Whenever someone sets out to accomplish a goal they may begin the journey alone, but they will never reach the destination without the help of others. Every athlete knows this because, behind every great athlete, there’s a great trainer communicating every step of the way.
In fact, it takes an entire team of people working closely together to bring any athlete to their best. No prize ever truly goes to a single individual. In that moment of victory, you stand with everyone who helped you along the way. Everyone who held you accountable when you didn’t want to finish, every leader who taught you to lead as you followed, every member of your team.
Even if you’re training for a solo event, you’re never competing alone. Your team is with you from the moment you begin to the moment you cross that finish line. If you want to make the most of your race, you have to make the most of working with your team.
The key to is good communication.
This is especially important when you’re training for something like Iron Man, or any triathlon. These are grueling events, and every stage will test the boundaries of your physical prowess in a new way. You’re going to be preparing your body for at least a year in advance, and you’re going to need several styles of training to perform well. It takes perseverance, but you will get there.
In any triathlon, the swim is the best way to make up for lost time. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you know everything you need to have a competitive edge in this aspect of the race. That’s where we come in. We offer a one-day swim training as part of our Elemental Edge Open Water Swim Clinic. We can give you the direction you need to be your best, but only if you arrive with the right attitude. We have one day to assess your ability and teach you how to be better.
That’s why communication is key.
The first part of effective communication is being able to listen. If you can’t take direction, then you are not going to get the full benefit from our training. The second part is learning how and when to speak up. Every athlete needs to be pushed beyond their limits to grow, but going too far too quickly will create unnecessary risk.
If we’re going to improve your performance in a day, then we’re going to have to work you hard to do it. Our job as leaders is to help you stay accountable for your commitments. It’s up to you to know your limits, and to speak up if you are moving too far beyond them.
It’s also up to you to come prepared. To get the most out of this training, you should arrive with some knowledge of where you need improvement. We can only help you as much as you are helping yourself. We can improve every nuance of your swim style, but only if you arrive prepared. Be accountable.
If we sound tough, it’s because we are. That’s what’s going to help you become your best. That’s what’s going to help you cross that finish line knowing you blew your goals right out of the water. And, when you do, we’ll be there alongside you; cheering you on.
About Elemental Edge Training
Founded by former Navy SEAL Bill Atkinson, Elemental Edge Training offers highly organized, fast-paced half, full and three day workshops that enhance your ability to lead, follow, communicate and participate as an individual and on a team. Lectures, discussions and practicals, and a rapid fire “Plan-brief-execute-debrief” format hammer home why you’re here and what you must change to improve your personal and professional life. We also teach you a Navy SEAL mindset approach that’s a game changer for you and your team and includes direct and immediate feedback, along with “report card” to take home round out the experience, give pause for reflection, and inspire further change.
