No More Distractions

Last week was the first week of my final base period before I begin my two build cycles in preparation for my first 'A' race of the season.  And what a great week it was.  For the first time in a long time, I was completely focused on my training and hitting my goals.  It felt great.  And in the end, it was my best week of training this year.  It was my highest overall volume, my highest run volume, highest swim volume and second highest bike volume. 


Our weather is beginning to break so the snow is melting, the sun is shining more and the temperature is finally tolerable.  While that helps, I don't think that was the main driver behind my great week.  


I don't blog about my job much, but those who have followed my blog for a while probably know I was asked to relocate to the east coast for work, and I turned it down which means my job is ending on April 2.  I tried to block out the stress of financial uncertainty, but that's tough to do.  I'm sure it affected my training.


I was offered a job a little over a week ago, which I accepted.  It's basically the same thing I do now for more money and it's in Madison.  It feels really good not to worry about how I'm going to pay my rent this summer so now I can focus on my training. The only disappointment is that I've really enjoyed working in the bike industry, and it's tough to leave....but I have no choice.


With my financial situation taken care of, I committed to some races this summer.  I registered for two half ironmans, a sprint tri, a duathlon and booked hotels.  Here are the races I'm committed to this year:


March 14, 2010 - Madison Shamrock Shuffle.  5K run.

March 20, 2010 - SBR Coaching One-Hour Indoor Time Trial.

April 17, 2010 - April Du  2 mile run,  12 mile bike, 2 mile run.

April 24, 2010 - Crazy Legs Classic 8K run.

May 1, 2010 - Alexandria Triathlon - 600 yard pool swim, 13 mile bike, 2.8 mile run

May 15, 2010 - Beloit Wellness Duathlon  2 mile run, 11 mile bike, 2 mile run.

June 6, 2010 - Lake Mills Traithlon - .25 mile swim, 16 mile bike, 3.1 mile run

June 13, 2010 - Liberty Half Ironman - 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run

July 18, 2020 - Door County Half Ironman  1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run

September 12, 2010 - Ironman Wisconsin  2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike, 26.2 mile run

 

 

I'll probably add some smaller races throughout the year, 5Ks and maybe a sprint tri or two (Silver Lake Triathlon, for example...couldn't find the date or registration info online) but that's the majority of my race schedule for the year.  

With my job situation taken care of, my race schedule and training plan in place, I can now relax and focus on my training and enjoying the summer.  I think it's going to be a good year.