Triathlon training burnout is real. Whether you’re in the beginning, middle, or end of your triathlon training schedule, feeling physically and mentally burnt out can happen. How do you know you’re experiencing training burnout? If you’re feeling off during your training schedule and maybe not hitting the marks like you normally do, you’re most likely experiencing training burnout. Triathlon training can start to feel like a burden, a chore, or a pointless endeavor. One skipped workout can lead to more, and the rut spills over into other areas of life.
Burnout isn’t fun. In that moment, you may feel like you’re in a rut that you can’t climb out of. The good news is that burnout doesn’t have to last. Even the smallest of changes to your routine can generate big results for body and mind, which will help you finish the rest of the triathlon training feeling strong, healthy, and happy.
Take a look at these 5 ways to conquer training burnout:
1. Reevaluate Your Goals
Are you physically and mentally ready to tackle your upcoming race? If your goals don’t resonate with you, motivation will be hard to find. Take a step back, look at where you are and where you need to be and see what needs to be done to move forward and have the best race possible.
2. Take Time Off
If you’ve taken a step back and realized that you’re not in the best place, it may be time to take a pause in your training. A brief pause isn’t a bad thing. Time away from structured training can serve as a reset button. Find other, less structured ways to stay active. Instead of following your training schedule you can do things like going for a walk, hike, yoga, or swim just to swim for fun.
3. Get More/Better Quality Sleep
The less sleep you get, the more irritable you’re likely to be. Getting enough sleep and good quality sleep is critical for success in athletes. A deficit of sleep also means a deficit in recovery. It’s a vicious cycle that can be quite harmful to your physical and mental health. Shoot for 8 hours of sleep. Put your phone away from your bed and do something relaxing like listening to sleep meditation.
4. Check Your Diet
Are you eating enough? Are you getting the nutrients you need in order to train? Chronic caloric or macronutrient deficit can cause you to feel sluggish, weak, and emotional. Make sure you’re eating often, and try to grab something that is going to deliver fuel for your body and training efforts.
5. Talk to Your Coach/A Friend
Sometimes we just need to vent. Sometimes we can’t see what’s causing problems in our life. Reaching out to your coach or a friend can help by allowing an outside perspective to offer advice to help you conquer burnout and move forward in race training.
As with so many things in life, burnout can happen. Whether you’re training for your first or fiftieth triathlon, burnout can occur with such a rigorous training schedule. If you’re feeling out of sorts, take a step back in your training. Look at where you are, how you’re feeling, and what small steps you can take to help you get back on track.
Looking for more ways to conquer your training schedule so you’re physically and mentally prepared for race day? Contact me today to set up a free coaching consultation!
Train Right, Tri Right!
Coach MJ
