Saturday, December 31, 2011

What Worked?

Blah blah blah... 2011 is almost over and now it's going to be 2012... I guess I'm supposed to get all excited about it being a whole new year and all but really, we're all going to wake up tomorrow morning and see that the sun will come up just like it did this morning (which was just *stunningly* beautiful btw I was out riding my bike with some friends and this bright orange ball of light started peeking over the mountain and I don't know how we managed to stay upright on our bikes while we were staring at it). I guess some of us will wake up feeling better than others tomorrow morning... I plan to be one who feels good. I don't understand why people would start off a new year being all hung over?? Hello? Drink in moderation and take 2 e21 tabs with a big glass of water before you go to sleep tonight. Duh. ;)

Anyway, I suppose this is a good time to do a bit of reflection... what worked this past year and what didn't work... what we want to continue doing in 2012 and what we might wish to adjust. Given that this is (mostly) a triathlon training blog I'll just write a bit about my thoughts in regards to triathlon for me...

What worked? Hiring Lucho as my coach. That was quite possibly the best triathlon related decision I have ever made. I really learned so much about training this past year. So not only did I have a good year racing, but I finished it up still as in love with the sport as ever... I trained a ton this year (close to 900 hours!?!) with very few injury/illness issues and I am entering 2012 with a rather high level of baseline fitness (as compared to last year anyway). I feel like I have a decent understanding of how to proceed from here to make the most of it. So thank you, Lucho.

What didn't work? Hmmm. I'm kind of stuck here. It all pretty much worked. :) Ok, here's one: riding without a tire liner this past month didn't work. I put one of those tire liners in my back tire yesterday and so far so good- no flat today anyway. So that is fixed already and it's not even 2012 yet.

What do I want to continue doing in 2012? Everything! Lol. Can't I have it all? OK let's be real here... I want to continue coaching to the best of my ability. That is going incredibly well btw and I may write another post with more details in the coming weeks. I plan to continue my own routine of stringing together consistent training weeks. I plan to continue to search for my limits and then push them out further than I thought they could go. So ok all this is really vague for you here but I swear I have a plan with details in my head. ;)

What do I plan to adjust in 2012? Now that I have built a strong aerobic base I am adding in some faster running... intervals and shorter running races in the coming months before getting back to longer Ironman training in the spring/summer. On the bike my plan is to add power (ie Powertap!) partly because I think having personal experience with it will make me a better coach for my athletes who have power and partly because I think I will like biking even more when I can track my progress in a more concrete way. And as far as swimming goes, (Lucho will be stoked to hear this though he already knows it) my plan is to pull back my emphasis on it. I'll still swim some but my focus is going to be bike/run and if I lose a minute on my ironman swim, well, I lose a minute on my ironman swim.

So there you go. 2011 was awesome. I expect 2012 to be awesome too. Happy New Year!!

11 comments:

Molly said...

Happy new year!!! I'm glad I'm not the only one who had a great year and is excited for the next, I kind of feel bad for everyone saying good riddance to 2011. You had an awesome year and I'm so glad you have a plan for the next step - scary that you could get any faster/stronger!!! I can't wait to see you at Canada!

Beth said...

Happy New Years!!

Iron Krista, "The Dog Mom" said...

Hiring you was one of my (our) best decisions for 2011 as well. I can't wait to see what 2012 brings!

P.S. While we were OUT way too late, we didn't overdo it and are heading out for our bike ride asap :)

GoBigGreen said...

Happy New Year's Michelle! Make it a great one!

Angela and David said...

Happy new year Michelle! Hope 2012 is as fantastic for you as 2011 was.

mmmonyka said...

Happy New Year!!! It seems like 2011 was great and 2012 will be even better!

You are an awesome coach, knowledgeable, dedicated to your athletes and not afraid to push them! I love love love it (and you:)).
Let's see what 2012 brings!

Ana-Maria RunTriLive said...

I think you are so smart to focus on the bike and run. You will still have a strong swim. You already have a strong bike and if you get your run where it should be, your are going to be force to be reckoned with. Can't wait. And if I get a running coach, it will be Lucho:) I have grown to like him so much from his podcasts.

Libby said...

happy new year girl! I would say it all worked taking a look at your year ;) glad we are both sticking with our crazy coaches. cheers to 2012!

mtanner said...

Love the last sentence! Here is to 2012~~~~

Matt said...

stoked to see you kill it at IMC in 2012, 900 hrs whoa! I was at 600..nice work

Kiet said...

Let's get to it this year Mama!