Setting a specific, aggressive finishing time at a new distance or race venue with a major change in terrain or weather is a sure fire way to increase stress and set yourself up for failure. There are just too many unknowns and uncontrollable variables at play. To set yourself up for success, avoid the time trap and set your goals to follow your pacing plan, race as strong as you can and enjoy the new distance or venue.

Joe LoPresto – Triathlon Coach