The Triathlon Optimist

One of the most important things I did when I decided to take control of my weight and fitness was establish a set of goals. I had written down a few things I wanted to accomplish and a high level plan. My initial goal was to drop my weight to 205 lbs and my plan was to go to the gym three times a week. Sounds simple enough but it set me down the path to achieve much more than I initially thought was possible.
As I progressed towards my goal I was able to evaluate my progress and make changes to my plan. When I achieved a goal I was able to establish new ones. I still follow this simple process now. Why change what works?
Goals and a plan can be a great tool if you have the drive and commitment to execute them. That is why it is even more important to set realistic goals for yourself. When considering your goals you should evaluate your time available to achieve them. There are many factors that can prevent you from achieving your goals and it can be difficult to separate them from excuses.
I am very fortunate that I found the sport of triathlon. As my fitness progressed and my weight loss was no longer a focus I can now work on improving my skills and speed in the sport. I can tell you there are a few goals in there! If your goals are tied to something you enjoy or are highly motivated to do then there is no stopping you!

Here are a few good resources that may help you in establishing achievable goals:

Setting Realistic Fitness Goals

Setting Fitness Goals & Personal Training Budget

Setting Triathlon Season Goals

Best of luck in all of your goals and aspirations. Be an optimist, you can do it!

Howie-
Tom one of the biggest fears I hear about all the time is about open water swimming. What are some basic things a first timer can do to prepare for their first race in open water?

Tom-
Here are basic things a newcomer to open water swimming needs to do:

• If you become serious about this sport hire a coach.
• Become efficient by swimming in a pool during the off season, primarily working on drills, and stroke form.
• Practice breathing techniques, such as exhaling all air while head is in the water.
• Find a group that does open water swimming in your area.
• Attend open water swim clinics.
• Once you start swimming regularly, with a group, practice sighting by counting strokes, don’t sight too often, 5 to 10 strokes per sight will work.
• During the race season, swim at least two times a week in open water.
• Purchase a triathlon wetsuit, one of the best investments you can make when getting into triathlons.

Tom Manzi is a certified USA Triathlon, Level II Coach, and is presently the Director of Coaching for Joe Friel’s Ultrafit Associates. His coaching emphasis in the last ten years has focused on multisport endurance athletes ranging from novice triathletes and duathletes to elite amateur and professional athletes. Tom’s mission is to inspire and energize his athletes to meet their personal goals and have fun while doing it. Goals for his clients range from improving overall fitness to the attainment of the top five places in both professional and elite categories of national and world championships. Contact Tom via email at tmanzi@trainingbible.com or call 732-892-3501.

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