Triathlon and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Advice.

Triathlon is full of advice—good advice, bad advice, and just straight-up odd advice ( I know you can all think of at least one!). It’s easy to hear something at a run club or see an influencer’s post and wonder, Should I be doing “__________” (fill in the blank)? We’re all susceptible to it.

But my #1, absolute, golden rule in triathlon is… THERE IS NO GOLDEN RULE!

Blanket statements and dogmatic, emphatic opinions are usually wrong and often cause more harm than good. We are all individuals—we have different goals, skills, lifestyles, and bodies. So, you shouldn’t train EXACTLY like anyone else. You should train like you.

Now, let’s debunk some of the most common misconceptions I hear:

❌ Myth #1: “More Training = Faster Racing”

✅ Nope! Quality beats quantity. If your biomechanics are off or you’re overtraining or you are in a prolonged period of stress at work, more miles just mean more fatigue—not more speed. Train smart, not just hard.

❌ Myth #2: “You Have to Be Fast in Every Sport”

✅ Triathlon is about efficiency, not just raw speed. A strong bike leg and smart transitions can make up for an average swim. Strategy > Speed. Know yourself and race in a way that works for you.

❌ Myth #3: “If You Aren’t Suffering, It Isn’t Working”

✅ Sometimes, we have to embrace the suck—other times, we need that slow, easy ride. Not every training session needs to be a legendary sufferfest you brag about at the coffee shop.

❌ Myth #4: “You Don’t Need Strength Training”

✅ Skipping strength work? Big mistake. It improves biomechanics, prevents injuries, and helps you maintain form when fatigue sets in. But more importantly, if you’re reading this, you’re probably not a professional athlete. That means you likely want to be able to lift a few boxes when you move or carry your kids (or grandkids) up the stairs.

❌ Myth #5: “Race Day Nutrition Is Just About Gels”

✅ Fueling is, first and foremost, about what works for YOU. Fluids, electrolytes, and carbs all matter, but so do your personal taste preferences, race logistics, and how your body responds.

There’s no universal formula—fuel for your goals.

Smarter training = better results. Don’t fall for the myths—train like you mean it. 🚀

There is no one-size-fits-all path to success in this sport. Instead, it’s a constant process of figuring out what works best for your schedule, your life, your body, and your goals.

Want help figuring out what works for you? Let’s talk about your training!

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*Time Trial Tuesday posts are intended to be short primer posts to get you thinking, but they are also challenges for myself to see how quickly and simply I can get the topic across to all of you. I give myself 5 minutes on the clock to write each one. No filter, No editing, Just the thoughts in my head..... Scary.

About Nick Farr

Nick is the owner and Head Coach at P3 Fitness and has been a dedicated triathlete and runner for over 20 years. With a passion for endurance sports, Nick brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to his coaching, specializing in triathlon, running, and cycling. As an accomplished athlete and certified multi-discipline coach, he has guided countless athletes to reach their personal bests and achieve their goals. In his role as a Triathlon coach at P3 Fitness, Nick is committed to helping each individual unlock their full potential through tailored training programs and expert guidance.