Swimming: Embrace the Water Conditions

I remember the first time I signed up for the Oceanside 70.3 in California. I was brimming with excitement and a little fear—because let’s face it, some of the biggest myths in triathlon revolve around strict timelines and being “too old” or “too late” to take on a new challenge. But as I often say: if you’re not growing, you’re dying. This race is the perfect place to grow your skillset in triathlon training, test your boundaries, and adapt to environments that may seem intimidating at first.

My first piece of advice is to practice swimming in as many water conditions and temperatures as possible. Cold water, choppiness, or calm glass-like surfaces—it’s essential to desensitize yourself. We often underestimate what our bodies can handle, much like we do with compounding gains in finance. Give yourself enough time to work on environmental adaptation; if you’re used to big surf, calm waters will feel like you’re cruising. If you only train in warm water, that first icy splash on race day can disorient you. So, don’t let the weatherman or the water fool you—temperatures can change, but your focus on adapting should remain constant.

And don’t forget about goggles. Many of us only keep one pair, but if light conditions vary—say a bright morning sun or an overcast sky—having the right tint can keep you from squinting like you’re reading tiny print in a dark room. It’s the little things that often make a world of difference.

Biking: Conquer Those Cold Mornings

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of the biking portion when you emerge from a chilly swim, but these cold mornings demand respect. It’s easy to underestimate the chill factor, and rolling out with insufficient cycling gear can derail your mental game. Before you hear that start gun, familiarize yourself with the course: memorize the hills, the turns, and the bumpy patches that might send your precious nutrition flying. If you don’t pay attention, that bottle you spent hours mixing with the perfect carb ratio could be lost on the first speed bump.

But don’t let any of that scare you away. After all, legends like Lionel Sanders—Mr. No Limits—embrace adversity to push their boundaries. If you keep consistency and race preparation at the forefront, the hills and the cold can become your allies rather than your enemies.

Running: Tackling Steep Hills with Grit

The running terrain here might look straightforward, but don’t be fooled by that initial glance at the course map. There are sneaky, steep hills that demand short, explosive bursts. In a sense, they’re like life’s unexpected challenges—easy to spot from below but tougher once you’re in the thick of it. My tip? Practice on similar gradients before the event, and train your mind to stay composed when your heart’s pounding.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll also find the final stretch—where you can practically taste the finish line—both exhilarating and demanding. On one of my most memorable race days, my legs felt like cooked spaghetti as I approached the final mile. Much like Yan Frino or Rudy Von Berg in their photo-finish moments, I had to remind myself: never give up, keep that pace, embrace the discomfort.

Weather Variability: Stay Warm, Stay Cool, Stay You

The challenge of the weather is ever-present. Adaptability is your greatest ally to deal with climate shifts. Whether it’s sunny or overcast, windy or still, your preparation for these variables ensures you stay focused. Know how to dress in layers for sudden temperature drops, and stay hydrated to manage heat absorption on warmer days.