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November 13, 2007
Sophomore Season Review
I was thinking the other day about my 2007 triathon season, now wrapped up and into the "off season", and I decided that I had successfully avoided the sophomore jinx. But then again maybe not. I did get hit by a truck, after all.
But truck aside, I think 2007 was a success. I made a lot of changes, that's for sure. The biggest change of which was coaching and...well...a whole different way to train. And I was very frustrated at first. The HR ranges prescribed slowed me down A LOT and I felt slow, slow and more slow. Very different from how I trained my first triathlon season and really from any season of running I had ever done. Slow and steady was not really my game before.
But now it is and will be for a long time.
I've certainly bought into the MarkAllenOnline training theory and methods and although it was rough and bumpy at first, I know it will only get smoother from here. I understand the way things work now and I also understand how my body handles and reacts to the training. And that's key. I'm really looking forward to year #2 where I can take what I've learned already and use it to help me get that much further.
I also made some other changes - went from always training with other people to always training by myself, went from mostly sprints and some olympic distances to mostly olympic distances and some half IMs, went from doing local races to racing on a much bigger stage - all changes for the good.
I sometimes wonder what my season would have looked like had I not been riding on Freeport Road on June 1. Although the physical effects of my accident were mostly temporary the biggest hit I took that day was to my confidence. I went from an amateur win at Columbia that really had me believing I belonged with the top amateurs in the sport, to really wondering if I could finish a race at all. It was a far way to fall. But I slowly started clawing my way back up as my fitness returned and I think I'm in a good enough place now to start off 2008 well.
I really didn't know what to expect this season. I had made so many changes and I had never put myself out there to see how I stacked up against some of the best. But now I have a much better idea of what's going on, where I stand and where I would like to go. My goals for 2008 are MUCH clearer as is my training plan and my racing schedule.
So am I pleased with 2007? Well of course - there is so much to be thankful for and proud of. I made some huge leaps and bounds, even if it didn't show in my times. I competed in 2 World Championship races. I did my first half IM. I trained longer and harder than I EVER have in my life, including my days of collegiate running. Sometimes that training doesn't show up when you want it to - but I know that what I did from Jan to Nov will show up at some point and will pay off 100% and more.
But at the same time 2007 wasn't quite satisfying. I left a lot of goals not quite checked off the list. In a way that's good though, because I saw what I could do and I put myself in the position to do it. Now it's just a matter of following through. I suppose that's what 2008 will be for.
I feel like I have so many people to thank, for their help, for their support, for their words of encouragement. My wonderful friends and co-workers that, despite not being so interested in triathlon, make it important because they know it's important to me. Jeremy, who lends me his races wheels, but so much more than that. He is a very passionate competitor himself and understands what drive and determination are all about. Kim, who raced along side of me several times this year and who rode with me the very first time back after I was hit. Big Bang Bikes because they know I know nothing about bikes and they take care of me 100% of the way. The people at the YMCA - their encouragement in the early morning hours through another long set in the pool - well, it can't be beat. All the wonderful blog comments that truly brighten my day, especially after a tough race or another tough week of training. My coaches who are helping me to learn how this all works. My chiropractor and massage therapist who nursed me back to health on more than one occasion! And of course my family, dear Lord what would I do without them? My parents and in-laws came to so many races, supporting me financially, emotionally, spiritually and physically at times! My mom carried my big heavy transition bag all around Germany for goodness sakes! And my mother in law took care of me at the finish line in Portland when I was oh so sick. My father donated thousands of frequent flyer miles. My sister sent countless cards and words of encouragement. My grandparents did what they always do - they cared and loved me no matter what.
Finally, my husband, the wonderful O! I don't even think I have to recount what he's done for me. If you've read this blog long enough you already know. Suffice it to say though, I wouldn't even be in this sport at all if it weren't for him. His endless love and support and utter belief in my ability to achieve my dreams are all I could ever ask for and more.
So it's been a great year actually. I saw so many new places and met so many wonderful new people. I learned many new things. And I'm so ready to do it all again in 2008. It's right around the corner!
Posted by beth at November 13, 2007 7:16 PM
Comments
Beth,
I'm not an overly emotional person, but this entry got me a little worked up. You're about 2 days post-2007 season and already you've got such tremendous insight as to what went on this year. You're also an extremely gracious and humble person.
I have no doubt that your junior year of triathlon will be bigger, better, badder than your days as an triathlete underclassman.
I can't tell you how many times (Like today, for instance.) I look out the window and I see the crummy weather (Today it was sideways snow and enough wind to blow my storm door right off its hinges!) and I think for a minute about how it would be nice to just stay comfy and warm inside. And then I think about you and your endless commitment to your sport and I think, "Well, I'm sure Beth has never missed a workout because of bad weather or because she just didn't want to be uncomfortable." And then I go out and get the workout in. What I'm trying to say is that I think you're a huge inspiration to me, and I'm sure to a lot of your other readers. So, thank you for that.
I do think O is one of the reasons that you are so successful. It seems he gives you so much physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual support that all of that keeps you boosted.
Enjoy your rest break!
Meghan
Posted by: Meghan at November 13, 2007 8:51 PM
Um, why are you and Meghan so much more articulate than me?!?!?!
YEAH BETH AND O!!
I feel so lucky I get to watch all of this from the semi-inside!!
Posted by: Audrey at November 13, 2007 11:22 PM
Beth for President.
Posted by: corrado giambalvo at November 14, 2007 5:33 AM
I love reading your blog, your so intense but yet not afraid to laugh at yourself. . your positive viewpoint, and I also admire your integrity. The way you refuse to draft eventhough others around you are. And the way you don't let set backs like a truck side track you from your goals! Enjoy your off season. You deserve it!
Posted by: Dawn at November 14, 2007 8:21 AM