Let me start by saying that "violent" is not the best way to describe how you should approach triathlon training. And I don’t want to glorify a quote from a man whose reputation is, at the very least, complicated. However, General Patton’s words, "A good plan, violently executed today, is better than a perfect plan next week" offer an interesting and somewhat provocative lens through which to examine, and ultimately win, the internal battles we all face when pursuing triathlon-related and other goals.
Decisive Action Over Hesitation
For our purposes, “violent action” isn’t about stubborn aggression—it’s about decisiveness, commitment, and momentum. Too often, athletes get stuck waiting for perfect conditions to train, race, or make progress on other ventures. They overanalyze, stress over minor setbacks (Oh no, it’s raining a little bit!), hesitate to commit to races (What if I don’t perform well?!), and delay training because they’re waiting for an extra hour to magically appear in their 24-hour day.
But in endurance sports, as in life, waiting is the enemy of progress.
Life Interferes, But It Shouldn’t Always Win
It’s easy to let daily life get in the way of training, but many of the obstacles we face are avoidable excuses disguised as legitimate reasons. In many cases, violently attacking lame excuses is OK. Consider these common situations:
“I had a long day at work, so I’ll just skip my run.”
Sometimes, rest is necessary. But in the vast majority of cases, you’ll feel better after even a short run. Execute the plan.
“I can’t do my ride because I don’t have three hours free.”
Life happens, but scaling the plan is almost always better than doing nothing. Work with your coach, adapt the session optimally, and execute.
“It’s a little cold/windy/rainy outside, so I’ll push my session to tomorrow.”
Race day doesn’t guarantee perfect conditions, and neither should training. Learn how to dress for the weather and get it done.
“I don’t feel great today, so I’m just going to rest.”
Not every workout needs to be perfect or result in a personal best. Sometimes, you should feel fatigued during training. Of course, lean on your coach to help identify the difference between burnout, illness, and expected fatigue. But understand that you won’t feel like a million bucks during most workouts—and that’s OK. Execute the plan.
Momentum Over Perfection in Training and Racing
A solid, well-thought-out training plan executed with conviction is always better than a theoretically flawless plan that never materializes. Success in triathlon isn’t about perfect execution; it’s about consistency, adaptability, and taking action even when conditions aren’t ideal.
This applies to racing as well. Hesitation in competition often leads to missed opportunities. Maybe you hold back too long and miss a key breakaway on the bike, or you settle into cruise control in the second half of the run instead of digging deep. The athletes who trust their training, make bold but calculated moves, and commit to their strategy are the ones who perform at their best.
Beyond Triathlon
These principles don’t just apply to triathlon—they’re essential in every aspect of life. Whether it’s making career moves, pursuing a new goal, or taking on a personal challenge, waiting for perfect often leads to never. Progress isn’t the result of endless planning; it comes from action, learning, and continuous forward momentum.
Conclusion
As you navigate your training and other life ambitions, resist the urge to overthink every detail or wait for the stars to align. If you find yourself making excuses, take violent action against them. Lean on your coach for guidance, accountability, and course correction when needed. They can help you maintain momentum and ensure that obstacles don’t become setbacks.
Build a solid plan, trust the process, and execute with confidence. Success—whether in sport, career, or life—isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, taking action, and always moving forward.
Conrad Goeringer is an Ironman Certified Coach based out of Nashville, TN. He is the founder of Working Triathlete and author of the book The Working Triathlete. His passion is helping athletes of all levels and with all schedules achieve their endurance goals. Reach out to learn more about coaching packages and for a free consultation.