7 Lessons Learned from a Level-Up 2025 Triathlon Season

There’s an old saying: “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” Well… I may be an old-ish dog, but triathlon keeps proving that there’s always more to learn.

What I love most about this sport is that the lessons are endless — sometimes painful, often humbling, always valuable. This year delivered some of my favorite moments in my entire racing career, including winning three national championships and a silver medal at the World Triathlon Championships in Australia. It also delivered plenty of reminders that the past only repeats itself when we stop learning.

Here are the lessons that allowed me to level-up in 2025 — and that I’m carrying with me into 2026.

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Lesson #1: Transitions Matter More Than People Think

Triathlon isn’t just swim/bike/run — transitions can decide a race.

I take real pride in winning T1 and T2 in my age group at every national and world championship this season. Those fast transitions don’t happen by chance — they come from intentional practice.

For the six weeks leading into major races, every Saturday is transition rehearsal day:

• Wetsuit removal (fast + smooth)
• Flying mounts and dismounts
• Shoe changes under pressure

This “craft” has allowed me to beat athletes who are faster than me in the three disciplines. If you train transitions like the 4th discipline, they can become your superpower.

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Lesson #2: Staying Healthy Is the Ultimate Performance Advantage

Staying injury-free isn’t luck — it’s care and awareness.

Like many triathletes in their… let’s say “more experienced” years… I’ve dealt with my share of aches. My left knee, in particular, has opinions. When it speaks up, I listen.

Instead of pushing through pain (the fastest path to the couch), I:

– Dial back training
– Strengthen what’s weak
-Restore what’s irritated

That discipline kept me healthy — and able to train consistently enough to race at my highest level. Health isn’t a bonus. It’s the foundation of performance.

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Lesson #3: The Power of Rest and Recovery

This year, I ran faster than last year — by doing less running.

Running beats the body up more than swimming or cycling. I reduced volume, increased quality, prioritized speed + recovery, and slept like it was part of my job — because it is.

I also tuned into the subtle early-warning whispers:

• Loss of motivation
• Mood dips
• Emotional fatigue

Those are red flags before the physical breakdown hits.

Last season, I entered Worlds exhausted — and my results showed it. This season, I arrived rested — and delivered.

Recovery is not weakness. It’s performance insurance.

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Lesson #4: Embrace Aging

Here’s the truth: I’m not going to get objectively faster in S/B/R at my age. I also don’t have the same strength in the gym I had in my 20s.

But here’s the other truth:
I have never felt better, healthier, or more capable as an athlete.

Lean
Strong (for my body type)
Committed to longevity
Driven by purpose

Aging doesn’t reduce your potential — it just shifts the levers you pull to realize it.

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Lesson #5: I Want The Feeling

There’s a special feeling when everything clicks — when you give absolutely everything, and it shows.

I hadn’t felt The Feeling in a few years. This year? It came roaring back. Sweeping my events at USAT Multisport Nationals — that was it. Our silver medal at Worlds — that was it.

It’s:
– Joy
– Pride
– Gratitude
– Inspiration
– Excitement
– Giddiness
– A pinch of disbelief

I want that — again — in 2026.

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Lesson #6: Gratitude

Triathlon is central to my life — a source of meaning, connection, and joy. I’m incredibly grateful for this global community, the places triathlon takes me, and the people I have met and befriended along the way.

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Lesson #7: My goal heading into every race remains the same:
No mistakes. No regrets.

If I can walk away having given my absolute best — the results take care of themselves. And I’m satisfied with my race.

Here’s to more lessons, more learning, and more Feeling in 2026.

See you out there.