Training goals

[andygates]

This offseason period is really hard to focus in.  There are no serious events, no threat of public humiliation, no hot chicks in neoprene to ogle.  So to get some goal other than "do stuff, hm'kay?", here is some goalage in the public domain; the power of shame compels me to comply.  (Sweet howling baby Jesus, I'm so sub I dominate myself)

Long-term: get fit for an early-season Olympic-distance triathlon.  After than, decide whether or not to make it a season of Olys.  Get bodyweight down to 85kg and 12% fat. 

Medium-term: by the end of 2006, be swimming 1km a set in the pool each session.  Be at least capable (if not elegant) of doing tumble-turns.  Have run a 10k in under 55:00, ideally 52:00.  By the end of February be looking at 1500m.

Short term: Weekly goals for the month are three swims, two runs, two ride days.  The swim before breakfast then lunchtime run works well so I'll keep that up.  Runs should be either long and easy or at pace as logistics demand but the 10k on the 17th is the big day so structure everything around that.  Bike days are either commutes or a long ride up to around 60 miles, there's no need for more.  Do not neglect rest days; get plenty of sleep so no late-night chat; training on a hangover sucks ass so lay off the party booze. 

Comments

[ravenbait.livejournal.com]

I'm wishing I hadn't looked at last years time for the Embra. I've now developed this insane idea that I should be able to make it into the top ten based on last year's performances.

[(Anonymous)]

How do you measure body fat - calipers or electirc something? I'm not particularly unhappy about it per se, but my weight fluctuates a lot (well, I think its a lot, up to about 5% of my total body weight) and I want to know if its fat and muscle as well as hydration effects.

I'd add to the training: Don't get too stressed about missing a session. I think its unrealistic with jobs and social life to consistently hit every session every week.

And as to the booze, its a tricky one. Inevitably, I find my long sessions are at the weekends which conincides with going out, parties, meals etc. I try and schedule "hard" long sessions for a day I know I won't be going out the night before. On nights when I will be having a drink, the next day will be an "easy" long session :-/

As to your ride days, "...up to around 60 miles, there's no need for more" just makes me vomit. In a nice friendly way of course. I managed another 65km (a whole 40 miles) today, with a 200m and a 300m climb, so Bike is my focus for the next couple of months.

I hope to get a nice Tri Bible book for Xmas and will spend my post prandial daze in Colorado planning how to work off the poundage when I get back to CH (and maybe some Langlauf sessions at altitude to make sure it doesn't all slide).