Triathlon training and goals

As triathletes our focus is always on gaining speed. How can we get faster, better, stronger? It makes sense. After all we're training hard for a race and want to see results.

What if instead of always focusing on tougher, harder training sessions we shift our outlook? Let me suggest that there is more to being a triathlete than an intense training session. 

For myself because of my health, I don't see much in terms of gaining speed. It can be...annoying to put it nicely. So I've readjusted my focus and taken a look at my stats to see what I can improve instead of looking at what doesn't (& may never) improve. Let me share what I'm improving upon. You can take part in it too. 

Swim: 

•  Stroke rate. Mine is lower than I want & lower than it should be.
  FYI - In hip driven swimming, which is what I believe is best for triathlon, the stroke rate will be lower than shoulder driven, which can be 70-90 strokes per minute. I'm working with my tempo trainer to increase stroke rate.
• Balance. My balance is way better than it used to be. But I'm not satisfied with it & know I can improve.
• Head position. Again, it's not bad, per se. But I find myself sometimes moving my head or lifting it up a bit more than I want. So, down it goes & that's definitely something that can improve.

  

  What a great place to train!

Bike: 

• SLD. Single leg drills on trainer for full use of pedal stroke. 
• Pedaling. Focusing on quick, even pressure of pedal during rides & especially on hills 
• Less is more. For me, guilt free less cycling because I don't enjoy the pain. My scoliosis & cycling don't like each other.

Run:

• Ground contact time (GCT). It's too high! I've actually been having fun working on quicker, lighter steps.
• Cadence. My legs tend to want to go slow. Kind of goes along with GCT.
• Form. My form is good, but by paying very close attention to it as I run, I can tweak for the absolute best technique.
• Hills. Short quick hills to build fitness but not to tire me out.

Strength: 

• Heavier weight less reps. This is fun, which motivates me to do it!
• More sets on days I feel good. On days I'm not feeling well, still do it but less. Keeps things consistent.
• A third day on appropriate weeks. Which I'm loving!

Many of these have stats attached to them that I can clearly see progress on. 

My challenge for you is to instead of feeling discouraged about your progress, shift your focus and keep moving. You will see results, you might even find a renewed love of the sport!