I still remember the first time I questioned the “mileage is king” philosophy. I was slogging through endless runs, churning out quantity without purpose. It felt like I was accumulating miles for the sake of it, with little improvement to show for my efforts. It wasn’t until I discovered focused sessions that I realized you don’t need to stockpile mileage to get better—you just need quality and intense training.

Embracing the Focused Sessions

We live in an age where we often equate success with big numbers: more hours, more accomplishments, more miles. But what if all that accumulating is leading us away from our best performance? In triathlon—and life—I’ve found that shorter, more intense workouts often push me to achieve greater breakthroughs than a laundry list of long, slow efforts.

If you’re looking for proof, just watch Triathlete Lionel Sanders, often referred to as “Mr. No Limits.” His approach emphasizes the power of grit and purposeful suffering rather than mindless volume. Whether it’s a race in St. George (a location known for testing even the most prepared athletes) or a local sprint competition, it’s the quality that fuels the real gains.

Listening to Your Body: Intuition and Flexibility

Training programs are not set in stone. I’ve learned the importance of flexibility, something that requires holding your plans loosely and making adjustments based on performance and wellness. Sometimes you have to tune in and ask, “Am I feeling strong enough to push harder, or do I need more rest today?” This intuition is just as critical as your mileage chart.

Flexibility doesn’t mean slacking off; it means knowing when to streamline your day for a focused session and when to pull back because your body needs a break. Try not to ignore small signals of fatigue. Aches and pains might mean it’s time to shift gears rather than forcing another half-baked workout.

Pushing Into the Hurt

Have you ever been told, “If it don’t hurt, it’s probably nothing happening”? It’s a bold statement, but it carries truth. Growth often happens outside your comfort zone, and a big part of triathlon is learning to love that discomfort. When those final intervals burn, you know you’re doing something worthwhile.

Of course, you have to be smart about it. There’s a difference between productive discomfort and pushing yourself into a hole. But without that certain level of struggle, I’ve learned that progress stalls. It’s a fine balance, yet essential for real improvement, especially if you’re aiming for a strong finish in your heaviest week of the season or looking to sharpen your multi-discipline proficiency.

Running Off the Bike and Multi-Discipline Proficiency

As any aspiring or experienced triathlete knows, cycling and running form a special test of endurance—especially when you’re trying to post a strong running performance after you’ve already hammered your legs on the bike. This is where cross-training fits in. You have to practice transitions, build strength for the run while your legs are tired, and learn to maintain technique when fatigue sets in.

I’ve discovered that the true challenge in triathlon is not simply being good at three disciplines independently, but sustaining power and maintaining technique when your body is already worn out. To get there, I train by simulating race conditions and reminding myself that each phase builds on the one before it.

Preparing for the Big Race in St. George

Right now, I’m in the midst of my most arduous training block of the year. It’s the time when I test the limits of my commitment and passion. Knowing that I have an upcoming race in St. George, a course notorious for testing mental and physical resilience, stokes my motivation. Having goals and a tangible finish line energizes me like nothing else.

When I picture crossing that line—wiped out but proud—I remember that these draining sessions and all those times I’ve pushed through the hurt are what will make that finish satisfying.