Thru Endurance We Conquer!

Plan for the Worst In six years, we have seen all kinds of weather and conditions. After finishing the second year sporting the Chipolte burrito look of silver, I learned that despite my plans for perfect weather and fast times, things don't aways work out. I now ensure that I have clothes for all kinds of weather in my run bag when I drop it off and my bike bag in the morning. And I have needed that vest and the arm warmers in the bike bag a few times! Great fashion statement - I know, but it works. Having that extra layer saved my race in 2008, with the rain, hail and wind. So be optimistic, but make sure you can handle the worse case scenario. Like with racing and having to deal with an extra project at work, you need to be ready to handle anything and not let it upset the outcome of the event.

The announcement I have been expecting for several weeks came on Sunday the 28th. Due to the ITU Long Course World Championships, there will not be a Silverman Full or Half Triathlon in 2011. I was hoping that would not be the case, but I can completely understand the decision. I respect the choice of Lowery Multisport and applaud the courage it took to decide to not host both events. ITU Worlds is a prestigious event and this is only the second time that it has been held in the US. Silverman is a challenging and prestigious event in it's own right. Why should either race be diluted by attempting to hold both events? Logistically, I don't see how Lowery Multisport could hold both Silverman and ITU Worlds, on the same weekend - closing roads for two days, finding volunteers to be out on course for two days, ect. And to have two races of such different lengths on the same day is asking for trouble - we all know that triathletes are not the best at thinking mid-race! The focus of ...

It's All About Perspective I might have been upset about my run at Silverman this year, but I was lacking perspective. I had (in my mind) sub-par training, but still turned out my second fastest run on that course. And I did blown off the quality of my training - even though what I did was a lot for many people. But that's the beauty of perspective. Now that I have had a chance to reflect about the race, I can see that I had a really good run time, regardless. And I also realize that my self esteem is not based on my last race and that I am really lucky. I have a supportive huspand, a flexible work schedule that allows for training and good quality equipement. There are other athletes who have to struggle to find the time for training and don't have as supportive a family. I can't complain at all. Even on the worst days, we all have to remember that we are able to be out there - swimming, riding and running. We have the freedom and the ability - not everyone else does.

For once the timing worked out great. Nick did his last epic ride of the year with the gang yesterdy. I got to play around in Stratton on the single speed. Felt a little better this time, a little smoother with the power. Still have a lot of work to do to get good at the single speed riding, but it will come. I also got to go for the night trail run last night on dry trails. A storm was supposed to blow in some time today, bringing more cold and the chance for snow. So Nick and I decided to ride Palmer-Section 16 trails instead of meeting the group at Palmer Park. Palmer-Section 16 is a long, shaded climb, then a fast technical but fun descent. The whole loo turns to ice after it snows so being able to ride it today was a treat. Espcially considering when I looked out the window and saw not only snow but gusting snow! I think trainer season is fast approaching. I was pretty pleased with my descent off Section 16 today. I have only ridden the trail one other time and that downhill rea...

I am not usually the type to try a trail run after dark. Haven't ever had the desire or a place to go running. Well, one of the 50k trail races that my mother has done the last few years is switching to a 5:00pm start time, in February. Most of the race will be held in the dark. She wasn't sure that it was something that she wanted to do and wanted to do a "test run." Same thing, didn't really want to try running alone in the dark. There are animals out there and right now, they are hungry! So I decided to run with her - the pace would be easy enough and the mileage low, so it wouldn't bother my Achilles. We went to CMSP, where it was pitch black on the lower trails. She had called the park earlier and had been told that the trails don't close and the park doesn't close. Makes sense since people camp there, but better safe then sorry. I had two lights I wanted to try because I am planning on using a light when I run in the evening now. I don't need...

Flexibility is Key We don't get anywhere is we can't go with the flow. Changing training to allow for family time or work or to allow an injury to heal can save a race. Blindly following a schedule with unbreaking adherence despite lack of recovery time or personal time is a good way to get injured or burned out. Sometimes sleeping in or a trail run with friends will go further then dragging in the pool or another track workout. It's that go with the flow attitude that helps with managing the unexpected tasks - both in training and in life. Cultivating flexibility while still keeping an eye on your goals will reduce stress and translate into more enjoyment of the process.

After the Dirty 30, Nick and I headed to the garage to single speed the Tomac. Everything thing worked smoothly and I now have a nice single speed with a 32-22 gearing. I was a little skeptical at first with that gear - it seemed pretty big and looks really silly. The cog is almost as big as the chain ring! But when I finally took the bike out for the first time last night, I was very happy to have the monster gears. Riding to Stratton wasn't that bad, a nice steady candance and occasional coasting. In Stratton, I decided to ride the normal loop we have - so it was a valid test of how hard single speed was. First thing I noticed - you figure out where your weight is really quick. Too far forward and that rear wheel is sliding all over the place and there is no traction at all. Second thing - it's a lot harder for me to manage some of the techincal stuff on the single speed. I have some issues with water bars to begin with, so having to attempt them standing up was a little chal...