This story hit my email inbox a couple weeks ago:

 

 

Stories like Danielle’s are more than just about hurt feelings and disappointment (although those are pretty big things). Without a strong system of support, a triathlete is doomed to suffer poor performance. 

 

A few years ago, The Harvard Business Review revealed the results of a study which concluded that there are only 3 things that truly define excellence in performance:

 

1.        Intense and deliberate practice

2.       Coaching and mentoring

 

Want some examples? Think Tiger Woods, the Williams sisters, and even Mozart whose parents were instrumental to their success. Chris McCormack calls his family his “rock” in his most recent video, Craig Alexander’s wife co-blogs with him on their Team Alexander site, and if you read Michael Lovato’s blog on how his wife Amanda is his inspiration, it will bring tears to your eyes.

 

I’m a professional race mate, and I can tell you with certainty that many supporters are clueless as to how to effectively help their partners. Oh sure, triathletes share bits and pieces of info with us throughout training and racing season… but much of what is delivered is pretty mysterious and hard to translate into action. 

 

A dedicated effort toward race mate support in the triathlon world could make a big impact on performance, satisfaction, and even further growth and support. Just ask Danielle Bradley.