Ironman UK: How to have a really bad race this Sunday

Welcome back. Only a few days to go until the big day and I’m sure there are a few butterflies in the stomach.

In less than a week it will all be over and next Monday, you will be able to look back at your race, analyse your splits and work out how to improve for the next one.

If you don’t get the result you want it would be easy to blame your training, or your coach, or both. With years of experience at dealing with these sorts of post race comments I thought I’d make it easy for you.

Here are 9 easy ways to make sure you have a bad race on Sunday.

Too much training
Despite the fact that you know it won’t make any difference; squeeze in a lot of extra training this week. Just remember that all those guys you see training when you get to Sherborne could be gaining an advantage on you!!

No Training
Better still do no training this week. It makes sense to save all of your energy for race day, right?

Travel too close to the event
Hey, it’s a UK race, so you don’t need to leave home a week before the event. If you travel on the Saturday, you can get there just in time to register, rack up and check into your hotel. The mechanics are great at Ironman UK so if you have any bits that need swapping leave it until the last minute. You know how adrenaline makes you perform better!!

Too much Stress
Being away from work for a few days means clearing your desk and you inbox before you go. If you finish on the Friday night having done this you will feel so much better at the week end. So my suggestion is to fill the week before clearing as many jobs as you can even if it means you have to fly up to Aberdeen for that 30 minute meeting.

Spend too much time on your feet
There’s a lot to see and do at Sherborne. After registering and racking you can spend hours in the expo and then for good measure have a look round the castle. You could even try walking the run course, just so that you know what is in store.

Party!!
Before you leave home, no doubt all of your friends will want to wish you well. In between finishing off at work and packing your bike (and your last minute training) you could manage a few nights out with your training buddies; Just to say thanks for their support.

New equipment
This is always a good one. The expo is sure to have the latest kit and you do want to look your best on those race photos. The top choices for last minute purchases are 1. New running shoes 2. New wetsuit 3. New bike shorts or skin suit. If you leave your purchases until the last minute you might even get a discount!

Ignore your race plan
It is a good idea to have a race plan but what happens when your best mate passes you earlier than you expect? Of course you have to chase him down, so the plan goes out of the window.

Have no race plan
Having read the above you may be thinking “what’s the point of having as race plan if it’s going to change”. I agree with you, so why waste time. Just go as you feel on race day and respond to the challenges as they arise.


Of course you could just ignore me, do the exact opposite and have the best race of your life. Whatever happens, just remember to keep smiling.