ASK THE DON
Tim, I’ve watched your career grow, but what are the key lessons you’ve learnt from your many years in triathlon that you can pass on to us age-groupers?
AThe biggest thing is to listen to your body. It’s way smarter than your coach and even Training Peaks. If you’re tired, stiff or sore and feel a niggle or injury coming, just stop. Don’t be a ‘hero’ and push on till your body really breaks down because then – mentally as well as physically – everything goes out the window.
Enjoy the process; embrace the journey and ensure it’s fun along the way. Triathlon isn’t life or death. Racing can be tense; in fact, in my career tension’s been so high in the build-up to an event that it could destroy you. Beijing Olympics, 2008. Man I was in the zone. So focused, so ready to rumble. Unfortunately, I got food poisoning three days before the race, lost over 3kg (at 64kg) and got lapped on the bike. Looking back, it took me about 18 months to get over that and I just resented all my commitment and unnecessary sacrifices. Now I have that drive, that passion, for a race-day performance like never before, but it’s with balance as well as purpose.
Never give up on race day or in training. Triathlon is about your performance not your competitors’. Turn that focus inward and see what you can do with what you have on that day, whether it’s a cold, dark winter’s eve when you’re on your own bashing a run set out or at Kona in October (well, not 2020). It’s not easy and boy there can be some crazy lows on the way, but I’ve learnt that it’s all worth it.
My best race wasn’t when I won a world title or went 7:40:23 sec an Ironman but in Kona 2018 with my family at the finish. I came in 39th 12 months after breaking my neck. That was an epic journey for my family. The sport of triathlon saved me that year with all of your support as well. Just remember: train hard, race easy.