Training for a triathlon in the spring is sort of weird. One day it’s 15 C and sunny and the next it’s overcast and feels like -1 C. The weather can even change drastically throughout a single day, which makes it tough to forecast what to wear, where you should go, and what you should do for your workouts. With that in mind, here are the six emotional stages of spring triathlon training.
It’s so nice out
You look outside and it’s sunny, so you eagerly throw on a t-shirt and shorts for a run or a jersey and bike shorts for a ride and head out. You’ve been stuck inside for months, so you’re not about to waste a warm, sunny day.
Oh, that’s a cold wind
Oftentimes in the spring it’s nice in the sun but the wind still has a chill to it. You think you can tolerate it at first, but 10 or 15 minutes away from home you realize that it might be a little too cold for summer workout gear.
I should’ve brought a jacket
At this point, you’re too far from home, so you might as well just finish the run or ride. However, you are very cold and wish you would’ve been smarter and thought to bring a jacket. Even a long-sleeved shirt would’ve done the trick.
Is it going to rain?
All of a sudden, dark clouds are rolling in toward you. It was all sun and blue skies just moments ago, but now you might have to deal with rain. What’s the deal? You decide you can’t take rain on top of how cold you are already, so you head home.
It’s hot again
By the time you get home, those clouds have magically disappeared, the wind has died down, and the sun is blazing down on you. It’s hot once more, and you get warmed up just as you arrive home.
Can’t wait for tomorrow
Despite how miserable you just felt, you cannot wait to get back outside tomorrow.