I went and listened to elite triathlete Jarrod Shoemaker, who represented Team USA at the 2008 Olympics, speak at a local running shop tonight.
Jarrod is in town to compete in the Dextro Energy Triathlon - ITU World Championship Series in Washington DC which takes place this Sunday (June 21). Jarrod is currently ranked 6th in the series after two races.
photo credit: jarrodshoemaker.com
In 2005 he won the U-23 World Championships. Prior to making the switch into triathlons he ran at Dartmouth College where he competed at the NCAA Championships in the 5000M.
I’m also competing in Sunday’s race…. only we mere mortals (amateurs) go off a few hours before the pros. I am really stoked to be privy to watch such amazing athletes of such high caliber compete.
Listening to Jarrod talk about his journey, what he’s experienced, and how he handles the pressures was really interesting, not to mention inspiring.
He’s a very down-to-earth, unassuming, normal sorta guy. He doesn’t appear to have that better-than-thou attitude that often accompanies individuals with his level of success, which is refreshing! He grew up wanting to play every sport out there before he settled into the one he had the most raw, natural talent: running. He immediately excelled and rode it out all the way through college. He gradually made the transition into triathlon and found his true calling. He sorta learned as he went and used each race as a learning experience. I think most triathletes can relate and it’s always fun to hear others’ mistakes. In one of Jarrod’s early career races he racked his bike in transition with his shoes already clipped in and ready for his T1. Turns out he clipped them in with the left shoe on the right side and the right shoe on the left side… as soon as he clipped in, he lost a shoe! I’ve heard of a lot of horror stories, but this one was new!
He clearly ironed out the kinks, learned from his mistakes, and has had quite the impressive career– especially for his young age! His training is intense, but varied. He says he typically does about 50% of his workouts at a hard intensity and the rest at low-moderate. He says his approach to training is opposite of most (me included), in that he pushes himself to his max in order to learn his threshold. If he learns where he reaches his breaking point, he then strives to hold that intensity longer and longer. He says you have to learn what it feels like to hurt on the bike. It’s an interesting approach and really got me thinking… do I know what it’s like to hurt on the bike (and i don’t mean saddle sores)? I don’t know that I do. I think I find myself holding a consistent, more comfortable zone. I push myself, but maybe not as hard as I could. Maybe this is what’s keeping me from seeing the results I so desire. I’m definitely going to try and make a more conscious effort to find that maximum output level, feel it, and improve it.
His biggest piece of advice for triathlon success– swim often, swim strong. I guess most people neglect the swim and it hurts them in the end. While this is definitely not my problem, it’s good to know the swim actually makes some difference. I always feel like if I were strongest at the bike or run I’d have more success.
What really impressed me was how in tune with his body is. He has literally trained every fiber of his body and knows how to control even the most obscure muscles. For example, he can isolate his top-most rib and lift it upwards in order to aid in his breathing. He talked a lot about how every part of your body is completely intertwined and any injuy/pain you experience is most likely derived from some imbalance. He partakes in MAT therapy on a regular basis and credits much of his success to it.
A huge part of his training is dedicated to strength/core/flexibility. It helped me realize how important this actually is. I can’t wait to hit the gym tomorrow for my Wednesday strength routine!
