Drawing Energy From Your Surroundings

"We're not in Kananaskis anymore, Toto!" In Yemen, the animals have built-in hydration packs.

A common theme I’ve picked up during some recent triathlon reading, is that of tapping nature for energy. Past world champions Dave Scott, Mark Allen and Peter Reid have all talked about the mystical connection they had with the island of Hawaii, and how they used that energy to fuel their success.

Living so close to the Rockies, we are fortunate to be only a short bike ride from some of the best scenery in the world (even if the weather leaves something to be desired sometimes). Calgary has a strong triathlon community, well-represented in the upper percentile of race results, and I firmly believe it’s because of the environment: we love to get out there and experience our outdoor world. Not to mention the hills and wind!

Two of my best results have come directly on the heels of training in beautiful or exotic surroundings. Two weeks before Ironman Wisconsin last year, I did a training weekend based in Banff. I rode the Bow Valley Parkway both directions a few times, and ran on the Spray Trail behind the Banff Springs Hotel. Every time I felt a little fatigued, I would look around at the stunning scenery, and find more energy. On race day in Wisconsin, by thinking about that epic weekend, I was able to draw on that energy once again.

Two weeks before Ironman Arizona in April this year, I was in Yemen on business for nine days. I love the desert heat, and the timing of the trip was perfect for acclimatizing to Arizona weather. I was able to train at mid-day in 100 degree F temperatures for seven straight days. I had a 3-lane pool to myself in Dubai on the way into and out of Yemen, and ran along the Main River in Frankfurt before the flight home.

When I returned from the trip, I went to see my chiropractor for a pre-race tuneup, and he remarked that I was glowing with energy (“Uh, that’s the suntan, Dude.”) On race day, the temperature in Tempe hit 90 degrees F for the first time all year, and even the locals were complaining about the heat. I barely noticed it, and enjoyed my first sub-10-hour Ironman finish.

Energy can be drawn from people as well as places. Positive training buddies make workouts a breeze. Spectators at the races provide plenty of vocal support, and if you acknowledge it with a smile, you would be surprised how fast the miles go by. The finishing chute of an Ironman race is so full of positive energy, you can make the last 200m on adrenaline alone, no matter how toasted your legs are.

So when you’re out there spinning away or pounding the pavement, whether in a race or just training, don’t forget to load up on free energy. It’s there, you just have to look around.