That's A Wrap - Time To Prep For '15

"My first sin was the fear that made me old."
The Navesink Banks - The Gaslight Anthem

Despite what I had posted in last week's post, I am officially calling it an end to the 2014 season. As much as I would like to possibly race again, spending close to $300 for a race (entry fee, hotel, travel, etc.) is really not worth it for a late season race that will take less than an hour. I need to save money for my Ironman race next year! (They are quite expensive)

Knowing this, I am officially in my off-season and transitioning to the 2015 Ironman training mode! As I call it end to this year, I am very happy with the race season I had I managed to race 6 times this year versus the 5 times last year and 4 times the year before that. Minus Eagleman, I had a podium finish in my age group in all  races and a 2nd place, 3rd place, 4th place and 7th place finish overall in 4 of the 5 races.

Over the next 3-4 weeks, my training will focus mostly on just maintaining my fitness level that I built this summer through high volume training and racing. I will not be completing any speed/interval workouts on the bike or run during this stretch. I will also keep the volume of training to 9-10 hours each week versus the 12-13 hours I was completing during the summer. I plan to focus on making my swim stroke more efficient by incorporating more drill work into my regimen. Knowing my strengths are the bike and run, I don't need to develop into the fastest swimmer, but if I can be a little closer out of the water!!! 

As with the past 3-4 weeks, I will continue to work on getting used to MAF training and keep all cardiovascular work at this pace which has already been instrumental in helping my body recover from the summer. My healthier eating habits have continued and looking to make it a habit while also maintaining my sanity and vices! It has only been 4 weeks since I have added suspension training into my regimen, but I can honestly say, it may be the best thing I add to my training for 2015! 

Here are my latest training totals:

Last 17 Weeks

Bike - 74 rides/ 2613 miles/ 127.26 hours/ 20.5 mph

Run - 60 runs/ 404 miles/ 51.43 hours/ 7:38 per mile

Swim - 44 swims/ 38.5 miles/ 19.09 hours

Totals - 178 workouts/ 3055.5 miles/ 197.78 hours

Per Week - 10.47 workouts/ 179.7 miles/ 11.63 hours

4 Weeks Of Getting Used To MAF

Bike - 17 rides/ 517 miles/ 25.86 hours/ 20.0 mph

Run - 16 runs/ 93.5 miles/ 12.64 hours/ 8:06 per mile

Swim - 7 swims/ 6 miles/ 2.83 hours

Total - 40 workouts/ 616.5 miles/ 41.33 hours

Per Week - 10 workouts/ 154.13 miles/ 10.33 hours

There are still potential Ironman races I am looking at for 2015 to potentially qualify for Kona. I am about 90% sure that Texas is the best option but just can't pull the trigger as I have a bit more of the academic calendar to go through to get an idea if it will be feasible...

May 16 - Ironman Texas- most ideal as it gives me 4 months to get ready for Kona (Just need to make sure it will fit into my track & field coaching schedule)

August 2 - Ironman Boulder- 2nd favorite choice

 

Another goal for 2015 is to put a more concerted effort into building my personal coaching business in addition to coaching at the university. And since MAF training looks like it will be boring, it may also be time to return to some of my old musings of previous blog posts. 

As it now is official that my 2014 race season is over, I have to thank Wattie Ink & my teammates who have me motivated with their performances and encouragement throughout this racing season! 

 

Also, thanks to a great list of sponsors Wattie Ink was able to secure for the team - Power Bar, Speedfil, ISM Saddles, Herbalife, Blue Seventy, Rudy Project, ! Your support has gone a long way in helping me achieve my results! 

 

Rock The W!