It has been a bloody tough year but if your life revolves around the running or triathlon calendar it has been particularly tough.

Especially for you pros out there who rely on this for your income. 

This has tested athletes resilience and mental health. It is important to know that you aren’t alone. 

So how do you approach this year when you don’t really know when the next race is and when those that are scheduled get cancelled? I took to asking 5 professional triathletes we look after to see if they could give us some tips on staying sane or how they are trying tot use some of this time more wisely.

Here are some of their top tips for getting through this period:

Get strong and rehab or prehab a potential injury! 

The single most effective adjunct you have to avoiding injuries in the lead up to a race is your strength. Now is the perfect time to dedicate 3 months to a solid strength program without having to worry about tapering, missing out on training sessions and training with leg DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) 

Journaling to figure out where your stress or anxiety is from

Sitting down alone with a notebook and writing can be a great way to figure out why you are stressed or anxious. Is there something triggering it? Is there something you can do to get rid of that feeling

Show some gratitude

Reflecting on why you are a runner or triathlete is important. The camaraderie with your group, the banter. It’s more than just racing. It’s a lifestyle! Be grateful for that aspect. This can really help you keep sane.

 

Try another sport to keep you fit

With no pressure and no tapering you can keep your fitness up by trying something new. For example have you ever given mountain biking a go? It’s the perfect time to go out and have a go. What about trail running as something different to a half or full marathon. How about surfing? 

What about Pilates or Yoga? I know I've harassed a lot of you to add it. Why not give it a go. IT MAY ACTUALLY WORK!!

Try Meditation

Now you may be having a sleep in without the pressure of a race. How about starting the day with 5 or 10 minutes of meditation. This can help calm down any anxiety you have about the unknown. Simply download the app Headspace or Calm and just press play. 

Set a goal to do 5 -10 mins of meditation every morning

Avoid Clickbait Articles on websites and facebook

Websites earn dollars by the amount of clicks they get. The more sensationalist the headline the more you want to click. Start doing this a few times a day and you will be a nervous wreck. If you are compulsive (you are a triathlete) then commit to looking maximum twice per day. Check on websites like W.H.O that have facts without all the drama and avoid SMH! and the Telegraph! 

Work on your weakness or a specific discipline and enjoy not having to taper

You now have the chance to improve your swimming technique, or try and increase your run cadence without the added pressure of a race. Build in a huge fitness block without having to worry about tapering. This could potentially turn your weakness into your strength and when races are back you could be better than ever

Just don’t waste this time. Look back at this time and be proud you didn’t waste this opportunity to become a better athlete or just have some fun with something else that keeps you active.

But … you know when racing starts again, when everyone is fully amped to be finally doing it, you will be there and the energy will be insane - and you will remember why you do, what you do!

Shout out to Laura B, POD, Justin, Todd and Steve for the help in writing this. I look forward to seeing you guys crush it in the first race after Covid.