Tri-Tips : V3

Volume 3 - June 2025

Why Playing it Safe is Holding You Back: Growth Through Vulnerability

What if I told you I know of one of the most powerful tools to help you grow exponentially as an athlete? It doesn’t involve chugging rocket fuel, hopping on a fad diet, or dropping your hard-earned dollars on the latest high-tech gear. The answer? It involves getting out of our comfort zone.

That’s right, my limitless friends - it’s time to get uncomfortable. 

This top-secret superpower for growth demands something most adults loathe:  vulnerability. That sticky, squirmy feeling we dodge like the plague. But here’s the truth, vulnerability is where the magic happens.

Throughout my career as an endurance athlete, I’ve learned this lesson over and over again. In fact, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if I hadn’t faced the dread of being bad, trying something new, and just giving it a TRI! As a tenured endurance athlete and as a coach, it’s not always easy to admit when I’m out of my depth, but I’ve found that’s exactly when breakthrough occurs. You see, perfection isn’t the goal. Mastery is a myth. So why cling to the illusion of control? Let it go, and dip your toes into the pool of uncertainty!

Take this past weekend, for example, at the USA Triathlon Multisport National Championship Festival in Omaha, Nebraska. I rolled in hot and found myself face-to-face with a whole slew of uncomfortable “firsts” - despite years of experience and a professional coaching license. Why? Because I saw an opportunity to grow, not just for myself, but for my athletes. Facing these experiences head on, like trying a swimming focused Aquathlon for the first time when I know I’m not the strongest swimmer in my Age Group, or trying a draft legal sprint race when I’ve never drafted in competition, or stepping up to the plate to complete four events across four back-to back days. I won’t lie, when I got there, I cringed at the schedule and even muttered, “Who signed up for all of this?!” But I did it. And it was so worth it.

So the next time you find yourself sticking to your strengths, playing it safe, or cruising in your comfort zone, stop and ask yourself: Will this help me become the athlete I want to be? Will this get me closer to my goals?

Sometimes, the fastest way forward is straight through discomfort. So how will you get out of your comfort zone and grow as an athlete this summer? Think you’d like to try something new but not sure where to start? Contact Coach Leah today to set up a free consult to discuss your goals in sport!

Stay Limitless, Coach Leah

Contact Coach Leah with Limitless Racing and Coaching today: limitlessracingandcoaching@gmail.com.