Getting Strong....2011

Well folks,
Believe it or not we are not far from fall! Scary - I know. Our new joint training group effort with Echelon Cycle & Multisport starts this week with a group we'll help get prepared for the "un-official" local world championship race at the "Ukiah Sprint Triathlon". Ukiah has a warm place in most local Sonoma County triathletes hearts as in these parts it generally marks the beginning of fall and the winding down of a long season of spring and summer racing. For all you "triathlonaholics" this is a really great race to go blow doors, kick up your running shoes, race "one more time", see all your fellow "triathlonholic buddies" and than go have a beer in Hopland with the rest of the Santa Rosa Tri community.

Preperation....Getting Strong
This year has been an incredible roller coaster ride of hard training, hard racing, and un-forgettable experiences.  And largely done with my Santa friends and TTE teammates. From pool time in seriously crappy weather, to training camps, indoor rides, desitination "training", to race, after race, after race we tested ourselves together, got strong together, got fit together, and prepared our minds and bodies together for the rigors and adventures we all had planned this summer.

I think the best part of my build-up to key races this year is that we did this - together - as a team. No "secret training" here....we all "showed up" to practices each week, put on our best can-do attitudes, and than set to the task of helping each other get strong. Each week we challenged each other in lots of different ways but always seemed to bring out the best in each other. One of the girls always says..."so what are the speed demons up to this week - I'm just gonna hang on"......Hmm - I can sympathize - we've all been there.  But - I firmly believe that "misery loves company" and its so much easier to suffer together in silence than alone - so why do so many triathletes continue to go it alone?  Hmmm...something to ponder. All I know is this - I'm very happy to have my teammates in my toolbox for when the going gets tough.

I also have to say this is one of the best crews I've trained with in many years - the positive energy, generally solid teasing, and weekly trash talk has become a mainstay of my training routine. Bottom line for me and what I've found with most of our teammates is this - we can't get fit if we always train alone - we need each other  to help keep us honest, bring each other up, and challenge us in ways we never thought possible...all while extending a hand when needed (ok maybe a shove now and than too) and of course - always, always with a smile (of course...:)

Building upward...
The season started with a bang - lots of "tune-up races" - 1/2 marathons, 10ks, ride events, and other challenges. And as spring eased into the summer tri season a good number of the TTE crew dusted off the running shoes at various races like the Napa events and Wildflower.  After these initial season starters many "got down to business" and begun the hard training and focus required to get "race fit" than spring-boarded to exciting challenges they set for themselves - including Ironman CDA, Vineman 70.3, Full Vineman, and Barb's Race - each bringing a series of challenges, victories, and learning experiences for the next.  And now that key events and things have wrapped up I like to re-evaluate my season and  those of the athletes I coach.

So as you get down to the business of planning to work on late season races and improvements for the fall or even next year take a moment to look back at your training, races, and goals (ok - you have to be honest with yourself here) and re-evaluate some things.  Otherwise next season you might wind up frustrated, disappointed, and just like any other hamster spinning his wheels....

Here's some food for for thought...

*What went well this season?
*Did you get the results you were aiming for?
*What didn't go well?
*What can you do better?
*Do you know what your immediate goals are?
*Did you meet them?
*What are your Big Picture Goals (think 2 - 3 years from now)?
*Are you getting what you want out of this?
*Do you need help?
*What made you most happy?

Again - big picture here is to be honest with yourself. Taking the time to re-evaluate your goals, races, and training are an essential tool in moving forward and making progress towards reaching your dreams.  So - don't be afraid to dream big, take a risk, and be honest with yourself.

Now go grab that pen and paper - and get to work ya'll!!!

As always...Happy Training.  Cheers!

JL