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.