirm the distances of the race so you can pace yourself accordingly.
5) Work on speedy transitions, it can make the difference of getting on the podium.
6) Practice your nutrition in training and don't try a new product from an aid station.
7) To train for your 1st Half Ironman, you need at least 6 months.
8) DO your long bricks in training before the race. They prepare you physically and mentally for the real thing.
9) If it's a flat course, be sure to put on aerobars, they save loads of time.
10) When things go wrong stay positive, keep smiling and don't quit unless you're in pain....no matter what.
I have added number 11 having just found out some really happy news......!
11) Learn CPR and recert every year. You might just save a life during the race!
A year ago I could only tread water and had not run since childhood. With the amazing Virtual Olympic course, support, guidance, and tips from of all the folks at Team Triumph I've ended the season with my first Olympic distance triathlon under my belt and am hooked! Really looking forward to the 2025 season and even to the hard work over the winter to prepare. Karen Houle
I wanted to let you know that the Perth triathlon was a great experience, I somehow placed third in my age group! What a supportive group of participants (including Team Triumph athletes), cheering bystanders and volunteers.
Thanks to your swim lessons, I learned the technical basics and gained confidence to get back in the pool after decades. And it was really special doing this with Ann Laidlaw, my bestie for many years. We did a couple of additional swims with Kevin and Team Triumph people, also a great way to continue learning and practicing good technical form.
I will continue with lane swimming and who knows, maybe there's another triathlon in my future!
I love the accountability and the structure of the Virtual 70.3 Half Ironman training program. I don't think I would have gotten this far without the program. The accountability is huge for me!
Deborah Jackman