I've been doing triathlon long enough now to develop a few vices. Some of them worse than others. No matter how hard I try to eliminate my bad habits, it seems I still go wrong somewhere. Here goes my top 10:
1. Not paying attention to nutrition and getting caught up in speed, pace, conversation, and sometimes competition.
2. Rushing out the door on long bike/run days without eating a sufficient breakfast.
3. Skipping lifting 2x a week
4. Neglecting fluid intake on cold days.
5. Opting out of the swim cool down.
6. Kicking with fins when I'm not supposed to.
7. Pulling in the pool when I'm not supposed to.
8. Forgetting post workout nutrition.
9. Hitting the snooze button too many times.
10. Eating dessert because I feel entitled on those long days.
This weekend I made the extra effort to get up early enough Saturday to eat breakfast before my 50 mile bike, 30 min run, and 3000 m swim (vice #2). I knew it was going to be a long morning and I needed a full tank before heading out.
Around mile 40 or so I felt my neck cramping up and a massive headache coming on. Despite my frustration with my physical state, it all made sense when I looked down at my water bottle cage. For the past 2 hours I had taken in less than bottle of my Heed/Sustained energy combo. Dummy! Mental note: you are DEHYDRATED! There was some construction on my usual route and I had to detour a few times. I guess I just got thrown off track. After sucking down some fluid before my run and swim, I felt better within minutes.
Despite my mistakes, it was an amazing workout day with beautiful views of the swamp lands...
And warm enough for shorts on the run.....
Maybe some day I will get it right! I feel like I shouldn't be making these silly mistakes anymore. Am I the only one? What is your triathlon vice?
