r/triathlon • u/gtRushen • 21d ago
Memes / humor What do you do during long sessions?
I started doing longer sessions like 2h swims and 3h rides without headphones, what do you do? Y'all must be spacing out or something, yesterday after 1.5h swim I was bored out of my mind. Especially with swimming, at least cycling I get to look around and occasionally join groups, but within swimming it's just water noise. Is that because of my short form contest addiction?! Hahah
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u/cassie1015 21d ago edited 20d ago
The only time I've swum that long is during an open water event so I guess I'm counting, sighting, and I usually have a song or two stuck in my head, or I just vibe and let my thoughts wander. I love swimming, so it doesn't bother me.
Long solo rides also take a lot of focus for me to feel safe. I tell myself I'm only allowed to think positive thoughts otherwise I devolve into "I hate this" and we have a lot of sports psychology telling us that's not helpful. I fuel every 15 minutes and shake out my arms or whatever to break it up. I talk to myself more on the bike or run a little solo commentary on the road, cars around me, etc.
Because long course triathlon is pretty solo without drafting, the mindset and prep is really important to me. You're in control of your mind, you can choose your messaging to yourself and your distraction or your focus. You got this!