2009 Goals

Everybody else is doing it, sooooooo

It's been kind of hard to pinpoint EXACTLY what I want to do. I wanted to do Ironman NZ again in March 2010, which would mean most of 2009 would be devoted to Ironman training again. BUT, this doesn't rock my socks so much anymore. I don't know if I'm ready to tackle all that training again just yet. Definitely 2011.....

Although, now that I have a new flash bike, it is tempting!!!!

But.... probably not....

Then I decided that I was going to give up even the Half Ironman distance for 2009, as I have really struggled to get myself motivated for alot of the training I have done in the lead up to this one in 4 days time. But, now that I have a new flash bike, I'm kind of tempted to do it again next season. And, the last few weeks of training have been going so well, I HATE the thought of losing all that fitness - but, gains come from rest too, and I think I need one!

So, my thoughts on all of this are:

1. That after 4 years of training for Half Ironman/Ironman races, I just need a break from "training for triathlons", not a break from "training". Just a change of focus for a time, shall we say.

2. I am committed to doing the Mooloolaba olympic distance triathlon at the end of March, and I can't wait. After Half Ironman training this will be fine for me to handle and I'm sure I can stay motivated until then (especially zipping around on that new bike).

3. I am going to head back to spin classes at the gym, and weight/core strength training. I have missed these sessions over the last few months, and am looking forward to getting stronger.

4. I am NOT going to head out into the winter mornings to run and ride in the cold.(although winter is a wee way away for us yet). I am going to go to my air conditioned gym and enjoy spin classes, weight training and treadmill running instead.

5. I will start structured "triathlon training" in September which should give me plenty of time to be ready for a Half Ironman in December, should I decide to do it that is (although I know I will, so who am I kidding???).

6. I don't know what races, if any, that I'm going to do over this time. I do enjoy racing/events, so I am sure I will find some, but given that I have done a lot of the same races over the last few years I think it's time to try something different. Will ponder on this and just go with the flow and see what happens. I did enjoy the trail running series I did last year, so I might give this another go I think.

7. LOSE WEIGHT (that's on my list every damn year!). I have actually managed to keep off the 20+kgs I lost a few years back. That is a minor miracle in itself, but I still need to lose more. It would make climbing hills on a bike (or in running shoes for that matter) alot easier! I want to wear nicer clothes and womens tri gear!!! If I cut out the long training I think it will make it easier. My body doesn't like the fuel you have to give it too much (sweet electrolytes), so if I can exercise without the use of those things, then it will fall right off me! That's my theory anyway..

I really do feel that I am just exhausted from always being on a schedule, and to be honest, it has been un-fun at times recently. I need to find the fun again, and just go with the flow, get out with the kids, and enjoy life a little more - I take this training stuff too seriously, and I think my non-triathlon friends have decided I'm boring.

I want to get my coaching up and running, and finding time to dedicate to this has been hard! I start Polytech part time in February too, so giving up my long training sessions was going to have to happen sooner or later!

So, even though our triathlon season is only just beginning, mine is half over on Saturday when I (hopefully) finish my second Half Ironman race in 4 weeks. I will then have 1 week at work before we go camping for 2 weeks. This I am looking forward to as I missed out on our annual camping trip last year due to it being right in the last few weeks of Ironman training. Sun, surf, relaxing, a few beers, and sausages on the BBQ - what more could you ask for!?

In 2008 my only goal was to finish Ironman - I did that in March and then kind of floated through the rest of the year. I'm looking forward to 2009 - it will be different for me training wise; I am hoping to be full steam ahead with my coaching and training sessions; I am starting study in a field that I am so excited about; and I am determined to spend more time with my family and friends. It is going to be a good year - not sure why I feel like that, but I do.