TOTW: Season Status Update.

My season has definitely exceeded expectations so far.  Last year on this date, my weekly report (I used to post it on my blog) was 3,800 yds swimming, 23.46 miles biking and 10.3 miles running and I was just about to taper for my very first tri.  So, given where I was then and where I am now (approx 2x that), I'll say that this season has been successful in a big way.  I came back after hurting my knee last fall trying to marathon train for ING and did the 5K swim race instead (Doug's idea), which was awesome and we've both successfully done 2 Olys.  That was totally unimaginable 2 years ago.

The rest of 2008 for me (and Doug) is GA Veterans sprint in August, SC HIM in Sept (our first!), and Kiawah Island Marathon in Dec (my first!).  If I can finish all of these without injury, I will be one happy camper.  And then, the rest of December will be off before training for ING GA next year.

I give myself an A.  I was going to say A-/B+ because I seem unable to do any speed on the run or the bike right now and I'd like to have placed better in my races, but when I look at the numbers and my overall fitness in comparison to last year (or ever, really), I can't downgrade.  Sure, I could be smarter and faster in a race, but that can wait for next year!

Great TOTW....I have to say that 2008 is shaping up to be one of the best seasons I have ever had. I have accomplished almost every goal that I set at the beginning of the season including one this past weekend that I thought was a little far fetched (Clearwater).

Physical Conditioning-Excellent. I set a new PR at the Half Marathon distance, and I have felt strong across the board this year. My VO2 tests have been improvements over last year also.

Training Volume and Quality-Again excellent. I probably could have run a little bit more, but my overall volume is more than last year when I was training for an IM.

Mental Acuity-The BEST move that I have made this year was to ditch the bike computer, HRM, watch, sundial, etc. and just RACE.

Gear-Bought a Felt B2 Pro....didn't feel like it was stiff enough and went back to my Plasma for Steelhead. No other significant upgrades although I do have a Power Tap on the way.

Race Day Performance-Since there is no such thing as a perfect race I haven't had one this year, that being said there are very few things that I would change about any of my races this year. A few little things here and there but no wholesale changes or regrets.

Degree of Satisfaction-Regardless of what happens from here on out, I have to say this has been a great year. Although I didn't "officially" go under 5 hours at either of my HIM races this year I have no doubt that had the weather conditions cooperated at either race (Gulf Coast rough seas/wind/head/humidity, Steelhead cancelled swim) I would have achieved that goal. I also was fortunate enough to get a slot for the 70.3 World Championships at Steelhead which was my biggest goal of the year.

Grade: A

On the coaching side of the house this has been an amazing year. I have had athletes PRing all over the place and really having a fantastic year. I honestly couldn't be happier.

Ok, let's try this again; I had a great post written out this morning at work but I guess the internet ate my post. 

 
Great topic RT.

Second year of triathlon.  My season started off with a very dissappointed Disney marathon.  Since then, I have been on a tear of PRs.  I worked very hard towards my early season A race which was Gulf Coast and had a great race up until mile 10 of the run (still had a great race though).  Along the way I broke 1:10 at Tanner Sprint.  In April I learned that I was going to Kona (although I had plans already to do IMFL).

After an up/down month of May (plus a trip to Taiwan), I have been laser focused on my prep for Kona.  Along the way I set PRs at Peachtree Road Race and Chattanooga Olympic. 

and finally, give yourself a grade, taking into consideration experience level, etc:

A+. 

This is perfect timing for this topic b/c it has helped me to put this season into proper perspective.  Prior to putting some thought into how to reply to this post I was not all that satisfied with my season.  Most of my dissatisfaction has come from allowing myself to get away from training for 6 weeks in May/June which resulted in a poor performance at West Point Lake, prevented me from hitting my goal at Chattanooga, and put me behind the eight ball for SCHIM training.

Looking back, I’ve had a good year so far.  After losing over 50 lbs. and completing my first two sprint tris in 2007, I set bigger goals for myself in 2008.  I’ve since completed my first marathon, 3 Olys, have two sprints left on the calendar and am training for my first HIM.

Physical Conditioning:  Certainly the best shape of my life.  Prior to tris I was 50-60 lbs heavier and had never run before. 

Training Volume:  I’ve had ups and downs this year but July was probably my biggest volume month ever and I’m looking forward to stepping it up in August.

Training quality:  sub par, I’m in a bit of a rut and am only working on my aerobic base.  Eventually I’ll have to start mixing it up and start incorporating some speed work.

Gear:  Considering my budget, I have no complaints about my gear.

Race Day Performance:  Chattanooga was my first triathlon where I felt like I really knew what I was capable of and went out and did it.  I have a lot to learn about pacing, nutrition, and knowing when and how much to push, but Chattanooga proved to me that I’m starting to put all of the pieces together.

Degree of Satisfaction:  I’m fairly satisfied. 

Grade:  B-

Good post, and perfect timing to summarize for me since my Tri season is over and I have to refocus to other things for a bit.

Physical conditioning-  Pretty good. I still have a few pounds to lose, and at this point it will greatly help my performance. That said I also feel better than ever and have such great opportunity to improve further still

Training Volume and Quality- I have a hard time staying consistent with the priorities of family and work, but I rarely skip the very important workouts. My volume is up very much from last year, but I have opportunities to improve on this.

Mental Acuity- I got better as the season went on. Perhaps a poor performance at Gulf Coast made me engage my brain and start thinking more during a race.

Gear- Right now I feel lucky to have what I have. There are upgrades and other toys I would like to have, but my equipment is certainly not slowing me down. I will be buying some more speed soon enough though.

Race Day Performance- One bad race, ever- and it was still a PR. In fact every race I have done this season has resulted in a string of PR's. Mental toughness is a strength of mine on race day.

Degree of Satisfaction- This was my breakout season. I have managed to break all of my PR's and place in 3 events (as a clyde). I would have never imagined accomplishing any of this in 2006 when I trained to complete my first sprint triathlon. My wife is now enjoying the sport, and my son thinks its "cool" too. Combine all those things and I have nothing to complain about.

Grade- Solid A. This will be a tough season to best, but I said that last year too

Thanks for all the support to the NAMC and BT people this year too- it made it that much more fun! Now off to go run.

My season isn't over given my biggest race is still at the end of this month, but a review of my season so far earns mixed marks.

Physical conditioning - In just the last couple of days, I've been really happy with my physical conditioning. I've managed to re-proportion my body a bit and feel like I definitely gained strength and endurance in all three sports. I feel the added strength and endurance has reduced my speed a bit on the run but I know I can get that back when I'm ready to go back to some road racing and shorter distance triathlons. Due to a lay-off during the build phase of IM training, I felt forced to make a big jump in training volume which has created a couple of minor (let's hope they stay that way) injuries so that is the one area of physical conditioning that keeps me from saying, I'm in the best shape of my life.

Training Volume and Quality - Very happy with this. I've had some issues with illness this year that kept me from training, but I am thrilled I've managed to get the training done that I have. I owe a huge thanks to my family for working with me and being accomodating of my increasing demand for training time. Most of my training has been geared towards going long so speed has pretty much been thrown out the window this year, but I'm going into my IM taper weeks feeling like i did enough to get me to the finishline.

Mental Acuity - My first race of the season was definitely lacking here, but then I got myself on track and feel like I've been right where I need to be mentally. IM training is very taxing in some many ways, including mentally and I have definitely had times of being overwhelmed or lacking focus, etc, but overall I am pleased with my focus on the goal and getting it all done.

Gear - I've had a few episodes of gear envy this year. For a lot of reasons, my gear budget is pretty small, so given my budget I'm happy with what I have. I finally bought a new saddle (which I've wanted since last year) and I'll be switching out the cockpit (which I've wanted to do all season) on my bike sometime this week. I am actually downgrading from carbon to an aluminum base bar so I can finally move away from an integrated aerobar set-up. Overall that change should make me much happier and in a better position on my bike even though I'm sad I'm losing my carbon. I had originally thought of trying to sell my bike at the end of this season and get a new one for next year, but I just don't think it's worth doing anymore. I'm working with Curtis right now to get my bike in good shape so I'll like hang on to my bike for a few more years.  

Race Day Performance - This has been a bit all over the place this year. I had an early season race where I really just went through the motions of racing, without ever really racing. After that race, I kicked myself in the butt and put my game day face on for every other race. I had an awesome performance at one race, and finally hit my sub 2:40 Olympic distance goal. I was consistent and pleased with my effort at the HIM I did. I missed out on one race due to illness, and then had to fight some major body fatigue at another race, but I am still pleased with my performance there because I never gave up and I gave the race everything I had on that day. I have a huge race coming up and I plan to go into that race focused, but with an open-mind and the expectation that I will need to adapt all day long to get to the finishline.

Degree of Satisfcation - For the most part, I'm satisfied. I was disappointed with the whole kidney stone mess, especially knowing it was caused by my own lack of hydration. I missed a race where I was hoping to really shine, and then I had to battle to get back on my IM training and complete another race on a very tired body. Ultimately, if I have a good day in Lou my entire season will be very satisfying but there is a lot riding on Lou in terms of really assessing how my season went.

Grade - Incomplete. Ask me again on Sept. 1st

2008 has been a bit dissappointing. I saw 3 Pr's in 2007 at 10k, half and marathon. Biggest improvement was the half with a 5 minute PR. But then again I am better fall runner than spring and I struggled in the winter of 2008 with injury. I still put up a decent marathon only 45 seconds slower than my PR 5 months prior. And my 10k was 20 seconds slower. So considering the injury the loss of speed was neglgible.

 As far as triathlon I am dissappointed that I have not raced one yet this summer. I am looking forward to the SC HIM it will be my second tri ever and I am excited/nervous about the endurance.

That said . . .

 But I've got outfits for the run bike and swim. And I have my ipod.

But most importantly--as  I am first and foremost a marathon runner--I definitely keep myself in fresh shoes. Maybe next year if the half iron goes well I might think more seriously about investing in more tri gear. That said, I do have some pretty cute tri and bike clothes.

Nat,

 You are proof you don't need all the goodies to be fast.   If you stick with tri's you will be one of the fastest chicks around because of how hard you train. 

Physical conditioning-  I only have a year starting last June.  Considering that time frame, excellent gains.  I constantly complain about my running, but I could not run 3 miles at a slow pace last June.  Perspective. 

Training Volume and Quality- I hit it hard for the KS 70.3.  I followed a BT plan as best I could given life.  Looking back, I did not build in enough recovery and more than likely took on too much, too soon.  I arrived at my A race injured as a result.  Do i need a coach?

Mental Acuity- Good, but not great.  My mental game has lots of room for improvement.  I did a good job at the PI OLY, but fell apart at the KS 70.3. 

Gear- I am very happy with my switch to Newtons.  I have worn out my first pair and plan on replacing in the next 30 days.  My new Pinarello is great.  I am not sure I really need to invest in a tri bike yet.  I know there are benefits, but money resources always play a factor here.  I purchased a used QR wet suite which was a great buy, but I will try to never wear it.  I am not sure what I would do without my Garmin 305. 

Race Day Performance- Very mixed results.  Happy with my first half mary in March, over joyed with a new PR at PI OLY by 20 minutes, mentally distroyed by outcome of KS 70.3.  I have not decided how to judge my race day efforts.  I can say that I will not do another race that requires flying and shipping my bike.  If I can't drive, I am not doing it.  I find the logistical challenges twist the mellon every time.

Degree of Satisfaction-  Very low due to KS 70.3  I hung too much on this one day and raised the bar too high.  I came very close to quitting in the last 30 days. At the end of the day, tri is fun, great for my health, met great people.  As Sargent Big Toe said in Stripes...."lighten up Francis".  I am ramping back up and getting the mojo back now.

Grade: B-

Awww. you lub me! Thanks Doug that is really nice. Not necessarily true but nice nonetheless. I do need the goodies but I need them to be free.

Another good topic of the week.

Physical conditioning-  As is common with many post-IM athletes, I started the season injured.  It was not from the race but rather from jumping back into training with too much volume and intensity.  I struggled with back issues from December to March and therefore got a late start to my training.

What turned this around for me was a mixture of three things: an excellent chiropractor in Dr. Josh Glass (who is a marathoner and cyclist ... and not a green tea smoking wacko who not only treated me but prescribed a series of stretched that "opened my back", a great massage terrorist in Collette Ragan (never under-estimate the medicinal value of having a pretty 5-foot-something physically assault you once a month through deep tissue massage) and, most importantly, awesome group core work session with Dorie Down at Excellence in Exercise.

Core is king when it comes to having a healthy, balanced back.  I noticed marked difference not only in the absence of pain but in my swim, cycling and run stamina.

Training Volume and Quality- Unlike last year, I followed my training program to the letter this season.  Where I previously just focused on the gross volume, I now paid attention to the intensity levels prescribed ... and I think that made a difference in my speed this year.

The training volume for a half instead of a full is much better for my family (and work) life.  During the final build-to-peak phase it does encroach upon family time and entail sacrifices ... but nothing compared to iron training.

Mental Acuity- Much improved this year.  I am using previous race experience and thinking things through more through each leg of a race; instead of zoning out on the bike, I am remembering to focus on hydration + nutrition, instead of pushing too hard on the first miles of the run I am holding enough in the tank to kick it during the last miles ... and so forth.

There have been some mental hiccups through training - but, hey!, it's BRIAN we are talking about here  

Gear-  My bike is either parked on my trainer in the middle of the garage or hanging from the ceiling.  Either way, I never fail to swing by to give it a little hug to let her know how much I appreciate and love my bike.  The new Zipp 606's are smooth like buttah.

The Garmin 305 has great training data but think I am going to switch to a 'simpler' watch for race day.  The jury is still out on the Cateye Double Wireless as I just got it as a replacement of the one lost on the mean streets of Chattanooga.

Still have the same old Team issued sleeveless Orca S1 from 2006 - and still kind of like it.

Race Day Performance- Much better.  The training has paid off with speed, the experience from last race season something I was able to apply to this season and as of Steelhead last weekend my T-times are significantly down.

Degree of Satisfaction-  Good.  As a former smoker and uber-unhealthy person, I am enjoying being in shape and the ability to complete endurance events having given it my all.  It is for this reason that I will never truly race anyone else but myself ... and the secret behind my happiness in the sport.

Add to the above that some of the best friends I have are involved in this sport, my son has now joined a cycling team as a result of watching his father train and that my wife has expressed an outside interest in perhaps, maybe, possible consideration given to training for a marathon ... and I think it has had a positive impact.

Grade: B+

Come on....you can't count yourself down in the Disney.  That's a fun thing, but too many newbees to really run the race.  I did the half this year, will do the half again with hubby.  Fun race, but not for PRs.

You can when you do what I did.

Get sick the week before.  Try to medicate yourself back into health = double the dosage of airborne, claritone, psuedaphed, etc..  I was in zone 5 by mile 3.  My body shut down at mile 15.

That sucks!  I feel your pain.  I raced the Irongirl with a sinus infection.  Two doses of antibiotics and a steroid shot left me feeling pretty hyped up....No I wasn't "doping".  I still choked with my all-time worst performance.

Anyways, sounds like you're having a great season afterall...maybe it was destiny?