Blogging about triathlon training is a lot like training itself: You can get even more out of it than what you put into it. I’ve blogged almost daily during the past 10 months leading up to my first Ironman—this year’s 2010 Ford Ironman Arizona. As I mentioned in my recent article “Swim, Bike…Blog?”, analyzing and sharing my training has led to many insights that I believe have made me a better triathlete. I have a deeper mind-body connection than ever before , and am connected to a community of like-minded individuals. I’ve also learned how to appreciate each moment of training instead of simply checking off races on a calendar.

Whether you’re a beginner blogger or a veteran tri-scribe, here are my “Five C’s” for getting the most out of your triathlon blog, along with a bonus for pro triathletes.

Candor

If you’re not honest with yourself about your emotions or prefer not to share them with others, blogging may not be for you. Keeping a private journal instead can offer the same benefits without the pressure of publishing your deepest thoughts. However, blogging led to one of my biggest training breakthroughs of the year by helping me work through mentally letting go of a 2009 bike crash. Had I not been willing to look into the dark side of my soul, or not have the blog as a reason for doing so, I may have held onto those fears longer than necessary.

Software engineer and Ironman-distance triathlete Rusty Carter initially started his training blog, Season 1 Racing, so friends and family could track his progress. Carter eventually realized that he, too, got far more out of the experience by moving beyond the facts and addressing his emotions, fears and insecurities. “Opening up can be tough sometimes,” Carter said, “but at the same time, I think it is the most critical component of my blog.”

Constructive

It’s tempting to use your blog solely as a training progress meter, especially since tracking your workouts online through software programs, smart phones, and computer watches is so easy. It’s also easy to obsess over the myriad statistics available for analysis.  Sports psychologist consultant Dr. Alan Goldberg, who advises former ITU World Champion Siri Lindley’s Team Sirius, cautions against relying too heavily on number-crunching every workout. “You want to avoid putting pressure on yourself by writing how last week wasn’t good and this week isn’t good because negative reinforcement can become self destructive,” said Dr. Goldberg, who also advised the 1999 University of Connecticut NCAA Champion men’s basketball team.

Content

Whether you’re blogging for yourself or trying to build a following, adding video and images will spice up your site. True, it does take more discipline to stash a camera in your cycling jersey (unless you use your smart phone), let alone slowing down long enough to use it! But as I scroll through my past posts, entries with visual content stand out and generally attract more readers. The images also help me recall more details about the workout that I may not have covered in the text. “We’re a visual society. I always try to include video and pictures to keep people interested,” said Ironman triathlete, KNBC-TV Channel 4 Los Angeles news anchor and Iron Newsman blogger, Chris Schauble. 

Consistent

Just as sporadic training likely won’t lead to great performances at races, infrequent blog posts probably won’t lead to very many beneficial insights. More posts translates to a greater volume of proof to validate all those long hours on the road or in the pool. And especially if you’re trying to cultivate a following. “You can’t update every blue moon,” Schauble said. “Nobody’s gonna follow you and nobody will care.” Though blogging adds extra stress to my day, I’m constantly engaged with how my body feels or what I’m thinking. 

Catalyst

Blogging about your training can be a very personal pursuit. However, perhaps the greatest benefit to practicing the four C’s mentioned above is the effect your words, images, and videos can have on others. One of the reasons I started blogging was because I got sick of training by myself. I had to know if others felt the same way. It turned out that a lot of people could relate. “The number of people who have contacted me just to tell me that my blog has inspired them, convinced them not to give up, gave them motivation to give (triathlon) a try brings tears to my eyes,” Carter said.

(Bonus!) Co-Promote

While most of us “regular” triathletes dream of professional glory, the truth is only a tiny percentage can make a full-time living from the sport. For those trying to crack the ranks of the uber-elite, blogging can be a way to raise awareness among potential sponsors and fans. Two-time ITU World Champion and blogger Leanda Cave said she’s found it useful, and explains that it helps pro triathletes promote themselves and their sponsors. Cave also mentioned that she draws inspiration from reading other triathlon blogs. “It’s a good motivational tool,” she said. “I never thought I’d look at it that way.”

You may not be a pro triathlete, but if you blog you just might be able to inspire one.

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Ryan Schneider is a Los Angeles-based triathlete who blogs almost daily about his journey toward the 2010 Ford Ironman Arizona. He recently wrote about the potential training benefits from blogging, which you can view here. Visit Schneider’s blog at http://ironmadman.com or follow him on Twitter (@theironmadman).