In a complete training program, the mind is as important as the body. Many top amateur and professional athletes know that mental fitness, as much or more than physical fitness, gives them an edge over their competitors. But just what is mental training and what is it not?

So here it goes, it has been 2 full years since I started an Ironman and 4 years since my first and fastest at IM CDA in 2004. So I had a lot that I wanted to improve upon, and a bit of nerves since it had been so long since I had done the distance. These nerves where unnecessary due to the great training I had put into this race, so beneath my anxiousness was a new found confidence that would serve me well.

Recovery is quite important as we spend most of the day doing other activities other than training. Here are some useful ways to employ recovery tactics into your training.

10) Do: Squirt any slippery cream, vaseline, or lotion product inside your bike or run shoes, to make your foot slip n' slide right in during transition. Don't (guys): Use your wife's new and expensive Pomegranate-Vanilla Body Crème.

“Every Runner’s Right.” This is the idea that Karhu running shoes are built upon.

Maximize training by eliminating interference. One gift of multisport is the mechanical balance offered by diverse training components in different mediums.

I never used to pay attention to articles about pronation. Why? Because I didn't think I overpronate (but those are my feet up there). In fact, I tend to walk on the blades of my feet. Which made me think that I supinate.

Simon Ward gives us some tips that will help you with your training and recovery. Simple, but a good reminder that the simple things are key to staying healthy.

Whether you’re racing, thinking about your cycling, or just out for a ride, you’re likely comparing yourself with other cyclists at times. Is it increasing your motivation and insight? Or is it creating too much pressure and draining your self-confidence? The mentally fit cyclist knows how to use comparisons wisely and how to stop comparisons when they’re destructive.

The immediate question from most athletes is what does this mean for my training. Nearly every athlete is looking for a "magic" workout, the one intensity that will cause the most improvement. From the literature on training it should be clear that several adaptations have to take place to maximize potential. One training intensity will not be most effective let alone "magic".