The teacher becomes the student

Sugarland Triathlon - June 2014

While chatting with friends after the triathlon yesterday, I was asked, "What have you changed that has made you more successful this season?"

After thinking about it, I decided it was a specific workout that changed my perspective about my ability as an athlete. I always felt limited in my run pace, able to hang with the fast chicks for the swim/bike then I would lose it on the run.

I did a workout with one of my athletes, Steve, that included a 40 mile bike ride followed by a 3 mile run. Although I started the run saying that we were going to run "my" pace, Steve just started running his pace. When I mentioned that we were going faster than "my" pace, Steve said "let's see how long you can hang...get uncomfortable coach!" It was a common phrase that I use when training clients; that to make change, you have to get uncomfortable. Part of my success on that run was the motivation Steve gave me, the other part was pure pride that I wasn't going to quit. That day we ran 3 miles at an 8:30 average pace per mile, faster than I had ever run any distance.

Since that day, I have not been able to replicate that speed in a single training session. My race pace has improved. I haven't changed my regular training sessions, but I have changed my perspective. I know that I'm capable of faster speeds. I know that it means I have to be uncomfortable. I know that what was once considered uncomfortable, has changed.

So my message to those that can't seem to overcome the challenge is to get uncomfortable. If it doesn't work, re-evaluate if you were "really" uncomfortable.