Triathlon requires its athletes to be in top condition months before the actual competition. And in any sport, preparation and discipline are two of the keys to success. It is important for triathletes to know exactly what they need to do to prepare themselves for this strength and endurance sport.
These are the top five important things a triathlete should keep in mind when preparing for a triathlon event.
Sync the Body and Mind
The body and mind should be in sync. Proper strength and conditioning must be done on a regular basis to allow the body to achieve its full potential. Proper techniques should be applied as well, such as how to optimize one’s energy, how to avoid getting an injury, and how injury should be treated. Aside from training and exercises, the mind should also be conditioned for the game. The athlete should feel motivated to win.
Preparing the mind and body will not only help the athlete finish the race, but also increase his chances of getting to the finish line first.
More Carbs and Protein
Just three days before the triathlon event, you need to consume more protein and carb-rich foods. This gives your body the energy it needs for the sport. On a daily basis, a triathlete should have 1.4 to 1.8 grams of protein per kilogram of his own weight. It’s essential to avoid foods or ingredients that cause inflammation such as refined sugars, sources of saturated fats and trans fats, and alcohol. In this regard, it is highly recommended to consume more anti-inflammatory foods like fruits and vegetables and fish.
Proper Supplements
Triathlon demands an enormous amount of energy from athletes and taking proper supplements will definitely help in preparing the body for the sport. Supplements are as necessary as the pre-race preparation. Protein supplements in particular promote muscle build-up. Muscles enhance body strength needed for a strenuous sport like triathlon so that the athlete can endure this physically demanding sport.
Bromelain is another recommended supplement for triathletes. This enzyme, which is found in pineapples, helps the body digest protein, treat indigestion, and reduce inflammation.
No to Sugar and Fats
Foods rich in sugar and fat should not be in your diet. French fries, hamburger, and almost all other processed foods are rich in saturated fat. Saturated fat can do more harm than good to one’s body. Having them in your body will sabotage your strength and conditioning, contradicting the effect of the protein supplement. Both sugar and fat lead to unwanted weight gain and can both cause inflammation, which work against the triathlete’s goal of winning the race.
Right Gear to Win
Using the right equipment gears triathletes up for achieving their goal. Many athletes have experienced losses because their gear malfunctioned or it didn’t do its job. Worse, some athletes suffered from injuries due to improper gears or lack of these. From the shoes to the wetsuit and bike, the athlete should get the maximum comfort and support he needs to help him stay focused on the ultimate goal of finishing and winning the race.
