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November 14, 2007
What's Next?
The current training situation involves, well, not much. I have done not a thing since crossing the line in Clearwater. The most strenuous activity I've partaken in is walking Roxy (which actually is a little strenuous when you are the one holding the leash - she is small but quite spunky and VERY strong). I plan to continue this no training for at least until the end of the week. And then I'm not too sure.
I sent my coach an email with the "what's next" question and I haven't gotten a response yet. I suspect he's ignoring me on purpose. I would ignore me too.
The thing is, I won't really complain about any kind of plan that he prescribes (unless it's like 4 weeks of total rest which I know it won't be), it's just that I do want a plan. I NEED a plan. I cannot function without a plan. I know that a lot of people just like the mental break of not adhering to anything structured. Perhaps they don't need it physically as much as they need it mentally. I, however, cannot handle such things. Structure is my best friend and who takes breaks from their best friends?
So what I'm hoping for it 1-2 weeks totally off and then some sort of plan that involves light workouts for a week or two. Then perhaps a little more of a step up for mid through the end of December and then come January - it's time to roll again. But we shall see. Coach does, after all, know best.
One thing I do know is my race schedule for next year. Triathlon forces you to choose your races well in advance because race registrations open so early and sell out so quickly. In fact, I've already registered for the majority of my races for next season already. And in my extra time (no training = extra 3-4 hours in one's day) I plan to soon start looking for hotels, flights, etc...and hope I don't get hit by another truck and get all screwed up again. ;)
It took me a lot of time to figure out my goals for next year, what I wanted to focus on and where I wanted to really go after it. The main decision for now was - to IM or not? And the answer was no - at least one more year of Olympic distance and 70.3 races because I have a lot of unfinished business there. Ironman will be around for a long time so there's no need to rush. So instead:
April 27 - St. Anthony's (back to Florida!)
May 18 - Columbia (again)
June 22 - Philly (likely PA Best of the US qualifier)
July 20 - NYC (who wouldn't want to swim in the Hudson?, Dallas Open qualifier)
August 2 - Steelhead 70.3 (try to earn a ticket back to Clearwater)
And that's it so far. The rest of the season will depend largely on what I do or do not qualify for. As for Jan-April I have a couple running races planned and I also want to do at least one cycling time trial, oh, and there will be lots of training in that time span too.
Other ideas for 2008? I NEED to practice more open water swimming. I just suck at it and although it's terribly inconvenient to find open water in Pittsburgh, I'm just going to have to deal with it. And I want to learn how to do flip turns too. I should be embarrassed to admit that I don't know how to do them in the first place! There is always swimming stroke work. Plus I plan on attending one triathlon camp in 2008. All very, very good stuff.
Looking forward to it without a doubt! But first, rest, relaxation, rejuvination and begging Coach for a plan... :)
Posted by beth at November 14, 2007 8:59 PM
Comments
Oh Beth, we may see one another (or meet one another) next year! We have some of the same races..but I am not coming to PA or NY! :) Jen
Posted by: Jennifer Harrison at November 15, 2007 9:15 AM