Tips from Tim Reed, Australian Triathlete

I’m writing this in response to Tim Reed's Tips for Starting Out Triathletes, which can be found at on his website. Tim is an Australian professional triathlete who races long course triathlon. He is someone who has made a name for himself and looks to have a good future, despite saying on his website that he is only looking to keep on improving.

1. Remember that Triathlon is simply how fast you swim, ride and run. It doesn't make you a better person because you do this well

I think this is such a great point. You can train all that you want, but if you get into the pool with an unhappy negative attitude you will still have the same negative unhappy attitude when you get out of the pool or get off the bike. 

2. Balance in life is everything. It will keep motivational levels high, make you train more effectively and hopefully keep the most important aspect of life, relationships, healthy and happy.

This is so important! There are too many people out there that become triathlon/sport obsessed and their life becomes revolved around that rather than their families or other important life requirements. Keep everything balanced and it will definitely help.

3. Don't waist time doing junk kilometres. Get physiological testing, get a good coach and let your coach help you train efficiently so that every session has a specific purpose and increases your improvement whilst reducing your chance of injury.

I have had a few coaches now tell me that it is quality over quantity or train smart. What Tim has said here sums it up. Many of the people who are triathlon obsessed are the ones doing junk kilometres, which ends up destroying your body.

4. Learn and understand the ‘power of the present’ and how to have fun while racing 

I am a big fan of this. My mum has always tells me to have fun when I'm racing and I always tell her that it is harder said than done. Although she is right, we should understand this ‘power of the present’ because it is something that I have found that a lot of people don't do very well.

5. Stay injury free – Work on your core strength, ensure body balance and learn correct technique before getting stuck into conditioning work.

This is the most important tip in my opinion that is given. Too many people have poor running technique or swim with their arms everywhere. I have seen it too much where athletes are at the cognitive state of learning and they are trying to do drill or exercises that are far too advanced. Tim is right, get your technique sorted and then build up to more difficult work.

These are my responses to what Tim has said and I think that they are very good. More of his articles and information about Tim can be found at timreed.com.au.