The Importance of Team

 No matter how individual a sport may appear, all athletes rely on team in order to succeed. Endurance athletics most commonly features competitions in which single athletes vie for spots on top of the podium. However, individuals will never achieve their best results without the help of their teams. Sports is ultimately fulfilling not only because athletes are able to perfect their craft and test their skill while under pressure, but also because strong performance lifts all members of the team. Success is best shared.

My own career featured thousands of hours training alone – long bike rides, skis, and trail runs with only music to keep me company, daily solo visualization work, and hundreds of miles of raced with only my name ultimately appearing on the result sheet. However, those many hours alone have blended together with time. The memories that have lasted the test of time are the ones spent with the athletes, coaches, and technical support staff who supported me like family through my most disappointing results and greatest achievements.

Building Your Team

If you have decided to strive for athletic excellence, then you had better assemble a support system to help you achieve your goals. Team members are any individuals who encourage your goals and who you support, inspire, or elevate through your own athletic achievements. The good news is that for most athletes, the process of building team begins before any conscious effort is put into it. Existing friends, family, and training buddies are all part of your team whether you have realized it or not.

For most beginning athletes the first and most valuable addition to the team is a coach. A coach is an individual who helps athletes set goals and creates a training plan aimed at achieving those goals. There are many coaches and many coaching styles – many different approaches to training have the potential for success. When choosing a coach, priority should be given to those who are willing to personalize a training plan for your own strengths, weaknesses, and goals. No two athletes are identical, and training plans must be adapted to ensure that each individual will thrive.

In addition to a coach, athletes hoping to reach the most elite level of sport should consider working with a sports psychologist and a nutritionist. By doing so, they may optimize not only physical training, but mental training and nutrition which comprise a substantial portion of athletic performance. To begin, consider a one-time consultation with these specialists. Often a single session can jump start your understanding of mental preparation and nutrition and put you on the road to success

A final note on team. Teams comprised solely of cheerleaders rarely do well. Instead, strong teams rely on individuals who will provide constructive feedback and hold athletes accountable. While this can be difficult to endure, ensure that at least one member of your team is unafraid to provide constructive criticism. The result sheet delivers an honest review of your day’s work and you need to be sure that your team will do the same.

Key Takeaways

-  Team is vital to endurance sport and individuals without strong team are unlikely to succeed.

-  Many roles comprise a strong team including fellow athletes who push you to perform, coaches who guide your training, and supporters who lift you up on your most difficult days.

-  Periodically review who makes up your team and don’t be afraid to make changes when needed.