More Than a Race: Life Lessons Forged in the Fires of Triathlon
- Alex Sharp
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
At NVDM Coaching, we believe triathlon is far more than swim, bike, run.
Yes, it demands physical toughness – early alarms, long sessions, pushing through fatigue. But beyond endurance and personal records, triathlon is one of life’s greatest teachers. It sharpens your mindset, tests your values, and reveals what truly matters.
Here are four powerful life lessons I’ve learned (and continue learning) through this sport – lessons that extend far beyond race day.
Lesson 1: Chart Your Course with Purpose
(The Power of Regret Minimization & Knowing Your “Why”)
Life, like a long-course race, is full of decision points. One mental framework I lean on often – in both racing and life – is the Regret Minimization Framework:
“Will I regret not doing this?”
Early in my career, I was buried in student loan debt and building a demanding path in tech. But the dream of triathlon tugged at me. I didn’t need to become a pro, but I did need to honor the question:
“How far can I go?”
That meant carving space for triathlon in an already full life. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it – that decision ultimately led me to the start line of the Ironman World Championship in Kona in 2023.
Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or a professional – this mindset applies. Make choices now that your future self will thank you for.
Lesson 2: Strength Is Built from Setbacks
(And True Progress Requires Deep Work)
Triathlon guarantees one thing: setbacks.
From a collegiate track injury that cost me part of a toe (yes, really), to multiple foot and ankle surgeries, my path has had plenty of detours. Each time felt crushing. But triathlon doesn’t just teach resilience — it invites anti-fragility. You don’t just bounce back. You rebuild better.
This is where Deep Work matters. The type of effort that transforms you — physically and mentally. For me, that looks like:
A brutal interval session with Tool or Metallica in my ears
A long solo ride where I’m fully present with the effort
Staying focused through the discomfort instead of just getting through it
Progress isn’t just a product of miles; it’s a result of intentional, undistracted effort, especially during adversity.
Lesson 3: Smart Training + Strong Relationships = Sustainable Success
(The 80/20 Principle & Choosing Your Circle)
Between executive responsibilities and family life, I don’t have time to waste. Enter the 80/20 Rule: focus on the 20% of effort that brings 80% of results.
That means:
Removing friction in training prep
Planning routes ahead of time
Clear communication with my wife to protect training windows
But even more impactful? Choosing the right people.
Selecting Natasha as my coach was what I call a Second-Order Decision — one that improves everything else. Her guidance and the community she’s built through NVDM helped me qualify for Kona, yes — but they’ve also made the journey fulfilling.
And my training partners like Will Watson, Eli Skolnik, and countless others? They show up, push hard, and elevate me in ways solo work never could.
Triathlon may look like a solo sport, but it’s not. The people around you determine your ceiling.
Lesson 4: Embrace Humility (and Pack More Salt)
(A Training Camp Meltdown That Taught Me More Than Any Podium)
Let me set the scene:
NVDM Training Camp, 2024. After several 100+ mile rides, we had one final test — a 60-mile time trial in the Texas heat.
The night before? I made a rookie move — a celebratory drink or two with friends. Race morning? 110° heat. Dropped a key water bottle. Under-fueled. Finished third… and then hit a wall hard.
In a small Marfa café, body locking up, I genuinely thought I was in serious trouble.
What happened next is why I love this community.
Teammates stepped in, offering water. Didn’t help. Then Coach Big Mike came over and, without hesitation, poured RAW salt vials into my mouth like some sports nutrition savior.
It was raw. Humbling. Hilarious (in hindsight).
And it reminded me: we’re human. We screw up. We suffer. And sometimes, we need others to carry us through.
Bringing It All Home
(Why This Sport Is About So Much More Than Race Day)
These lessons — finding your purpose, becoming stronger through adversity, applying effort wisely, leaning into your community, and embracing humility — aren’t just about triathlon. They’re about how to live well.
Every disciplined session, every shared struggle, every moment of focus shapes you not just as an athlete, but as a person.
So next time you lace up your shoes, clip in for a ride, or dive into the pool — remember:
You’re not just training for a race.
You’re training for life.
See you out there.
– WOOF WOOF BARK 🐾
Coach Alex
💡 Ready to Take Your Training to the Next Level?
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