Okay, so there probably won't be any antics to speak of here, but I had to catch your attention. Looking at my last post, I realized how long it's been since I've blogged. A resolution for me in 2011 will be to blog more consistently. Of course, if work goes the way I anticipate it to go next year, I will be struggling to get workouts in regularly...that's the issue of another blog though, not one that I write.
I was recently in my off-season, but while I was still training 6 or 7 days a week, those sessions were mostly been lighter and concentrated more on strength...until recently anyway. I certainly enjoyed the much needed break to heal up and work on some strength. Of course, it's winter time in the Rockies which means lots of skiing to add to my sessions. Typically, winter would mean lots of indoor training as well, but for the most part, this winter has been ridiculously dry and warm so running outside is not a problem. Unfortunately, I'm sort of a fair weather cyclist (possibly due to the lack of adequate gear as my coworker informed me) so I'll be on the trainer a lot.
Most importantly in this off season though, is I've spent some good quality time with my lovely wife and wonderful son. Without their support, I never would have accomplished what I did in 2010 nor would I have the courage to do what I'm about to embark on in 2011.
So lets talk about 2010. It was a great year for me personally. I started off signed up for the Colorado Marathon in May, so training was full on starting in January. Shortly before the marathon, I signed up with PRS Fit and Coach Jeff and Diane. I've been nothing short of absolutely pleased that I selected them as my coaches. I only wish I would have signed up for them to take control of my entire marathon training. As it was, they helped me significantly the last few weeks of that training to help me achieve a roughly 50 minute PR.
The main reason I signed on with them was to help me get into triathlons. This sport was new to me in 2010 and I wanted to concentrate on the training and racing aspect rather than the planning too. I truly feel that they helped me achieve a level that I know I wouldn't have come close to on my own. As it turned out, I participated in two sprint distance tris, placing 7th and 5th in my age group. This, in the Denver/Boulder area which is very competitive and in a tough age group (35-39).
As I realized after the first tri, I have become addicted to this sport. I've purchased a great bike and now am acquiring the other gear necessary (desired) to continue to compete. And to round it out, I've become a faster runner, cyclist and swimmer than I have ever been!
So what's that leave for 2011? Plenty, I say. I've already mapped out several races, two of which will be my A races for the year. A Race #1 - Hawaii 70.3! There is a little history behind the choosing of this event as my first A race and first ever 70.3 event. This year marks our 10 year wedding anniversary. We had always discussed repeating our honeymoon in New England for this event. The more we talked about it though, we decided we would like to postpone that trip until our son is a few years older so that he can enjoy it even more. So, this left an opening in our schedule. As I was looking for early season 70.3 events, I saw so many that I thought would be great choices. In the end, I narrowed it down to Rhode Island and Hawaii. Obviously, Hawaii was to be my choice...not just because of the tropical climate, but because I liked the idea of a better chance of warm weather.
So, after much discussion with family and coaches, we decided Hawaii would be my main focus for the early season. Everything for this event is booked and ready (except me) and we're counting down the days. I've now entered my build stage for this race too, so mileage and time training is increasing.
My other A race for the year is the Boulder 70.3 in August. I like this one for many reasons, but especially since it's close to home. It's also going to be a great race with so many great athletes. Part of me signing up for this, included the entire Boulder Tri Series which includes a sprint distance race in June, an Olympic distance race in May and the 70.3. I'm really excited for all of these races, but seriously nervous about the competition...it is Boulder for crying out loud. Doesn't matter, it will be great!
I will also mix in a few other races throughout the year. One I'm contemplating now is the Tempe International Triathlon in May. I (and my coaches) really wanted to get an OD race in before Hawaii...especially one with an open-water swim. The advantage to Tempe is...well, it's Arizona and it's hot. I've heard so many stories about Hawaii...shoes melting, overheating and dehydration, so I wanted some of that training. Also, this race has been around for a while and I've heard it's a great event. The downside...I really don't want to fly out for the race (not feeling like traveling with the bike) so I'd have to drive. That's 12 hours from here. Certainly doable, but it would be a short weekend trip.
The other option that's close by (and potentially hot) is the Moab triathlon. I'm a little more reserved about this one as I really can't seem to find much information about it on the web. I get the feeling that it might be the first year for this event. The big advantage is that I can get there in 6 hours. Also, I know the weather is typically hot there in May, but I know that it can be cool and rainy too. Hmmm...sounds almost like I've made my choice, doesn't it?
We'll see how it comes and I'm sure I'll make the decision soon so I don't get kicked out of a capped race. For now, back into the training...swim, bike, run and repeat.
Thanks for reading!
- Brian
I will also mix in a few other races throughout the year. One I'm contemplating now is the Tempe International Triathlon in May. I (and my coaches) really wanted to get an OD race in before Hawaii...especially one with an open-water swim. The advantage to Tempe is...well, it's Arizona and it's hot. I've heard so many stories about Hawaii...shoes melting, overheating and dehydration, so I wanted some of that training. Also, this race has been around for a while and I've heard it's a great event. The downside...I really don't want to fly out for the race (not feeling like traveling with the bike) so I'd have to drive. That's 12 hours from here. Certainly doable, but it would be a short weekend trip.
The other option that's close by (and potentially hot) is the Moab triathlon. I'm a little more reserved about this one as I really can't seem to find much information about it on the web. I get the feeling that it might be the first year for this event. The big advantage is that I can get there in 6 hours. Also, I know the weather is typically hot there in May, but I know that it can be cool and rainy too. Hmmm...sounds almost like I've made my choice, doesn't it?
We'll see how it comes and I'm sure I'll make the decision soon so I don't get kicked out of a capped race. For now, back into the training...swim, bike, run and repeat.
Thanks for reading!
- Brian
