We begin 2026 with a special Medical Mailbag in which we discuss a coaches perspective to helping athletes find their why and understand how that might change over time.

Table of Contents

• What’s your why? And does it need to stay the same …

• Sara Black of Zia Physiotherapy

• Episode takeaways:

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What’s your why? And does it need to stay the same over time?

Athletes come to multisport for many reasons and in a lot of cases the reasons that motivate them to stay in the game year after year change in fundamental ways. This is often as a result of how external circumstances can impact the relative importance of triathlon in the grand scheme of things but also can reflect changes in life such as aging, injury or career changes. As coaches, Juliet and I work with our athletes to help them establish goals that may change from race to race and year to year. Underneath it all though, every athlete needs to understand their why, as in, WHY are they doing what they are doing? WHY are they putting themselves through the training, the sacrifices, the expense of multisport? Without a good why behind you, it’s hard to continually find the motivation to turn up.

Interestingly, I have found that the why can change over time and that is not only ok but makes the journey that much more enjoyable. As you move through different stages of your life, as circumstances around your athletic abilities may change, so to can the why and it is vitally important to understand that not only is that normal, it is something to be embraced. On this Medical Mailbag, we look at how the why is so important, how we help our athletes find their why and how we each have had our own why change over time. We also consider the experiences of several listeners who contributed their own experiences on this fascinating and important subject.

Sara Black of Zia Physiotherapy

About Sara according to Sara: A Richmond native, Sara attended East Carolina University as an NCAA Division I swimmer, earning a B.S. in Exercise Physiology with a minor in Business. She later received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Lynchburg University, where she developed a passion for helping patients with pelvic floor dysfunction, pregnancy-related concerns, and postpartum musculoskeletal issues. Sara is also the creator of The Triathlete Project, blending her PT expertise with her athletic background to help swimmers, bikers, and runners train safely and effectively. In her free time, she participates in triathlons, running races, hiking, and backpacking, and enjoys time outdoors with friends, family, and her dogs Frankie and Chola.

The episode features a delightful guest, Sara Black, who brings a refreshing perspective on the intersection of physical therapy and triathlon. With her background as a Division 1 swimmer turned triathlete, Sarah dives into the nitty-gritty of pelvic health—which, is a topic that doesn’t get nearly enough airtime in the world of sports. She spills the tea on how pelvic floor health impacts triathletes, especially women, and why it’s crucial to address these often-ignored issues. Trust me, if you’ve ever felt discomfort on the bike or had a sneaking suspicion that your saddle might be out to get you, Sara’s insights will resonate deeply. The conversation flows effortlessly from pelvic health to overall athletic performance, shedding light on why understanding our bodies is key to thriving in the sport. Jeff and Sara discuss practical strategies for maintaining pelvic health, addressing issues like bladder leakage and discomfort, and how to empower athletes to prioritize their well-being.

Episode takeaways:

• Personalized training is key because what works for one athlete might totally flop for another, so don't follow the crowd.

• Durability in triathlon isn't just about logging miles; you've got to prep your body for the strain, or you'll end up crying on the sidelines.

• Life changes can mess with your motivation in endurance sports, and that's not just okay, it's the norm, so roll with the punches.

• Finding your 'why' in sports isn't a one-time deal; it evolves just like your training plan, so keep checking in with yourself.

• If you're not enjoying at least 80% of your training, it's time to reevaluate what you're doing and maybe mix it up a bit.

• The importance of strength training can't be overstated; it's not just a nice-to-have, it's a must for durability and injury prevention.

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