Coach's Corner: Plan for War, Hope for Peace
This article first appeared in the July 2026 edition of the SSG Multisports newsletter.
From Coach Paul Skelton, our dedicated guide who's helped countless Ninjas master the bay. Check out his YouTube @Ultracoach_paul for more tips.
Plan for War. Hope for Peace.
We spend months focusing on fitness, power, speed, efficiency, and nutrition for race day. Yet I see more races compromised by poor planning than by poor fitness.
Many athletes assume the days before a race will be cruisy and restful. Without a plan, they often become stressful and exhausting. Many assume race day weather will be perfect. Many assume their equipment is race-ready. Many assume travel, logistics, nutrition, and timing will all fall into place. Often, they don’t.
A good race plan gives you a baseline. When something changes, you adjust from a position of control rather than panic.
The Goal in Race Week
In the final days before a race, fitness is already built. Your focus shifts to:
Staying calm
Staying organised
Conserving energy
Controlling what you can control
Preparing mentally for likely race-day conditions. We want to spend the afternoon before the race with our feet up, confident that everything is already taken care of. No rushing. No unnecessary walking. No last-minute surprises.
Prepare for the “What Ifs”
The best athletes don’t just plan for ideal conditions. They plan for possibilities. Ask yourself:
What if it’s windy?
What if it’s raining?
What if it’s hotter than expected?
What if humidity is extreme?
What if the swim is rough and choppy?
What if my nutrition doesn’t go down as planned?
What if I puncture?
What if I miss a drink station?
What if the course is slower than expected?
When you’ve already considered these scenarios, they become adjustments rather than emergencies.
Marathon Lead-Up
Plan 2 Days Before
Confirm race registration details
Check weather forecast
Review pacing strategy
Prepare race kit
Check shoes and race outfit
Increase hydration
Focus on simple, familiar foods
Light shake-out run
Day Before
Collect race pack early
Stay off your feet where possible
Lay out all race gear
Prepare nutrition and hydration
Set alarms and transport plan
Short 10 to 20 min shake-out jog
Early dinner
Early night
Race Morning
Wake early
Eat a familiar breakfast
Begin hydration early
Arrive with plenty of time
Stay relaxed and avoid unnecessary standing
Trust the plan
Triathlon Lead-Up Plan
2 Days Before
Review race guide
Check the water temperature and the weather forecast
Inspect the bike thoroughly. Check tyres, brakes and gears
Confirm nutrition plan
Prepare transition bags
Short swim, on course if possible
bike and run activation
Day Before
Bike check-in
Walk transition flow
Identify landmarks
Rack bike and organise equipment
Prepare race nutrition
Charge electronics
Set alarms
Stay off your feet during the afternoon
Visualise race execution
Race Morning
Arrive early
Tyre pressure check
Nutrition setup
GPS devices turned on
Final weather assessment
Warm-up if appropriate
Focus on process, not outcome
Final Thought
The fitter athlete doesn’t always win. The athlete who adapts best often does. Build your fitness. Refine your nutrition. Develop your speed. But also create a plan that accounts for uncertainty. Plan for war, hope for peace. When race day throws something unexpected at you (as it often does), you’ll be ready.
Share your thoughts on these tips in the comments on our Facebook post, or tag Paul in your training stories.
Monday Swim Technique @ Redcliffe pool
Thursday Swim Strength @ Redcliffe pool
$8 to Paul in addition to pool entry
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