One of the first things you will hear me say as a coach is the goal is to get you to the starting line healthy. Triathlon is unique in that you train for three disciplines, all requiring different muscles, and in different ways. If these disciplines don’t compliment each other during your training, the result increases your chance for injury.

I like to use the saying “more doesn’t necessary mean better.” Even I (early in my career), fell victim to thinking “more was better.” I would seek for evidence in my training constantly that I was improving in all three areas (not a bad thing to do, but I mean in every workout – that’s not good). 80 minutes was better than 60, right? 30 minutes of tempo was better than 15, right?

So, how does a triathlete prevent injury? Number one... LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!!!

• Use progression in your training. Start small in all three areas: frequency, volume, and intensity. When the time comes, build in this order: frequency, volume, and lastly intensity. Here is a common error: TOO MUCH, TOO SOON. Don’t let it happen to you.
  
• Provide your body with nutritious food. Remember, food=fuel. That fuel is what keeps you going, and going with correct technique.
  
• Make improving your flexibility and core strength your 4th discipline of triathlon. The longer you are able to maintain proper form in any of the three areas of triathlon, the less likely you are of getting injured.
  
• Keep a journal and be specific on how you feel during sessions (i.e. During my 45’ run…at about min 30 I felt a tightening sensation in my left hamstring. I tried to fight through it, but is lasted throughout the final 15’). Notice…I listed the time, the location, and the feeling associated with the injury.
  
• REST during your training. Your body needs time to heal itself. If you continuously stress your system, eventually it will fight back... meaning you suffer an injury. Strive to take one day off once a week, or one every two weeks. Also, make sleep a priority. Do me a favor…if you made it this far, read this last one again!

Happy Training…and Train Smart, Listen to you Body!