At the outset of the season when I was looking at 7 races in 6 weeks (eventually truncated to 6 in 5) it was a task that I'd never even come close to doing before. Never had I even raced on consecutive weeks with any consequence. I thought it quite daunting but also knew that to get better you have to experience and KNOW racing. Paulo had a good blend for me going and thoughout the block I slowly moved away from the high intense ITU type prep to more long steady state Half IM work. That and I have finally gotten to integrate FAST RUNNING (tempo runs and mile repeats) into my training. Note to all... I've been running, JUST RUNNING, for a year now and only now have I begun to tip toe into faster paced work.
Pelican Fest (1st) in Windsor was nothing much more than a tune up and speed shake out. Things went well and I then raced off for the airport. A very "spring-like" race. It was in the mid 50s and raining on the drive home.
2 day break
Austin ITU (25th) was my introduction to real d-legal racing. I was pleased with my swim but not the swim conditions (flat like a pool) and then with the group that we got away with. Our tactics were a bit too quick (rotations) and we zapped our legs. Learned a lot about what not to do... now just need to go figure out what to_ do_. I don't believe in learning from mistakes... they don't tell you much... success teaches you. The run... well... that was just a mess. Looking forward to my next shot at short course. It's THRILLING!!!
13 day break
Oliver Half Iron (5th) signaled a return to the Okanagan. After Austin I had gotten in a solid block of training and was happy with how things were going. However on race day I just never felt right and especially on the run where, sure i went out a bit too fast, but things were just off.
5 day break
Billy and Lara's wedding.... on the front end... I thought this was gonna knock me up good. By far the best wedding I've ever been to... but only was cause for a drawn out and recovery focused day of training on Sunday. : )
7 day break
Loveland Lake to Lake (2nd) Like last year, I trained right up to it and right through it. Things were clicking well all week long and I was finally starting to feel like I was getting into the summer training groove where you just start ticking off the days and the training with no thinking. Lobotomies are awesome! ;-) I was super disappointed to get run down in the last 1/2 mile but it's fuel for the future training fire. Post race I was ON TOP OF MY RECOVERY knowing that in less than 24 hours I'd be in the midst of another throw down, faster paced too. Easy run with Mr. Meeker and a load of veggies and protein. Massage and a spin and rest was the rest of the day.
23 hour break
Boulder 5430 Sprint (2nd) This was kind of fun. I woke up and simply put it on auto pilot. No thinking, no fanfare, just ride out to the res, do a workout then chill and get my long ride in. Swim was a little rough but got out on the bike and was pleased that my cycling legs, unlike the day before, had decided to show. Being caught on the run was inevitable as Simon was 10th at Athens so 2nd wasn't all that bad... given the events of the day before. Good on the recovery again and rocked my bike workout later in the day a well.
6 day break
...and lastly Pac Crest (1st)
Would I do it again? HELL YES!!! I love racing. And at that a huge thank you to MattGiven.com for aiding me in getting to my races. Over the course of this block the EXTREME importance of recovery has been drilled into me. My understanding of food vs. fuel has become entrenched in my pysche as well as I try to lose a bit more weight yet still stay on top of my day to day and hourly energy levels.
I most defintely look forward to hitting up another block or racing similar to this in the future.
Questions and inquries are welcome! : )
5 comments:
Hmmmm racing huh? I can vaguely recall doing some of that...
Sounds like a lot of fun. When will we see you doing more ITU?
@JP... possibly in the fall. We'll see. For sure again next year.
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