Race Reports

Written by Dan Arnett

For those who are not sure, a Race Report is a detailed write-up of how your race went. It can be long or short, but all the information is important. Many athletes wonder why a coach is so adamant about an athlete doing a race report. There are many benefits for both the athlete and coach in reviewing this information.

For the athlete, a race report allows them to do a data dump while the information is still fresh in their head. Putting down your thoughts, frustration, accomplishments, race tactics and anything else you can think of provides a release. Then when you’re done, you will have a backwards glance into what went right, what went wrong and what you can focus on.

For the coach, a race report lets them get a sense of how your race went not only by the numbers (HR, Speed, Cadence, etc) but how it went for you mentally as well. A race is more than just physical. The more detailed a report is, the more your coach can understand how your race truly went. How was your nutrition, did you stay positive, were you able to push? These questions and more can be answered in a race report. It also allows your coach to shine a light on what to focus on to make you a better athlete.

The other benefit of doing a race report is if you do the race next year. Your detailed memory of the course and what worked may have faded; but the words will still be there. It allows you and your coach to formulate a detailed plan for that specific race and the challenges provided for that course. It also benefits others when they ask you how to prepare for that race. You can just send them a copy of your race report and you will help your fellow triathlete.

So make sure that you take the time to write a race report every time you complete a race. It not only helps you, your coach but others as well. It becomes a great resource, which you will be happy to have now and in the future.