Crutches or Aids?

Before I started training for triathlons three years and three months ago, I probably would have sniffed disdainfully at people who use bike trainers, swim fins, pool buoys, treadmills, and the like. I’d have thought they were cheating or at least using crutches. They weren’t being “pure” about their sport. What a crock!

By now I’ve found out that, during training, any aid that keeps you moving toward your goal is not only legal but also highly to be desired. You just don’t race with any assistive devices (unless you’re in a special wave of paratriathletes or something like that).

I’ve also learned that many professional and elite amateur athletes do the majority of their training indoors using pools, bike trainers, and treadmills, especially in the winter or in the heat of the noon-day sun. They train just enough outdoors that the change in environment doesn’t throw them off their stride, so to speak.

Indoor training provides several benefits over outdoor training, including privacy when you’re having a less than stellar day. Who needs to see your grimaces, curses, and tears anyway? In your own house, it’s easy to hide the ugly truth, but even in a gym, not many people watch you. Of course, I’m not young and sexy enough to watch, so consider the source.

Another advantage of indoor training is using videos or music to get you over the humdrum routine and to stay motivated. Also, you’re never far from a bathroom or a source of water, so it doesn’t take as much planning to train indoors. It’s probably safer, too.

Although I much prefer to train outdoors, I’m already trying to psych myself up for next winter, typically a low point in my motivation and my training. I hope I never again take the winter off until I’m ready to stop racing. The come-back is just too danged hard!

Despite having to take a nap today, I think I’m just about over the congestion difficulties of the past few days. Just in time. I have running practice tomorrow night and a speaking engagement on Wednesday. Thursday calls for my practice aquathlon before the Danskin on Sunday. Should be a busy and interesting week.

Training log: 1.5 miles of running and 1.5 miles of walking.
Motivation log: Ran to Zilker Park, rang a cowbell for friends racing the Capital of Texas Triathlon, and walked home. It’s inspirational to see others fighting through obvious problems and not quitting.