The Biggest Mistake I Made Getting Started In Triathlon

Like most beginners, I made a lot of mistakes when I first started training for triathlons.

But this was the biggest one, by far:

Ignoring Your Injuries

On a clear summer morning during COVID, I ran 12 miles (with no training). After 10 miles, I experienced an intense pinching in my left knee. The pain persisted in the weeks and months following. I gave up running altogether after physical therapy didn't solve the problem (ITBS).

Fast-forward four years.

This injury was at the top of my mind during the training leading up to my first half-ironman. I experienced a flare-up the year before during an Olympic distance triathlon. I hoped this time would be different … It wasn't.

Five miles into the half-marathon, I felt a pain I could only describe as running barefoot on broken shells. This time, in both knees, with seven miles to go. This was the worst flare-up of ITBS I've ever experienced.

This mistake taught me a lot.

Hoping that physical injuries will resolve themself is avoiding the problem.

Injuries must be addressed head-on, or they will hinder you for years until you do. Setbacks like these are common in endurance sports, but how you handle them will determine your longevity inside and outside the sport.