5 Things All Successful Triathletes Do

Written by
Carrie Barrett
Some triathletes make it look so easy. We often think the path to success is paved exclusively around training hours. The more the better, right? If this pro trains 30 hours a week, that must be the path to success!

Not exactly. Bear in mind that an accumulation of training hours is only one piece of success, and more is not always better. Being a successful triathlete isn't wholly determined by how much you train or where you place on the podium. Being a successful triathlete is more of a lifestyle and these five things are some successful triathlete practices.
They Get Real
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Don't let the pros fool you. Achieving racing success is not easy—even though there are some people out there who always seem to make it look that way. Successful triathletes set realistic goals with each event and invest both mental and physical energy towards the achievement of those goals. They equip themselves with an arsenal of effort, patience and persistence because they know the journey can sometimes be long and difficult, but they embrace and love it anyways. There is a joy that comes out of the challenge of race day, and successful triathletes embrace that challenge because they see their progress and the progression in the sport.
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Your Next Triathlon
They Believe in Being THEIR Best, Rather Than Being THE Best
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Successful triathletes lean into what works for them, and they understand that performance comes from within. They also know that no matter what there is always room from improvement. It's like squeezing the last bit of toothpaste out of the tube. Just when you think it's empty, you squeeze out just a little more. However, to do this you must first believe in your innate ability to do so. Sometimes it involves a different technique, strategy or even a different coach. It may also involve learning a new skill altogether. Yourbehavior patterns and abilities are not set in stone but may sometimes need a new perspective. For instance, many athletes find that embarking on a new yoga regime or a dietary change may actually improve their athletic abilities. Your behaviors and abilities can change with the right motivating factors if you believe they can.
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They Build Consistency With Small Sustainable Changes
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Since I mentioned toothpaste earlier, I'll stick with the theme. Do you think about brushing your teeth? Is it something you dwell upon and dread at least two times per day? No. Of course not. This certainly wasn't the case when you were a child and you went kicking and screaming to the sink, but it's no big deal now because it's become a consistent habit. And guess what: It makes you feel good! Without a doubt, the biggest way to create success is to create consistency by making small behavioral changes. Consistency and willpower may as well be a muscle group. The more you use them, the stronger they become.

It's also important to note that success is built on small, sustainable changes. How many athletes do you know who go straight to extremes like, "I'm going to cut ALL sugar out of my diet forever," "I'm going to run every day for a year," or "I'm going to become totally paleo and gluten-free." Truth is, these conditions are hardly sustainable and very difficult to maintain on a consistent basis. While I don't discount the health benefits to all of the above, I recommend small changes at first. When those become second nature, add in new challenges.
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Your Next Triathlon
They Hang out With Good Apples
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Successful triathletes surround themselves with positive energy and other successful people. They have a trusted inner circle of friends, coaches and other healthcare professionals. There is a quote that says, "Surround yourself with people who support your dreams." It may sound a little selfish, but if we all did that, we'd be much happier and more affirmed triathletes. To create success, you have to feel it. Find those people and groups that support your goals. Eradicate as much negativity from your life as you possibly can. The five people closest to you can have the biggest impact on your success. Choose them wisely.
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They Have Grit
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What a great word! Grit. Anyone who wants to take charge of their own destiny must have grit and stamina. In the same way it takes guts and thick skin to start a business, it takes similar resolve to become a successful triathlete. Fear of failure can be stifling. There will always be naysayers, and there will always be self-doubt. However, you must commit to longterm goals and hold firm in the face of challenges and difficulty. Your training and race plans rarely go exactly as planned, and it takes guts to get through life's curveballs and detours. Success is built upon the fortitude to see it through and stick it out.
Find:
Your Next Triathlon
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Find:
Your Next Triathlon