All three sections of a triathlon are grueling both physically and psychologically. Swimming forces you to not only deal with your physical ability to cut the water, but it mentally challenges you to stay focused through the unpredictability of open water. Cycling, which is physically more challenging in terms of maximum heart rate, gives no physical break following the swim, and it requires intense mental attention as you must manipulate a machine at high rates of speed.
Running, the third and final stage, however, trumps both in its physiological and psychological demands. Runners tax their bodies like no other athlete, as evidence by the long wait periods between major races. No runner can compete at high distance levels week after week like a cyclist can. No runner can perform the multi-faceted workouts in repetitive fashion that a swimmer can.
Runners must be acutely aware of their situations. Injury prevention is critical when building a running base for a triathlon, as overuse problems stemming from too much volume too quickly or insufficient rest can destroy any person's triathlon season. As far as elite runners go, they spend roughly 25% less time training than their counterparts in swimming and cycling.
Psychologically, the run can mentally hinder any ill-prepared triathlete. As the final stage, the run not only pushes your fatigued body, but it also sternly challenges your mind. Your mentality is stressed from the moment you hit the water, so as you enter the last phase, your brain is tired. Training yourself psychologically, knowing how to handle your body, playing mental tricks to keep focused, understanding how to overcome your brain's desire to ease up, will provide you with great returns come race day.
Overall, be smart about your run training on both levels. Set reachable goals that will allow your body to make small, manageable strides. Along the way, pay attention to how you respond psychologically to the difficulties you face. Knowing how to handle your brain on race day may prove to be the difference for you.
