Looking back at the year and doing an honest evaluation of how it went I feel as though I took the majority of my training for granted. In 2011, I followed my training plan, hardly missed any sessions, had a pretty clean year eating wise, and really limited the junk calories of beer and soda. Last year not so much. I started the year about 15 lbs heavier and never cleaned up my diet and junk calories. The whole year I felt slow and heavy, and it showed in my results in the early season.
Most of my races were repeats from 2011, so its easy to compare. All my times were slower! I did add some trail runs in the Spring season, which were fun, but not very triathlon specific. My first triathlon of the year should have been an Olympic distance race. Instead it was a 70.3 at Mooseman. What a disaster that was, a 6:09:33. That was one of the worst races I ever had. I was limited to walk a few tough hills on the bike and walk parts of the run. That is what happens when you miss bike sessions, cut them short, or in general just ride for the time instead of focusing on the goal of each session, building to be an Ironman. As a USA Triathlon Level I Coach, I know better and would tell my athletes to be honest about what they are doing. I think I assumed I could do the time and show up at an Ironman and be OK. What a fool I was!
After the medical withdraw at Lake Placid, I did regroup for the end of the season. I cleaned a few things up, re-focused my training, and trained race specific. At the Tri the Wildwoods Triathlon I was lucky enough to finish in the top 10% overall, which qualified me for the Age Group National Championships. A few weeks later at the Atlantic City Triathlon, I PR'd for the Olympic Distance by 10 minutes. By the end of September at Pocono 70.3, I had another PR by 15 minutes. The prrof was in the pudding. I ended the year with the marathon just to do it. I had already signed up, but was not real eager to do it. I slugged it out and went into the off season looking forward to no real structure.
2013 will be different!! I have at least 4 triathlon's before LP this time. I may add another if I feel up to it. My training plan is written. My mind is committed to each session with results in mind, not just getting through the time of the session. I had my bike custom painted after Pocono 70.3 to give me a rededication to it. I had a new front end put on it from Profile Design and Guy's Bikes. I already have race wheels put on the side, ordered a Computrainer , and upgraded my Training Peaks account. I am looking forward to 2013 and redemption at Ironman Lake Placid.
