Finding Your Happiness In Training

If you need something to smile and feel happy about, well, here you go! Just look at that pup's face! 🐶🐾 

There is something about my pets that put me in "My Happy Place!"

How about your "Happy Place"- I was having this conversation about finding your happy place with an athlete the other day. Training doesn’t have to mean boring fitness rituals that isolate us day after day.  

Good training is training that makes us happy in the act. Think about the things that make you happy while improving your fitness. Is it riding solo on a breathtaking countryside route? Running or biking with friends? Taking in a leadership role with a fitness group? Swimming with a Masters group? Swimming with a new piece of swim equipment? Watching your favorite Netflix series while on the trainer?   

Whatever it is…do it!  Try to stay within your training perimeters (but sometimes as a coach, I will be flexible with an athlete’s  perimeters, if it means that an athlete will have happiness while training). 

Here are some tips on finding your happiness:

 1. Define Your “Why” – Understanding your motivation keeps training fulfilling rather than feeling like a grind. Whether it’s personal growth, health, or the thrill of competition, anchoring yourself in your purpose makes the journey more meaningful.

 2. Train Smarter, Not Harder – More isn’t always better. Structured training, proper recovery, and listening to your body help prevent burnout and injuries. Enjoyment comes when you feel strong and capable, not constantly exhausted.

 3. Celebrate Small Wins – A great session, hitting a pacing goal, or simply showing up on tough days—acknowledge and celebrate these moments. Finding joy in the process, not just race day, makes training sustainable.

 4. Keep It Social – Training solo can be fulfilling, but surrounding yourself with a supportive community—training partners, coaches, or a team—adds motivation, accountability, and fun. Shared experiences make the journey richer.

 5. Maintain Balance – Triathlon is part of your life, not your whole life. Prioritizing family, friends, work, and hobbies alongside training keeps you well-rounded and prevents burnout. Happiness comes from a well-balanced lifestyle.

A  happy athlete is a faster athlete. I don’t think I every knew of an unhappy athlete crushing goals and races, do you?. Find your happiness, and have your fastest season yet!

-Coach Amy

About The Author: Coach Amy Javens is the founder, owner, head coach of FLYT. She has been a coach for 30+ years, and raced professionally, with overall female wins in Beach 2 Battleship 140.6 and Ironman Los Cabos and personal bests of 9:25 and 4:26 in the IM and 70.3 distances. She had been a leader in the endurance coaching industry for many years. She lives near Pittsburgh, Pa with her husband, 3 daughters and 2 pups!