Coach’s Corner with Coach Slim – Brain Training

We all spend many hours training our bodies each week for triathlon, but how often do we train our brain?

I read a great article by Daniel Ricciardo, Perth’s only Formula One driver. He was saying how he was watching the Eagles v Power game last week and when the game went into extra time all the coaches and support staff went out onto the field to coach and advise the team.

Like Formula One drivers, this does not happen for us as triathletes so we need to be able to deal with any situation that may arise at any time.

My first advice on this subject is “If in doubt, don’t!”

What that means is that if you are not sure whether you should or should not do something, then you probably shouldn’t do it.

All sorts of things can happen to us during both training and racing and we have to roll with it and keep a good attitude.

An example that has happened to me a number of times is getting a flat tyre during a race. In this circumstance you have two choices – you can calmly change the tyre and carry on with your day; or you can curse and swear and ruin the rest of your day. But ultimately, it is your choice and you are in control.

This is where ‘brain training’ comes into effect. Brain training is teaching yourself to think before you act and if you can do that when things aren’t going to plan then you can cope with it mentally and not ruin your day.

Novice Program Launch

In August 2017 the Club welcomed triathlon veteran and coach Rob ‘Slim’ Wiles into the wolf pack and he was keen to get straight into it and start a novice program.

Slim has competed in triathlon for 24 years including representing Australia in the world long course championships twice. He has coached novice programs for five years and helped 150 athletes break into the sport. He is also a triathlon technical official with 20 years experience.

“I love teaching novices and current triathletes to see them improving themselves and helping people get over their own fears and insecurities,” said Slim.

“Anyone can have a go at triathlon, I once coached a lady in her late 50’s and she hadn’t ridden a bike in over 40 years.

“The novice course will teach budding athletes the core swim, bike and run skills to build their fitness levels and help them reach their triathlon goals while having fun.

“I like triathlon because of the friendship and support of the entire triathlon community and the Perth Hills Triathlon Club members are an awesome bunch.”

The Club novice program commences on October 7 and runs for 10 weeks.  For more information head to our Novice Program page.

 

Nikky’s Pumpkin Soup

“Coriander?  Really?  Actually yeah, that works!” – Travis Bentley


Ingredients

 

  • 20ml oil
  • 1 small butternut pumpkin peeled and chopped into 4cm chunks
  • 1 large leek sliced
  • 3 carrots chopped into 1cm slices
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 inch of ginger minced
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp ground coriander
  • 1 litre vegetable stock
  • 100mls cream

Method

  1. Heat oil in a large soup pot then add leak and fry gently for 2 minutes.
  2. Add garlic, ginger, coriander and cumin and fry for 1 minute
  3. Add all ingredients except cream.
  4. Simmer gently for 60 minutes with the lid on.
  5. When all vegetables are very soft, add cream and puree.
  6. Add additional stock if the soup is too thick.
  7. Serve with cracked pepper and crusty bread

This recipe can be done in the pressure cooker or slow cooker. If you are being healthy, skip the bread and serve this as an accompaniment to your main meal to boost the veggie content.