Normally a lack of posts this time of year suggests the
overall slowness of the off-season. However, there actually have been a few
things going on over the last three weeks since my last real post. I’ll dive
right in:
I have hired a coach
I spoke to three different people and all three were strong
but this one seems like he’ll be a good fit. Another data geek like me, I have
a feeling we’ll click. I’ll actually be meeting with him this weekend to get
things started.
I’m looking forward to having someone else review and
critique my various disciplines. I have no doubt he will discover several ways
for me to improve and I’m actually looking forward to that. I’m sure some of it
will be hard to hear, but that will be easier than another disappointing finish
to a race.
In a past post I mentioned about discussing the process. At
the end of the day, there was not too much to it for me. There are a number of
coaches in the area in including several former pros in Boulder . However they seemed like a better
fit with more elite athletes, are more expensive and they are in Boulder . My coach actually
lives in my town and trains in the same places I do!
I am also familiar with the training company with which he
is affiliated. I’m not going to publish that company’s name for the time being,
but suffice it to say, I’ve met the owner and have been pretty impressed with
the whole operation.
All that said, if you are not as fortunate as I have been to
have a good option right in front of you, it pays to do some research.
Changing macro
nutrients is really hard!
Having read and listened to a ton of podcasts on the
subject, I’ve become particularly interested in retraining my metabolism to
rely more on fat than glycogen. That began with a decision to identify what my
daily average sugar intake has been this year and then target a reduction. So
far, I’m barely making a dent and I’d be a liar if I said that I don’t often
feel bonky and hungry. However, I’m willing to stay with it for the long haul. I’m also trying to train in my Maffetone
region. Dr. Maffetone’s own website strongly urges using the formula of 180
minus age so I’ve been doing that. I’m not 100% convinced that it should not be
based more on true maximum heart rate, but since I have not done that test in
over a year, I’m willing to stick with the formula for now.
Power meter training
has begun!
I recently took delivery of a Wahoo
KICKR trainer and at the same time began reading Joe Friel’s book on using a power
meter to train. I’ll know doubt need to re-read sections to more fully
understand it, but he writes in a way that is easy to follow. As for the KICKR,
it’s pretty cool. While I’m still using the Garmin 910XT to record the workout,
my real head unit is my iPhone. Changing the grade, simulated wind speed, etc.,
are all done via an app. I’ve only scratched the surface however. Wahoo has
made their trainer “open source” which basically means they’re letting anyone
who wants to develop an app for it. There are several out there and in time,
I’ll purchase/subscribe to one to allow me to recreate courses in my basement
this winter.
My 2014 Racing
Calendar is starting to take shape.
Much to my frustration, finding a 70.3 distance triathlon in
the west in mid-summer has proven very difficult. There are some, but often
clear across the country. After doing considerable searching, I’m 80% sure I’ll
be registering for Ironman
70.3 Racine in Wisconsin
for my first long-course event of the year. It’s on July 20. I believe I’ll
also be adding the local Harvest
Moon half iron distance event in early September as well. Unlike races of
similar distance run by WTC, the entry fee is about half the cost. Heat is
likely to be a factor (it’s often hot in Colorado
in early September) but that’s one of the conditions I’ll be working to
overcome with my new coach.
Also likely to be on the schedule next year are the Summer
Open Sprint (a great way to kick off the season) and the Steamboat
Olympic triathlon in August. Neither of those will be “A” races but they
will be fun all the same.
A couple of weeks ago, my brother suggested that he and I
compete in the Mountain
Top Experience Ride which is a Century Ride in the mountains west of Colorado Springs . That’s
right mountains as in lots of climbing. In fact, the event’s website says that
there is over 10,000 feet of climbing. Yikes! However, I think it will be a
good way to get used to spending more time in the saddle and getting stronger
for what’s yet to come. I’ve also wanted to do a century ride for a long time
so why procrastinate. It’s also only around $30 to enter which is a bargain for
any race! Hmm, does this mean I can start looking at new road bikes? N+1?
I may look at doing one of the swim races I’m expecting to
be scheduled out at Grant Ranch this summer. I was not able to race last year
do to personal conflicts, but this year is still wide open.
Of course I’m still planning on being in Boulder on Memorial Day morning.
That’s a tradition I hope never changes.
I have, so far, registered for exactly zero of these events.
I’ll meet with my coach first and then start forking over the dough for various
registrations.
Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!
