Bright Spots in Triathlon From COVID Restrictions
I will confess that I have done my share of complaining about changes over the past year. After all, the COVID restrictions turned my triathlon schedule for 2020 upside down.
Of course, that this is one of my biggest complaints means I have nothing serious about which to grumble. This doesn’t stop me from trying, however.
Knowing that I should learn to accept what I cannot change and not complain, I started thinking of the good that has arisen from these changes.
In this post, I have listed the three I see most clearly. You probably have others. Please add them to the comments at the end.
‘Do all things without complaining or arguments.’
Philippians 2:14
Running on Different Surfaces
Running on uneven surfaces is beneficial for strengthening a wider range of muscles in the feet, ankles, legs, and core. It is also good for improving balance. According to one source, off-road running lowers the risk of injury compared to road running.
Related post: Better Balance Makes for a Stronger Triathlete
During recent restrictions, some governments required a mask to be worn when within 6 feet of another person not from within your household. In these situations, I found it simpler to run on trails and grassy park areas away from the sidewalks where pedestrians and leisure walkers travel.
Training More Aerobically
If you are like most of us, you train differently when people are watching compared to when you are alone. At least one study has shown the power of training with others. Group classes and training partners tend to drive us to train harder.
This can be good.
However, if our goal is to train slowly, then training with a group can cause us to train harder than we ought.
On the other hand, when no one is watching, we are comfortable training more slowly, more aerobically. We can also train with lower weights and more repetitions when no one is watching.
Having the freedom to train aerobically and with lighter weights is good because it protects us from injury.
Shunning the Mass Swim Start
Ask most triathletes and they will tell you that one of the least pleasant parts of triathlon is the mass swim start. You can feel as if you are being attacked by other swimmers as each jockey for position. It is only in the triathlon mass start that swimming can become a contact sport.
One way race directors are creating more space between triathletes is through the time-trial swim start. With this type start, swimmers enter the water at 5 to 10-second intervals. This extends space between racers in the swim which carries over to each of the other legs.
Related post: Triathlon Across the USA: State #42 – Arkansas with time trial swim start.
What Are Positive Changes Over the Past Year?
Are there changes to triathlon from COVID restrictions over the past year that you see as positive? I would appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Leave your comments below.
