I first met Jarrod in 2013 when he approached me about a bike fit. We’ve worked together a number of times since, most recently in Goondiwindi, the day before Hell of the West.
Jarrod was the 1st age grouper across the line at Gundy, he then went on to Ironman NZ where he finished 2nd age grouper and a little over a week ago 1st in Cairns at the Ironman Asia Pacific Championships.
Jarrod is a great triathlete, he’s worked hard for it, but it’s his run that really sets him apart form the competition.
I asked Jarrod what he does to prepare for the run off the bike, here’s what he had to say:
“Here are three tips that I use (amongst many other methods) to help make the transition from biking to running.
Let me start by saying hopefully everyone is already practicing the basics like brick sessions with race specific efforts (speed and cadence/bike and run!!!), nutrition etc. and the obvious essential- proper bike fit which finds the ideal balance between aerodynamics and comfort!! To often I see people with amazing setups only to either not be able to run off it or hold the position for extended periods!!
Now onto my tips:
#1- Practice running when you don’t want to, if you enjoy mornings then run in the evening. Get comfortable starting a run being uncomfortable and practice mentally how you plan to deal with it, set cues, mantras, breathing etc. that help you get into a rhythm. Great runners always look smooth, relaxed and stress free in their face which is a choice everyone can make and will hopefully lead to maintaining better running mechanics (unless you are Lionel Sanders who is just an animal who is redefining our sport).
#2 – Develop a mindset towards running that enables you to believe that nothing done before will affect you now. For me in a race no matter how poorly I feel in the swim or bike, I always believe that my run legs will be there. To believe that you will feel good and run well, until proven otherwise, and even when not running well, know that it too will change…which leads to my final tip…
#3 – Be patient but proactive, if things aren’t working, listen to your body. A few things I look for can be heavy legs-so I increase cadence and think fast feet, light headed-salt/electrolyte, low energy-red bull, or probably more wise would be calories. Finally I think the most powerful thing you can do while running is smile and be grateful that you can run and let go of the need to run faster!”
Some really great tips in there I’m sure you’ll agree, and things that we can all work upon. You don’t need to be the fastest or the most technically perfect runner to implement these strategies.
Learning to be comfortable with feeling uncomfortable, developing a short memory (disregarding how well or how poorly you swam and/or biked), listening to your body and being grateful for the opportunity to put one foot in front of the other!