It is hard to believe my first race is only a week away! (April 7th Purdue Sprint Triathlon) It seems like I have been training all winter long, but at the same time we have only just started adding intensity in the swim, some longer tempos on the bike, and haven’t even begun speed work per se in the run. Some tempo work but not speed work in the sense that most people think, like 400, or 800 repeats.
I am really excited about this season. I know my fitness in all three sports is the best it has ever been at this point. I have worked really hard to build a solid base of endurance with a specific focus on technique rather than speed. This can be very hard for competitive athletes to do; holding yourself back when all you want to do is go hard! But that is where most athletes really hurt their performance potential. Sure, they will build some great fitness, and might even have a few great races early in the season, but more often than not, if they sold their base training short, their peak will be lower than it could have been, and won’t last as long.
That’s one reason why I can’t believe it is time to race next week. I do feel I will be faster in all three sports from last year, but nowhere near how fast I will get this year. I have many key races this year and they last all the way until October. That means being super fit in April, or even May, would mean I probably wouldn’t have a chance to peak in August/October as well. All that said, I’m confident that with the technique improvements I have made in all three sports (mainly in the swim) along with a solid fitness base, I will still be able to race to new PRs, even before I incorporate my speed work.
Looking forward, as my page says, I am pursuing a professional career. To do that I have to meet criteria laid out by the USAT (triathlon’s governing body). One way I can do that is by finishing as one of the top 3 amateurs at a qualifying race. If you look at my race schedule you will see I have pretty much planned my whole season around those races. I have a few tune-up races here and there. But the whole focus is to get in the races that I have a chance to qualify at, and give it my best shot. It’s going to be hard, and I mean really hard. This sport is evolving very fast, and is very competitive. But this is my dream, and I’m all in until I get there or until the good Lord leads me in a different direction.
Thanks for all the support! Please be sure to check out the “My Dream” tab and see how you can help.
The sky’s the limit; dream big!
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