2008 Base Training Commencing

My training has been spotty since I ran the NYC Marathon on November 4th. Initially I was in my off-season, which was extended due to a lingering virus I contracted that I just couldn't shake for several weeks. I slowly started to throw in a few workouts my coach had given me by mid-December, but again I got sidelined by end of year stuff for work, school, and all the crazy social engagements that pop up for the holidays with friends and family.

My coach and I discussed and solidified my 2008 season which looks like this if all goes according to plan:

May 4 - Broad Street Run (10 miler)
May 18 - Columbia Triathlon (Olympic distance)
June 8 - 1 Mile Chesapeake Bay Challenge Swim
June 22 - Philadelphia Triathlon (Olympic distance)
July 6 - Philadelphia Women's Triathlon (Sprint distance)
July 20 - New York City Triathlon (Olympic distance)
August 17 - Timberman 70.3 Triathlon (Aqua-Velo portion)
September 21 - Philadelphia Distance Run (Half-marathon)
September 27 - Chesapeake Man Swim (2.4 mile swim)

I anticipate scheduling one or two more events in October and November but will determine that later in the year.

Based on this schedule, my coach built my Annual Training Plan already which consists of 3 phases - base, build and peak training. Each of these phases are built in 3 or 4 week segments (to ensure proper recovery). I officially began base training this week and this phase will take me to mid-April. I didn't understand any of this last year and i'm slowly starting to understand it this year. I am so stoked for my 2008 season, especially when comparing where I am today to where I was this time last year:

Last Year
Heavy and Injured
Only one race planned (rest pieced together
as time went on)
Newbie to cycling (especially clipping in)
Newbie to technical swimming
Just knew a few classmates in Tris
Fit it into my crazy life

This Year
I've gained the weight back (but am determined to shed it for good) and i'm not injured!
I have my entire season laid out (much better to plan my annual training plan)
I have more confidence on the bike and my LT power jumped by 40 watts (last time I tested)
I LOVE swimming! I think it will prove to be the best out of the three sports for me - I feel I make the most progress with this every day I train!
I'm part of a wonderful triathlon team (and know many others in the community)
Triathlons are a focal point of my life

I try not to make resolutions for the New Year because it is so dissapointing when you don't succeed (which unfortunately is often the case). I've been stressed out and down trying to figure out my life, my career - what makes me happy. I tend to bite off more than I can chew - so i'm pearing down and focusing on the things that truly make me happy.

I have to work - I need a paycheck. I've already mentioned it doesn't fulfill me - it's not what I want to ultimately do - but it's what I do right now, so I have to make the best of it and just get my job done for the time that i'm there. When another opportunity is available that I believe will make me happier, then I will seize that opportunity. So for now, I just focus on getting through my career day by day.

Beyond that, my main focus is my active life - it's all encompassing of everything that I am and that I need. I'm very excited to tackle a new season with my triathlon team. I've volunteered to sit on the social committee of the Board for the team. I have more and more faith and confidence in my coach every day and I know he's going to help me find the athlete within myself. It's about my health (3 years with sign of cervical pre-cancerous cells!!!), it's about feeling accomplished, it's about this athletic community where personal records are set everyday and the comraderie among athletes who know what you've been through, or what you're going through and why. This is what makes me happy - and at this point in my life, where I am unattached, don't have any responsibility except to myself, that I can throw myself into this and make it my lifestyle.

You don't know what the future holds and even the future isn't guaranteed so all I can do is "resolve" to do what makes me happy!