Your Race Season Is Over So Now What?

-

As the season comes to an end many athletes reflect on what went really great and areas they can improve upon.  Going into the year the races I had planned were the Boston Marathon, Ironman Maryland, and Mountain Man Half and Olympic distance triathlons.  I wanted to do a marathon in January but I wanted to do it with my dogs so it wasn't something I was doing for time just for fun.  My A races were Boston and IM Maryland.  I did end up doing a few local Olympic distance triathlons as well.  I don't like to over schedule races because I think it can lead to stress and too much pressure and  its important  to remember that we do this for FUN!  

Now that its the end of the season is a great time to work on building some strength and maybe doing strength training if you've been neglecting it.  If your a triathlete its a great time to work on improving the discipline that you might struggle in.  If you're a bad swimmer then in the off season I'm sure the last thing you want to do is swim.  Guess what........you should be in the pool in the off season!  Here are some tips to prepare now for next year:  

  • Take a few weeks off or take it very easy and don't follow a schedule. 
  • Think about what races you plan to do next year.  I am very particular in planning my season.  I pick 1 or 2 big races and work around those.  I don't like to randomly throw in races at the last minute.  I'm not saying I don't do that but I always have a specific plan that focuses around those big races.  
  • When planning your season be realistic and give serious thought to your personal life and how your training will fit in.  Don't be over zealous because this can lead to burnout and disappointment.  
  • If you're a triathlete use the off season to focus on your weakness.
  • Incorporate an extra day of strength training, functional training or yoga in the off season when you have more time. 
  • Set realistic goals for the season and for each planned race.
  • Discuss your planned races with your family to make sure they are on board with your decisions and the time you'll need to commit to training.  


     















Running a marathon with my dog Pacer was so much fun she's simply amazing!  Finishing my 13th Ironman was a pretty cool accomplishment.   

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Ironman Tattoo

-
Image
I wanted to talk about the Ironman Tattoo . I am a fan of tattoos and actually have a few. I have completed 4 Ironman races and DON'T have an Ironman tattoo. I hope I don't offend anyone reading this who does have the tattoo. I feel the need to express my opinion (that is surely a surprise)! If you are one of the many with the tattoo please keep in mind I say all this in fun and I will still like you even if you have one. I might make fun of you but I like you. You might ask, what I have against the Ironman tattoo? I think there should be a disclaimer that a person has to sign when they get an Ironman tattoo. They should have to agree to complete an Ironman at least every five years for the rest of their life. If they don't agree to that they should not be able to get one! Too many people get the tattoo and then suddenly stop training and get fat. If you do one Ironman and get the tattoo then suddenly don't workout are you still an Ironman ? Then some people ...
Read more

Triathletes - to spin or not to spin?

-
You would think being a spin instructor I would tell everyone to take spin classes. Well the triathlon coach side of me will tell you something different. Spin classes are great for some people but not triathletes. There are many different reasons why triathletes should not take spin classes to improve their bike endurance. Some important reasons are listed below: Most spin instructors NEVER ride outside and would not know how to design a workout specifically for a triathlete. Even if they did most people would find it really boring. Spin classes are typically fast, high intensity, high aerobic effort. When you are just beginning to build your endurance on the bike you should do some training at a lower intensity. People flock to spin classes because they love the fast pace, group environment, specific music each instructor chooses, and they love to sweat. You will get ZERO bike handling skills. How will you learn to maneuver your bike if you are never outside on it? You need to get th...
Read more

Tools To Help You Swim

-
Image
  I've been coaching people in the pool for over 15 years.  I have coached people who were advanced swimmers and people who didn't know how to swim at all.  I recommend every person who swims regularly to use swim equipment.  Swimming equipment will help you improve your swim and also break it up so it's not so boring.  Here is a list of equipment and reasons why I recommend each piece of equipment.  Pool Buoy - this goes between your legs and will help you focus on your stroke because you will not have to kick at all and the buoy will help your legs stay afloat.   Amazon - pool buoy Fins - fins are great to help beginner swimmers. It will make learning to swim a little easier.  Fins are also great to use to do drills.  Drills are important for beginner and advanced swimmers.  They help swimmers focus on certain aspects of the stroke.   Amazon Fins Kick Board - kick boards are used to practice your kick and I also have new...
Read more