We uncovered 10 action items inside triathlete coaches’ playbooks to improve your race performances. The 10 insights may seem daunting but you’re already doing a daunting sport. Start with one insight. Adopt. Learn from it. Keep going. Add the next insight to step-up your race day outcomes.

Without the secret insights you won’t reach your full potential in the current season. Sure, you’ll eventually learn the secrets but don’t wait to learn them through your own race experience.

Or worse, in 20 years you may look back and wish you would have learned much earlier. These 10 process insights will elevate you to maximum potential sooner than figuring it out on your own. Even if adopted you may not end up on the pro circuit but you’ll develop yourself like a pro.

1. Identify tri books for your syllabus reading list*. Check out these suggestions as starters for recommended reading: https://www.palmtreesahead.com/sport-support

2. Establish a “Treat for Tri Tips” fund. Seed it at 5% of your annual race fees. What are you doing to mimic what professional triathletes and elite age groupers and for top race results? Don’t know? Ask experienced racers to share their best tips. Spend the funds to buy them post workout recovery refreshments to show your gratitude.

3. Develop tri specific skills linked to learning objectives. Ensure higher priority items get addressed first. Use metrics for value added feedback.

4. Talk with a mentor and leaders at work at least weekly about learning opportunities there. Look for combination benefits of business and tri skills. Be open to adopt similar work profession items to up your tri game.

5. Hire a tri coach. Select one who knows sports, business, life, and parenthood to maximize cross-pollination of concepts across silos.

6. Consider becoming a member in a triathlon mastermind group to be exposed to higher insight of improved performance opportunities.

7. Request feedback on your specific progress. Compare your actions to those of triathletes already at the top. Learn new processes to maximize improvement. Adjust when needed. Repeat the cycle.

8. Be brave. Manage your time effectively and selfishly by saying no to activities identified as out of scope of your tri goals or your tri journey if already established.

9. Rock your status quo. In a rut of doing your same favorite workout every weekend? Do you own too many same race t-shirts with only the year being different? Are the multiple sprint distance races slowly making you go crazy? Change your routine now! Be open to new approaches. Institute changes based on your ability, risk profile, and potential. You control your decisions.

10. Push your boundaries. Know your limitations. Honor race cultural. Be intense. Stay relaxed. Smile. Laugh. Most coaches won’t open up access to these items for most of their athletes unless you ask or you already use a great coach.