Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Maintenance

First, I want to say congratulations to all those who raced this weekend. You all did awesome!!!

This year I really didn't do much racing and while it was nice to not have a solid schedule to follow, I kinda missed it. I don't have any races to close out the year with, rather, I am going to work on building a nice solid base. My plans for the remainder of fall and winter is to continue to build confidence in the water and to really focus on technique. I also am going to work really hard on being stronger on the bike and getting as much time as I can in the saddle. On the running front, I am going to stick to a nice base build, running 6miles a few days a week and then a longer run on the weekend 10-15. Mixed in will be some leg work as well, squats, calf raises, lunges, etc.

I hope that this "maintenance/build" phase will help me to prepare for a fun spring and summer of racing. My focus will be on triathlons in 2010. I would like to do a half iron distance, more specifically Providence 70.3 in my hometown of RI! However, I will make that decision a little bit later on, depending on how I feel after a few sprints and olympic distance tris in the spring.

Good luck to all those who have racing this weekend.

34 comments:

Mica said...

Woohoo, a half ironman? You're so intense!!

I think working on a maintenance and strength-building plan for the winter sounds like a great idea. I'd definitely like to take some time to get a little stronger and faster when it gets miserably cold.

Marlene said...

Sounds exciting! If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll be in excellent shape for next year's tri season!

kristen said...

I've been thinking about my base training too. I want to be super strong going into the spring. Sounds like you have great goals coming up!

Jess said...

For most people, winter is a time for maintenance, so it's good timing.

The half iron in Providence sounds great!

joyRuN said...

You can totally rock a 70.3!!!

Me, I'm liking the little sprint distances myself :)

One of the girls last night at masters swim showed up on her own & stuck with the workouts. Swimmers are an intimidating bunch, IMO, but this group does warm up to newcomers. I can't even begin to tell you how much improvement I've felt since doing them.

Does your local masters swim coach offer individual lessons?

N.D. said...

This sounds perfect!

Heather said...

It's a good time of year for maintenance and base building! A half-iron sounds awesome - especially in your hometown!

Jamie said...

Sounds like a good plan! Can't wait to hear about 70.3 training!!!

Meredith said...

A triathlon??? You are a warrior!

onelittletrigirl said...

My friend did the RI 70.3 and said it was AMAZING!!

I can't wait to follow your training! You will kick butt for sure!

Yasi said...

Your maintenance is sounding a lot like mine! Strength training is a major plan for this winter, as well as getting a bike trainer so I can get faster! Way to set your sights on a 1/2 IM! I don't even KNOW when I'll be ready to do one of those!

Meg Runs said...

You sound so smart about building the running base for the spring. Great idea! That's so cool that you're going to focus on tri's.

Black Knight said...

I miss a solid schedule to follow, it gave me a strong motivation. I like your "maintenance/build" program.

KAT said...

I love how motivated you are! And doing a half-ironman sounds AWESOME...I might do one along with you, haha.

lindsay said...

i don't know how you've maintained all year - i start to get moody/funky with no race-motivation to keep me going. kudos to your dedication!

an exciting 2010 to come!

RunToTheFinish said...

I'm pretty bummed we aren't doing our Des Moines race this weekend because that finally gave me a little extra pep in my schedule. But oh well, now I'm just focused on Las Vegas in Dec.

I usually can train with no purpose, but lately it's been fun to have a reason to do speedwork

The Laminator said...

Training for the Half Ironman will be fun! I hope I can get close to that some day soon. Good luck!

Nicole said...

Half Ironman? Thats freaking amazing! I'm so excited to follow you on your journey! Thats going to be AMAZING!! :)

Trishie said...

I did RI70.3 this year and LOVED it! highly recommend !!

Amanda said...

Woo, that's exciting that you have the half iron as your goal. It sounds like you base-building right now is a great plan. You'll be in awesome shape and ready to kick butt next tri season!

Chellie has Issues said...

I'm glad you are liking the tri activities. I just can't imagine doing one of those. Then again, I used to say that about running a marathon! :)

RunnerGirl said...

A half ironman? Very impressive!

SDrunner said...

That sounds like a really good plan. Once you have that solid foundation, getting into your 'real' training will be that much easier. Good luck on your next Tri or race!

Mel-2nd Chances said...

Half Iron is exciting, i think that's a few years out for me yet, but it's a dream goal of mine :)

Calyx Meredith said...

I think DC Rainmaker did the Providence 70.3. It looks like a great race - and how perfect that it's "home" for you. Good luck with base training!

I Run for Fun said...

Wow! You are thinking about a half-iron? That's awesome. And so hard core!

Toni said...

Sounds like a great plan. I am hoping to do a sprint this winter and that sounds hard, I can't imagine a half ironman!

lauren said...

half ironman would be incredible! i am looking forward to reading about your training - if you decide to do it.

Alisa said...

Sounds like you and I have similar 2010 goals =).

I'd love to see your "maintenance/build" schedule if you have one and are willing to share it. (Here's my email: alisa.dunlap@gmail.com)

If you change your mind and decide you want to travel for your Half Iron, I know a few other bloggers and I have been eyeing Barb's race in NorCal.

B.o.B. said...

Hey there! Glad to see you back on the blogs. I missed you those short days you were off. LOL!

Base building is the way to do it. When you are ready to sign up for your next race you'll be good as gold.

X-Country2 said...

I have my eye all over Kansas 70.3 next year. Yay! You should totally do Providence!

Thomas Bussiere said...

½ IM – Nice goal but don’t sell yourself short. With your fitness level, I see a full IM in your very near future. Sounds like you have a smart strategy for building your winter base. Keep up the good work.

Marathon Maritza said...

You know what? I had TOO MANY races this year and I burnt out!

Maintanence sounds awesome! And half-iron? SO COOL!

Laurel said...

While I miss running so much, I have to say, I'm sort of enjoying the time off a little bit. It's going to be a good break for me.

Sounds like a solid plan you have going. Tri's in 10 and a Half Ironman, huh? Awesome!