Looking at the 2018 Season

While I’m still in shock it’s quarter through 2018 already, I have yet to race a triathlon. But I sure do have a lot of races coming up! Eleven to be exact.

It’s currently about two weeks out from my first triathlon, IRONMAN 70.3 St. George. I’m excited and nervous at the same time. I’ve trained very hard leading up to this event, but my gains are not where I can expect to podium. I’ve been making impressive gains, but I realize, how much more is needed to really be competitive. We are looking at taking nearly an hour off my half IRONMAN time.

This season I’ve spent a considerable amount of time drafting my training plan. I’ve opted to build this plan based on TSS (Training Stress Score). This number was developed by TriaingPeaks, and each workout calculates the value based on intensity and duration. Using this method I’m able to shoot for a certain value at my A races. The numbers that I’m shooting for are relatively unknown values base on what many elite athletes shoot for. I’ve never trained in this range so I’m not sure what my body is capable of. So far I’m right on track for my goals.

The question will how these numbers correlate to my race performance.

I’ve been workin my ass of at swimming. Dedicated to 4 days a week which takes more than 5 hours! It’s a lot but I really need to up my performance. I’ve seen big improvements thus far, but still not putting out the numbers that I would like to. I know this will take time, and I’m willing to put it in.

I’ve not put a lot of focus on the bike as it’s my strongest discipline. With the weather getting nicer I’ve been able to get out more and get some longer rides in. I’ve not had the opportunity to get as much climbing is as I would like though.

If I want to be competitive I really need my running to get faster. A lot faster. The good news is I keep improving and each running race I seem to be setting new PRs! I’ve also been running a lot and racking up a ton of milage. Running off the bike has been a challenge and I’m doing a lot of that too. I’m confident that I can preform of the run, just not sure what kind of speeds I can sustain. For the shorter distances, I’m ready, however I’m concerned about keeping going for the IRONMAN. I still have my longest training runs coming up so I hope those give my more confidence at the longer distance.

So looking at the 2018 season, I am not sure what to expect. I have a lot planned and I want to preform at my peak. I will be competing in 4 half distance races, 2 fulls,  3 olympic and 2 sprints. Not to mention some running races and a grand fondo too. Oh and the Triple Bypass, looking to set a PR there too.

The ultimate goal is to be competitive at IRONMAN. I want redemption from last year. This is the big unknown as the distance is frightening.