Thoughts After The PTO Championship || Daytona

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[@benlali]

So glad to know you’re going to be dedicated to swimming next year. I truly hope to see you win Kona soon... you’re an inspiration!

[@claudiacortes3067]

Don't be so hard on u I think u did good Not 1 place but good 4 with a low swim and a great bike - run combo

[@piotrkowalczyk3016]

I've seen a similar problem among my fellow triathletes - great runners and/or bikers, but not 'natural born swimmers'. With urge to take the swimming to a more or less their bike-run level. So lot's of smashing themselves in the pool, kilometers and kilometers swam in the pool or OW. Result? Strength based swimming, with so-so technique. I know everybody says that OW swimming needs to be 'choppy', not that nice as 'swimming-pool' swimming. Being that true or not, the foundation needs to be the same. You need to get your position in the water ok. You need to have your shoulder mobility fixed as much as it is possible to improve the range of motion in recovery, catch and pull. You need to fix this scissor kick that creates loads of drag. What does it take? In my opinion the most difficult decision ever - to step back (swimming-wise, of course). To start with rookie drills. To try the two beat kick (the propulsion you will loose in comparison to a, say, 6 beat kick may be a small price for less drag and less effort put into the swim). To try to find a sweet spot between nice elbow driven pool style arm recovery and the choppy/sprinter windmill-like smashing. First weeks after giving a shot to that would most likely show a deterioration in swimming times or swimming endurance, PE when swimming, but this needs to be treated as long-term investment. Those of us who have no all-childhood-in-the-pool history often struggle to take the swim to bike-run level. It hurts, as time-wise the bang on your buck is so small in swimming. But being a high class top athlete you just have no other option as to try to improve everything that can be improved. Age group triathletes can say: screw swimming, I can spent the whole week in the pool and will gain 5 minutes on the course of IM swim. And will loose 20 minutes later on due to no improvement/deterioration on the bike and run. A pro-athlete just can't do it. So good luck. Swimming is a tough one, it's a puzzle, but an the same time, being so technical discipline, it's the whole beauty of it. That's not only about strength, conditioning, but about working on the technique, small details and corrections. It's like reading Agatha Chirisite book and trying to solve the case:) With the right mindset it may be just fun:)

[@kb-ov6eg]

@@piotrkowalczyk3016 A good piece of advice.

[@chasedavies6890]

Agreed ^

[@piotrkowalczyk3016]

@Loki This is a very tough decision for a pro athlete. As in short term it may have a negative on the results. And with the pressure of sponsors, fans, press it's very difficult accept this temporary negative effects. Especially taking into account that this does not give you a 100% guarantee that thanks to this effort you will become the male version of Lucy Charles:) But having reached the point when Lionel admits that even being an uber-biker, very strong runner, though without doubts peculiar in terms of running form (though mine is even more ugly), there is no way he can achieve his goals (winning with top triathletes) without taking his swimming to a higher level, he's nothing to lose. Cause if things go wrong he'll lose either way (having done nothing to his swim or having done something and failing). Or he will do something and this will be a gamechanger, allowing him to be in the front pack after the swim. This shit***y covid year was a great occasion to do such a step back, experiment with the training (no Kona, no events), but there are still some months ahead before the new season, hopefully less 'covidious' kicks-off. Being such a training machine, Lionel is able to do this 'twist' in his training strategy. Who if not him?:) I myself had an approach-changing experience at the very beginning of my swimming (and triathlon) adventure. I got my ass kicked by a 12 year old skinny girl. Who had been training swimming since the age of 8. And all the difference in muscle mass, strength had absolutely no effect. She gained 2-3 seconds on each 50 meters. Which is the best piece of evidence I could get back then to understand strength isn't in 1st, 2nd or perhaps even 3rd place in swimming. It's all about position in the water, technique, feel for the water. Only when you had all of these more or less 'checked', strength comes in. Without technique you can muscle your way through, but this is a strategy for 1/8, 1/4 IM. 70.3 or full IM can't be done on 'sprint mode'. ANyway, whatever Lionel does, we can be sure it will be done with 100% commitment. Let's just hope the training strategy he'll choose pays off and we'll se him swimming in the front group in Kona 2021.

[@abegoldberg4030]

Authentic. Honest. Humility. Committed. Inspiring. Thanks Lionel for your sharing thoughts and your journey.

[@PapaPineapples]

Talbot is a freaking animal to get back out there 😲. Impressive finish after the swim!

[@carflores13]

Lionel I was there with my 10 years old boy cheering up for you! You did an amazing job in Daytona! My son was amazed with your performance and the fact that you did not quit!!! Keep going!!!!

[@mikedickerson3944]

Bike you did 1 hour time trial. Run you did 5K PR. I think you’re goal-motivated. Find a goal or event for the swim.

[@piotrkowalczyk3016]

I believe swim is a different story than bike and run. Bike and run have always been working perfectly in case of Lionel. So it was just about honing some details (like the aero position on the bike) and - in case of Lionel - not overtraining:) But in case of swimming, where - in my humble opinion - Lionel should start from scratch a goal of making, say, a 400 meters PB in, say, 6 weeks is not a good approach. Cause when you take a step back and start doing beginner's drills in the pool, it does not help you at all to reach such a goal. The goal would have to be: have the best KONA swim so far in October 2021. But this is a very long term goal. So this requires first of all courage to start such a revolution in swimming training, second of all patience. And third of all more patience. Cause humbleness certainly Lionel has a lot of. The big doubt is, I think, the patience. Fingers crossed, anyway!

[@gourami7]

More OWS with coach and faster guys

[@alexk9392]

Lionel, while I can see you are disappointed with how things went, I think you will look back and be most proud of the impact you have had on the endurance athlete community by showing your humility, work ethic, successes, and failures for everyone to see. We all want to see a win at Kona, as I am sure you want more than anything, but you have got a lot to be proud of. I know I don't need to say this but keep up the good work, we are rooting for you. #nolimits

[@Gu7ller]

I agree 💯% well said 👏

[@rogerc23]

I’m still wondering what he thought of his new bike

[@EhBough]

Lionel "I messed up my nutrition" Sanders! All fun, you're a grinder man. Can't wait for racing to get back to normal so I can watch you crush another season

[@quengmingmeow]

Lionel is like a member of the family......he does things (or doesn’t do things) that drive us up a wall, but we still live him to death. Love the drive, love the constant work.

[@CAPTUSAF]

Thanks Lionel for your transparency and honesty. You are truly inspiring!

[@TheTBALLS123]

Despite your disappointment, as someone who normally doesn't watch Triathlons, it was AMAZING to watch you climb back from the swim over the bike and fight like heck in the run. You're an inspiration and are great Canadian! Well done, keep it up!

[@nolandueck]

Lean on the guys at FORM to help you improve your swim-they'll be thrilled to help you!

[@nicolassalinasletelier7408]

Maybe one day you will win Kona, or maybe not ... but the example of seeking to improve will be something that remains in everyone's memory

[@maikelbouricius8094]

Lionel is the only athlete I follow and who is inspiring me. He is a beast, is open, honest and human. Keep it up.

[@leegmann2282]

Interesting you mentioned that you had the best bike-run performance in Daytona. Looking at your past KZbin videos, we all cheered as you competed and dethroned many of the best cyclists. With running, we watched in anticipation as you set a personal record in the 5K. If I remember correctly, you ran with elite runners to reach that goal. Now it's time to do the same with swimming--both in the pool and in the open water. I think I speak for many fans in that we would absolutely love to watch you swim live, competing against elite swimmers as you attempt to set personal records. You can do it, Lionel!

[@dneutze1298]

I really appreciate hearing the challenges you face with such honesty, I’m not an athlete but enjoy your humility, successes, insights and failures. Regardless of whether your role in life is athlete, CEO, parent or alike your internal dialogue needs to be seeded in growth, your not a shit swimmer mate, your a good swimmer that will become great. So be great, no more doubts.

[@Jay-ut9ov]

What I like about Lionel is that he also approaches this sport from an intellectual perspective. He isn't just brute force or "suck it up and win". He is a thinker

[@lemayfilms4214]

After being a fan of yours for years, it was incredible to see you race at Daytona! It will be an inspiring memory for the rest of my life.

[@aklamo]

I suck at swimming, too. You are the spirit animal of so many of us triathletes, Lionel. Go get after it in the pool in 2021!

[@chasedavies6890]

World class grinder 😤 who thinks Lionel loves living in the pain zone?!

[@emde8952]

So hyped about you beating world class athletes with over the top dedication and focus next year! Nail the nutrition plan, and there is no way we won‘t be seeing you becoming the world champion again. Very grateful for your viewpoint on the race - humble as hell. There are indeed: No Limits. Keep progressing, we‘ll keep cheering.

[@andrewtiessen1157]

Will continue to watch your development as a beast of an athlete. Realize you are not satisfied with your result, but you inspire so many of us (weekend age groupers).

[@aaroiseverything]

You were a beast there!!

[@keener713]

Great race! I’m most impressed by your ability to fight back when things don’t go your way. It was thrilling to watch you bike your way into the top and then run your way to 4th! Very impressive. Keep up the hard work and can’t wait to watch you race in 2021

[@KungFury_7337]

I look forward to those swim videos. Awesome plan to commit that way! Don’t be too hard on yourself right from the beginning if not directly hitting every target 100m split. The fact that you scrutinize yourself so hard is truly demonstrating that you are one of the very best in this sport. Thanks for making it so easy getting out training every day Lionel & Talbot.

[@err_go]

I'm moved by your excoriating honesty. But also find your eagerness to work on your swimming very motivating. You're a fan fave for these reasons. May you absolutely crush your new found 2021 goals. I'm very glad to be able to follow it.

[@EverythingIsPhotogenic]

Such a great athlete. The humility of this man... He won me over 2 years ago and has reminded me why time and time again. No excuses just unmitigated candor. Granted, his concept of shitty swimming would lap most solid age groupers, but his point remains. Always a pleasure to watch Lionel, I was rooting for you as you plowed your way through 25 places like you were taking a stroll to the mailbox.

[@ΘωμάςΓκούντας]

Just wanted to say that your videos and your personality motivated me to get stronger and fitter on the bike through winter for the first time in 4 years since I started biking. Great videos and keep up the great work!!!

[@michaelturner9594]

Being there in person I have to say I was disappointed to see you come out of the water so behind but I must say it was extremely inspiring to see you pull out that fourth place. You were roasting your legs to catch those guys. Impressive grit to catch up but I think you know that the swim needs to get better. We all have things we need grow in and it’s nice to see even someone as good as yourself has so much more to grow. Look forward to cheering you on!

[@aldude9511]

That thumbnail of you doing the jelly legs at the finish is great! I watched the race live and was really hoping you would catch the lead guys during the bike. That looked so tough to be constantly having to pass guys. That's the challenge of using a multi-lap course I guess. Best of luck in your swim training and I look forward to the videos.

[@Thekidisalright]

I hope you know your grit is your best weapon, the will to keep going even when the odds are stacked against you is so inspiring, many times I have seen you are so close to success and it just brushed you by but never once you give up, you keep going and find ways to improve, this is the reason why I will always be in your corner and root for you. Go Lionel!

[@DrRKelly]

I love the post-race analysis videos from Lionel. Sorry you hurt your shoulder Talbot. Hope you heal up quick.

[@martinhauske155]

Lionel, you are such an inspiration! Your hard work and dedication to the sport is amazing. Wishing you success with your swim training! Let's make 2021 a year to remember!!

[@getupandtri3208]

Bro, your sincerity has no comparison. I particularly appreciate this discussion because I also dedicated next year to learning how to swim better/faster.

[@Micheldfgt]

Swimming is the most difficult thing I have ever tried learning. Please keep us up to date with your approach and results. You are truly inspiring!

[@Littlebigexplorations]

So inspiring to watch such a good self analysis and such a strong commitment on your next focus. Definitely relatable for us "normal" folks. It will be amazing to follow your work over the next few months and next season!

[@davidruiz-celada7885]

Really enjoyed cheering you on Lionel, you put on a great show and are inspiring to thousands of people. Put that on the win column with your bikerun. PS u swim much better than me for what it counts.

[@Gu7ller]

Thais Video definitely is one of the best if ever watch. Lionel, I love your authenticity, your drive and your dedication to the sport. Can’t wait to see the upcoming videos! That swim will definitely get better with that mentality #nolimits

[@jameschapman1726]

Really enjoy your content Lionel thanks to you and Talbot for what you put out. Insane effort at Daytona. One of the first things any triathlete is taught is don’t try something new on race day. As a pro triathlete with your experience, the number of times you mention the issues with the suit in the swim suggests it’s the first time you’d worn it under a wetsuit. That’s a pretty basic error. Fuelling properly is also a fundamental basic. You do so much good for the sport with your content and personality - I’d love to see you just nail everything as you deserve a jan / Patrick Kona moment.

[@icon134]

Your approach to all of your training and especially training for your weaknesses is excellent. Good luck and as usual I'll be watching your progress.

[@hochspringer7776]

Lionel, very intersing take from your side. I still consider your 4th place a great success. Was awesome to see you on TV and slowly climbing up. Great fight! Wish you luck with the swimming. Still hoping that you keep your strenght in Bike and Run.

[@ucfnathan]

LOL @ talbot's intermission Great reflection as always Lionel. Love the honesty and really pumped about the swim block coming up! Would be super great to have some vids with the swim coach doing some analysis on you! Great race, coming back to 4th from near last place out of the water was incredible to watch.

[@benmonette7593]

Thank you for being you!! Go Lionel go🥳 so amazed by your performance🤩

[@vincentslusser9205]

Overall, A Fantastic performance !! Thankfully Lionel you waited and thought before you posted this...because you got your mind in "THE RIGHT PLACE". You are Optimistic and that is Well Appreciated :) Maintain the bike and run training. Get spot on swim training. You got this. I'm Totally dedicated to watching a spectacular year happen for both of us Lionel. Keep on Keeping on Bro !! Semper Fidelis.

[@jackrolfe7361]

It’s incredible listening to you break this down. Your mindset it’s 110% progression

[@Antoine-Zim]

you such an inspiration for all of us.thanks for being so honest and transparent.great mindset for a great champion. best of luck for 2021 season. you rock bro👍

[@hilltop1972]

I love this guy's diligent approach to improvement and self analysis. It's inspiring.

[@abdallahnassor5261]

Glad to see you after PTO, was so looking forward for your thoughts on the race. Despite the disappointment I think you did a great race, I couldn’t watch the whole race as it was pretty late from where I live but that the first thing I checked waking up. You’re a great inspiration and am sure you’ll get the Swim fixed and hoping for great season 2021. All the best.

[@marcypitt1]

Congratulations Lionel, this was one of your best races, I personally think that nobody who had been in that position after swimming would have completed more than 30 places, the only one was you to do that spectacular feat, to many of you are the best triathlete .... Congratulations 👍

[@tsalles2584]

You are the man Lionel ! The struggle is real for everyone ! Keep pounding!

[@bruceorem7142]

Love the candor and the the brutal self assessment. Your videos keep me pushing myself (especially for the 5 a.m. swims). 2021!!

[@rato_gordo]

Hope you get well talbot! Nice to see there will be swim content. I'll start in the water in 2021 hehe

[@robertkelly28]

Mate, you gave it your all on the weekend. Congrats. Thanks for pushing us all out back out to train each day.

[@alanmackay1062]

It was a great watch to be honest. Cutting through the pack during the bike and run. Inspiring stuff 👌

[@jessecorbitt5364]

You never talk about the swimming, but you have identified that and that’s the best thing man. Love to hear from you!

[@karloseduardo3569]

Good Luck for 2021 friom Germany Lionel. Im a huge fan, Hope to see you in Kona. And allt the best to Talbot.

[@rbcism]

Great job Talbot for getting the video and toughing it out after your crash, still a solid performance Lionel and get after that swim and you will be unstoppable.

[@hikerbq]

Amazed by your resilience in the race. Excited to see what you can do with the swim.

[@lapintabrewing8801]

Amazing performance, nothing to be ashamed for! Keep up the fight, and keep us motivated to improve our swimming and racing skills in general! And get well soon, Talbot !!

[@TavisYeung]

Best quote ever “Is it because I’m just absolutely incompetent in the water?...” I’ve been saying that to myself forever! Huge inspiration, and incredible effort. #beast 💪👊

[@charlesshin9099]

Lionel...we were cheering for you and coming in four was awesome !! Find that inner peace Lionel and your deeds will speak louder than the words...

[@johnskelton9622]

Really admire your candidness!! Looking forward to following your journey to a better swim. I might even get inspired enough to jump back into a lap pool.

[@yosale84]

what i love with you the most is not your unlimited abilities in tri world and its not the the crazy watts per kg you push. the thing i love with you the most is how honest you are to yourself and to your results. thats the way to go. im so bad in swimming but you opened my eyes again by just saying: "dude, you dont do sh$t to make yourself better so dont complain" 2021 will be swimming year ;-) thanks champ!

[@steveruppel]

It’s so nice to be able to hear you reflect, because these minor changes you would’ve made can help others listening! Great job

[@hugolegars5817]

Good luck for your swim ! Very inspiring to watch you racing at the PTO 💪

[@Dimo6318]

It’s nice to finally hear you talk about your swimming. If I can give and advise, forget about the endless swimming pool, concentrate you training in a real pool (as you are said) and do more open water as well! You love data, so start by swimming with the current speed but with less stroke per minute, feel the the water and understand how to “slide” on it! Love you work man, keep it up!

[@jessicagerdes5510]

Cheering for you in 2021 and you. And that can find your swim groove in the next year!

[@BillBrinkop]

Congrats on a fantastic year despite the pandemic. You did the best you could with the time you had. Be proud and take a rest. Then get into the pool! Good luck sir.

[@neilroome596]

Very honest as always Big L, can't wait to follow your next journey on the swim which a lot of us can relate to. Please stop beating your self up though! It will come I'm sure of it, IM World Champ will happen and can't wait to watch it. Stay strong as you keep me motivated.

[@kinchin78]

I was a great race Lionel! Great come back after swim! Thanks for sharing insight of the race - that speak a lot about how hard it was to overtake so many people on the bike! Looking forward for swimming sessions! Good luck!

[@mateusbittencourtmendes2684]

You're an inspiration!!! It was fantastic to see your come back at the race! Amazing that you are humble to identify the points to get better. Go for that and cme back as better as possible!! Hope to see you winning kona onde day... Cheers from Brazil!

[@HeavenlyDivine]

Great introspective analysis Lionel. As a former swimmer I can tell you swimming is 100% technique. Hiring a swim coach poolside to analyze your form and correct it on the spot will be 100x more beneficial than swimming tons of meters. KZbin is a great resource and the Phelps freestyle analysis with Bob Bowman videos helped me tremendously when I was younger. Hope the new pool and swim coach will help you get to where you want to be, I'm rooting for you!

[@rocajl34]

Big fan. Incredible race. Entering my second year in iron distance Tri.. love the content, keeps my fire 🔥 going. The important thing is do what you love. as a Trauma ICU RN (love my creer)clock out and go “suffer” swim/bike/run. There no better feeling. Inspiring myself, friends an family to go and do what you love.. that’s what you do and many other in the sport... from an rookie to a pro ::. Thank you! Great job!

[@drtimoneill]

Great, honest video. It could be worse ... I suck at swimming, biking and running :) In all seriousness, you're a world champion in self-reflection, transparency and motivation. I hope you made more from KZbin in 2020 than those 2 prize purses :)

[@martincarrerasa]

Lionel! You are a beast men! I enjoy so much watching the race, really look forward to cheer for you again!! What about an open water challenge?? That'w be awsome!!

[@simonwright1124]

Lionel, definitely not rambling, I love your honesty, we could all learn a bit more with some self reflection. Here’s to 2021!

[@gengar678]

Talbot all the best recovering !! you are half of the Lionel and Talbots crazy triathlon adventures 😂

[@HarryPotter-wm3kf]

Another thing to take out definitely is your drive and focus to withstand being back and fight like nowone else to get back upfront ! Nobody comes close - period ! Thats for sure! I wish you a day where all comes together... a perfect day at Kona ! You´re true role model ! Keep up the good work...

[@igorvalko7368]

You don't owe anything to anyone. Just keep on having fun my friend. You did great 😉👍🏻

[@christianemeiners9224]

Awesome attitude! Great that you are so honest and fingers crossed for 2021 :-)

[@craigmiskin7293]

Been waiting on this!!! Appreciate the insight and thoughts. Kudos on the bike-run combo and best wishes on the swim journey. Hoping you don’t just suck at it. Speedy recovery to you Talbot. Definitely a big ouch doing a shoulder.

[@codyd.1415]

I wish I sucked as bad as you Lionel. Love your honestly and insight. And your humility. And you’re an amazing athlete

[@BenjaminBriu]

🙅🏽‍♂️🙅🏽‍♂️ you always our champ!!! Can’t wait for next year!! And more training !!!

[@andyashton3605]

Amazed to hear Lionel talk about "nutrition" failure yet again, and now his trisuit! This is bread and butter to professional triathlete.

[@joemoya9743]

One of the best self analysis I have seen.

[@reececooper2481]

Great pragmatic review Lionel. In 6 weeks time, watch this video back and remind yourself of these emotions. We are rooting for you buddy NO LIMITS BABY 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@corncribceramics2143]

Yes, as a collegiate swimmer, I've found training in a group with people faster than you is the best way to improve. Find someone a little faster than you, and make it a goal to beat them on the main set every day. Also, maybe look at swimming outside of the tri mindset? Look at practice from a college or fast club swimmer's point of view and see what differences there are in their training/swim sets compared to what you've been doing. Just my humble opinion. Wishing you the best, you're an inspiration!

[@reviewworthy2365]

Just awesome Lionel, really awesome! Not what you hoped for but nearly what you planned for.. looking forward to 2021.

[@ShawnDavenport1013]

Thank you so much for making these videos ! Can't wait to see you get more confident in the water. You got this !!!

[@Flipperwi715]

You're amazing, You're real. You motivate. I appreciate you for sharing.

[@Steven-ko6ky]

So inspiring! Thanks Lionel! I can't wait to see you race in 2021.

[@dannymcgrath8197]

You’re an animal Lionel, you want to be the best and you’ll get there. I love to see your motivation and drive to be better and be the best.

[@richardpate1897]

Thanks for sharing the swim struggle. I can relate! Excited to watch you grind and learn better technique. Please share!

[@d.lauricks3016]

Fark Lionel, that absolute will to be the best and destroy the field! Insane!

[@SWLPASSIONATERUNNER]

You are right, your swimming sucks but man, you are immune towards pain. You can suffer much more than the other guys, that's a huge plus. Still I agree and hope that you and also Sebi continue to fix your damn swimming. Would love to see you much earlier being in front of the race pack because then people like Gustav would also need to feel the pain which would make them even harder. That would be a nice loop leading to even greater triathlon events to watch. And there is never a doubt, we all deeply admire and respect you, Merry Christmas Lionel!

[@junalberca361]

Win or lose, we are thankful for sharing your journey to us

[@guamaltrailrace]

Numbers don't lie .... but it's humble from you to criticize yourself like this ... that's why you inspire us. Thanks a lot.

[@andrewtheunissen2336]

Love the determination Lionel. Keep it up buddy. 👍

[@jasenrohatinsky3555]

You are just awesome. Love how you break everything down.

[@mikeb4032]

Dude. Very few people could work their way through the field like you did. Take time to celebrate that bike-run split. One word of advice. The subconscious internalizes beliefs every time you criticize yourself...whether you say it in test, or not. Yes, your swim can improve. I have no doubt it will improve during the off season. Focus forward. Focus positive. Kick some ass. And happy holidays! 🎄👊🏻💪🏻🇨🇦

[@nathanwoods1927]

You’re a big encouragement to me and a reason why’ve I’ve started training for a 70.3, keep grinding boy!