Saturday, April 23, 2011

Trying to make it fun



I've taken a new approach to training lately. After a really long road ride and a couple of very fun and challenging MTB outings, I have a new philosophy. Training to race is one thing, but training to enjoy the activities is another. I'm choosing the latter. I think it's paying off too. Rather than rote obedience to a training program, I've been picking activities that still train my muscles, but are just as much fun as a race.

Last year at this time I had a 5k and a sprint tri behind me. So far this year, I have a 10k. I wish I had made a commitment to the Claremore race, but I really didn't have much confidence in my bike fitness in time to make that commitment. Turns out I probably had the stuff to do well anyway. I was going to do the Panera Bread 8k, but the weather was so crappy, I ditched it. I've been training for a 10-miler and did a long run with that end in mind. The 10 should be a fun event. A couple of friends are doing it too.

Swimming is very good lately. The class and clinics I've done since I closed out last season are really paying off. I swim just once a week, sometimes two. I've gotten so much more efficient that 2k doesn't make me as tired as 1k did last year.

I'm over this neck surgery for all intents and purposes. I'm still strengthening as much as I can stand. It's been discouraging at times, but for the most part, I have the strength I need to do most things I like.

I've set a couple of goals; <24min. 5k, and <50min. 10k. I also want to do the long course ConcreteMan or another Olympic distance race. If that goes well, who knows, 70.3 next year?