Meet Chelsea, North West Physio Eaton’s Hill Physiotherapist and triathlon superstar!
Discover the essential guide to becoming a triathlete with Chelsea’s firsthand account of her training regimen, dietary strategies, and mental preparation.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete looking to take your performance to new heights or someone contemplating their first endurance race, Chelsea’s experience will inspire and empower you on your own path towards conquering your next triathlon.
What got you into triathlons and why do you love them?
I first got into triathlons in 2022 when I competed in a team in the Mooloolaba triathlon. I love triathlons because they are a great opportunity to test your strengths in three very different areas. I’m also very competitive, so these events are always a good day out.
What’s your favourite part of a triathlon?
My favourite is definitely the swim leg. I’vebeen a swimmer my whole life and was competing nationally until late high school, so being in the water comes very naturally to me.
What do these events mean to you?
Each event I participate in, I view as another opportunity to improve on the previous race’s performance. It’s wonderful to be around so many like-minded people who set out to challenge themselves and get out of their comfort zones.
How do you stay motivated during training for triathlons?
Motivation can come and go, so I find it more beneficial to rely on discipline rather than motivation. I like to keep my training interesting by varying my sessions and training with friends.
How do you balance training with everyday life commitments?
It’s sometimes hard to balance a heavy training load with everyday life commitments, however, prioritising things like sleep, nutrition, and rest helps me control fatigue and not burn out.
Do you have any tips for first-time triathlon participants?
Enjoy it! Any time you complete the race, it’s a PB.
How do you mentally prepare for a triathlon event?
Allowing myself adequate time to taper before a race helps me mentally and physically prepare. I try to always get a good sleep the night before to help keep me fresh for race day.
What do you recommend leading up to a triathlon event in terms of training and diet?
It’s important to understand key exercise and nutrition tips to support your performance and the short and long-term habits you can implement. For example, adjusting your nutrition to different training phases can make a big difference in how you train, recover, and perform overall during the day.
Do you recommend specific exercises to prepare for each leg of the triathlon?
Strength training plays an important role in triathlon preparation. While swimming benefits from exercises such as lat pull downs and single arm rows, the cycling and running legs are more targeted by unilateral exercises such as a single leg squat, RDL or glute bridge. This is to ensure that there is no imbalance from one limb to the other and maximise efficiency.
How important is rest in the lead-up to a triathlon event?
Rest is extremely important for recovery during training and to help you feel primed and ready on race day. It is important not to overtrain during race prep and prioritise rest days in the mix of a hard training block.
What are the benefits of seeing a physio before a triathlon?
Seeing a physio before a triathlon can be beneficial to assess and treat the athlete’s biomechanics, technique and strength which will help to lower the risk of injuries and improve the performance.
What are some common injuries that triathletes experience?
Some common injuries associated with triathlons include ‘swimmer’s shoulder’ (shoulder bursitis), ITB friction syndrome, patellofemoral pain, wrist/hand pain, neck and lower back pain, shin splints and Achilles tendinopathies.
What makes North West Physio Eatons Hill stand out for triathlon training?
The team at North West Physio Eatons Hill all enjoy exercise in their own lives, and a few of us actually compete in triathlon or endurance running/swimming events. This gives us a real edge and a deeper understanding of the patient’s goals to be fit / recovered in time for a race.
Exclusive interview: Chelsea reveals her top tips for triathlon success
Chelsea’s inspiring journey into triathlon training is a testament to determination and hard work.
Her story highlights the importance of seeking professional guidance and support when embarking on such demanding physical challenges.
At North West Physio Eatons Hill, our experienced physiotherapists are ready to provide individualised care and expert advice to help you kickstart your triathlon journey.
So why not take the first step towards achieving your goals by scheduling an appointment with Chelsea or one of our friendly physiotherapists – Call or book online today.
