Absolutely train to race. Going longer this year means that I may use some events as training and practice races, but always training to perform at that A grade event!
The conversation was with someone about to fly to South Africa for IM, & he definitely races so he can train. Gets nervous is tetchy prior to races, bad dreams/nightmares etc & is glad when the race is over, but sees them as a necessary evil to test if the training is paying off, thus enjoying the journey & process more than the results.
Interesting one that. I reckon I actually fall somewhere between the two I reckon. I’m very competitive with myself, so train hard to do well in the races – and I really enjoy the competition and the day out. But one of the reasons I love tri is that it gives me a reason to get out and train. I used to be a bit of a gym boy – running was just to make my six pack look more defined, swimming was for when I got bored running and cycling was non-existant (hence my shit bike leg, but that’s another story for another thread). However I soon got bored with the pointlessness of lifting weights just to look good. When I did Blenheim one year with a few guys from work, I got hooked on the feeling when you cross the line. Not only that, it gave me a real sense of purpose – the running, swimming and cycling all has a reason.
I’m not sure if I have actually said anything there. But I’m tired from cycling to work and my tooth hurts (I may have overdosed on Ibuprofen and Paracetamol).
Really, it is a bit of both.. can't really separate one from the other.
I train to improve. The race tells me if the training was right - it is the benchmark of any improvement. Without the race, you can't tell how well the training is going. Both are enjoyable, in different ways. Of course, the idea of peaking at a particular time is also a key part of the fun.
However, racing/training isn't (typically) pleasurable in itself - it is always the feeling after the event. Racing makes the training worthwhile, and vice versa.
@jack hughes- you know, i never really thought about it like that. It really is all about the feeling after the race/training.
A race is a goal, so i train to reach that goal and i feel focused. it keeps me eating healthily and not drinking too much but without a race to train for i kind of lose my way. Definitely most happy when training and making improvements!
I think (based on running as my first tri isn't for about ) i fall in the middle but a little more on the Race to train side because although i am very competetive, and want do race, I also know that there is no way i am ever going to win or really even compete (unless I can find myself a way to become a full time amature triathlete - any suggestions?) so for me the race day is to see how I am improving against myself, how my training is going and to enjoy that rush/buzz when i finish an event.
Britspin
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Its what all the hard cold wet miles are for! And there have been some cold and wet ones since christmas.
I’m not sure if I have actually said anything there. But I’m tired from cycling to work and my tooth hurts (I may have overdosed on Ibuprofen and Paracetamol).
I train to improve. The race tells me if the training was right - it is the benchmark of any improvement. Without the race, you can't tell how well the training is going. Both are enjoyable, in different ways. Of course, the idea of peaking at a particular time is also a key part of the fun.
However, racing/training isn't (typically) pleasurable in itself - it is always the feeling after the event. Racing makes the training worthwhile, and vice versa.
A race is a goal, so i train to reach that goal and i feel focused. it keeps me eating healthily and not drinking too much but without a race to train for i kind of lose my way. Definitely most happy when training and making improvements!
I think i race to train. Hmmmmm.