Ready-Set-Go?

I attended a physiology and bio mechanics workshop presented by Dr. Phil Skiba last weekend. I won't get into a lot of the workshop but the bottom line is "well worth the time and investment to go out east". I'm convinced I will be a better coach with some of the tools and information I learned. I've spent the better part of this year improving my knowledge of power based training and designing specific training protocols designed to elicit specific results. The make up of my client base and the increased use of technology has promoted me to either move ahead in my knowledge base on coach like the majority of the other coaches out there. I have bigger dreams than where I currently sit.

My own personal training is coming along. I had a test week this week and seem to have stagnated in some of my numbers. It is time to implement some new stimuli to the plan. After all, we can't continue to do the same things over and over and expect different results. On Monday I will begin my new plan and in 6-8 weeks we test again to determine progress.

My swimming has stagnated to the point where my wife told me on Friday I was holding up the lane. Not what I wanted to hear but "it is what it is". I'm swimming my 100's on a 1:20-1:25 basis but my ability to hold that speed has dropped in the past few months. I'll need to give this a bit of thought and talk with my swim coach about this as well. I also need to be honest and say my motivation in the water has lacked the past 6 weeks. Last year I came into January flying and by the start of the season I felt flat.

We are anxiously awaiting our new "rides". Kathy picked out the color scheme and we are going with a two tone red/black with red seats and red handlebar tape. We both went with a 78 degree seat angle and I'm eager to ride and see if there is a difference in my back and legs.

In one month I'm heading to Arizona with Jonathan Nixon. Jonathan is one of my athletes and will compete in Ironman South Africa in April. He invited me along for some training companionship. Based on what he has been doing and what I'm doing, I'm sure I'm in for a long week. Putting in some long miles will help me with my current level of fitness.

My article on improving your swimming was just in the last month of triathlon life magazine and I've heard from people all over the US. I've always wanted to be published and this is the second time my article has made it into this publication. I hope to do more writing in the future.

Not a whole lot more to report. Business remains good. I have decided not to take on any more athletes this year unless they are doing an Ironman and have prior experience. Kathy and coach Steve are full as well. Coach Jason still has room for a few more folks. I've actively begun looking for more coaches to join Mile High and have had some preliminary discussions with a few candidates. Kathy travels a lot in January and February and with my two trips we don't see each other a whole lot at the beginning of the year. We celebrate a17 year wedding anniversary in March and I need to think of something romantic to do for the weekend of our anniversary.

Time To Get Serious

Happy 2008!!!

As Kathy and I prepare for the upcoming race season I can tell our desire to train has picked up. We are entered in the 5430 Sprint, The Mile High Duathlon Series, Spirit of Racine Half Ironman and are looking at Love Land Lake to Lake, and the Cherry Creek Time trial series. If all goes well in Racine I will give consideration to another long distance race in August or September (most likely out of state). Kathy has indicated to me that this is a off year for her. Kathy has lasted 26 years in this sport and one of her keys to success is to taking "off" years in which she trains but doesn't really put any pressure on herself to perform. She typically does well anyways and I know she has some goals but she is keeping them to herself. I begin her coaching plan this week and am looking forward to training and racing with her again this year. I've always enjoyed my wife as my number 1 training partner.

GURU:

We were both in the market for new bikes this year and this week finalized a sponsorship arrangement with GURU bikes. WE will both be riding custom fit CRONO. A custom fit on a Tri Bike is critical to comfort, power and endurance. I will keep you posted on the difference between riding a stock bike which is has been custom fit to a bike made specifically to my dimensions. I've always had back issues on the bike and have my fingers crossed that this is the answer.

Swim Labs:

I went to Swim Labs this week and took Matt Beck along with me. Matt is a 6 time All American swimmer from the University of Texas. to have your stroke picked apart by someone of his knowledge was humbling. I need to spend more time in the pool working on the little things.

My training continues to go well. I pulled the plug on a coach and begin February 1st. I've already caught myself twice trying to dictate my schedule (one of my big pet peeves). Kathy and I negotiated masters swim time this morning and I'll be moving to a Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday schedule while she takes the morning M/W/F slot. I'm a little bummed because there are 6-8 MHM athletes in the water in the morning, BUT with our work schedules it is the right thing to do when striving for balance. When you have two people who race it is important that you both feel as if you are getting in quality time. It can be done with very little sacrifice but communication and compromise are prudent.

I lost my orthodics while in Steam Boat over Christmas and I can feel the difference when I run. My legs fatigue and my upper back hurts more. I have a new pair ordered and consider the loss a blessing as I pushed the limits on the old ones (9 years). As you can tell by the above picture, the snow in The Boat was incredible. Skiing virgin powder with my son will be something I remember for the rest of my life. he had never skied in such conditions and told me he "would always remember this day". When kids get to be 14 you don't hear that much. That's me on top and Nick beneath. Lauren was content on the green runs and we didn't push her beyond her comfort levels. Kathy and I split time "chasing" the boy down the mountain and at night couldn't decide which was more difficult, snow plowing a green trail or skiing black diamond mogul runs (not my favorite but I couldn't let my boy see me yield to the mountain).

I'm heading to Jersey next week for a workshop on Scientific Training for athletes. I've challenged myself to understand the physiological responses to training more. It isn't my background and I have never trained with power meters, heart rate monitors (not seriously) etc. If I want to achieve the level of coaching I desire then I need gain some knowledge in a few areas. Business is good and I'm happy to report we are close to full for the 2008 season. I'm in the process of looking for some additional coaches to join the staff.

I'm anxious to get a full season of trianing under my belt and see what level I can bring my performance to in 2008. no pressure, have fun, enjouy the sport and the friendships I make along the way.