I think Triathlon is generally a pretty “sexy” sport.

Fancy bikes and lean tanned bodies in lycra – mmm!!

Like with anything there is always a Yin to the Yang.

In this case, it is swimming in lakes and even worse the sea!

It’s something which causes real fear – I’ve been there and funnily the swim is actually my strongest discipline (I was a half decent swimmer as a kid).

I tell you that because it is clearly not my swimming ability which was holding me back but something in my head.

– Not being able to see the bottom?
– The cold?
– The waves?
– The fish?
– Essentially the fear of drowning?

Either way, like all fears, they are often completely illogical.

So how did I solve my fear?

I tackled it head-on.

I exposed myself as much as possible to swimming in open water, even though I didn’t like it and eventually my confidence grew and I was less scared.

I also used a little meditation/breathing technique pre-swim to prove to me I could control my breathing.

Basically breathing very slowly for 10 minutes.

I also found, that being properly warmed up before entering the water helped, so a light 5-10 min jog and a few dynamic stretches meant my body was more ready for exercise.

This warm-up is often neglected on the swim and can make a huge difference.

Yeah, Yeah, I know this is a nutrition email so why am I telling you this?

Well, the thing which stops people improving on the swim is the same as with their nutrition.

Essentially it is you getting in your own way – being illogical.

Improving your nutrition is, in essence, a simple and easy thing to do but people still can’t do it – why?

Because in theory it is simple but in practice, there are so many things to get in the way.

– Social events
– Weekends
– Wine
– Cake

Temptation everywhere.

And when this is the case and you can’t control and manage your own behaviors, it is helpful to have someone else keep you on the straight and narrow.

Like an Angel on your shoulder who can convince the Devil they are wrong!

This is why my Individual bespoke nutrition coaching service is growing every month.

People acknowledge they need help and they also acknowledge they want to get to their goal quicker instead of wasting another year!

Check out the 5-star ratings on my Facebook page if you’re still not sure.