2014 - The Year Ahead

This year will be exciting, challenging, fun, and different.  I hadn't put a ton of thought into my 2014 race schedule when I started putting things in writing.  Thus my plan and my season developed around 1 (or maybe 2) key races.

As you may have read about here, I went up to Lake Placid two times during 2013.  Once for a long training weekend and once to sherpa for Ironman Lake Placid.  Prior to these two trips the thought of completing Ironman Lake Placid had never crossed my mind.  Hilly, difficult, possibly cold once the sun begins to set.  After riding 4 loops of  the bike course during the training weekend and another loop during race weekend and after 6 swims in Mirror Lake I was sold - ok almost.  The setting was gorgeous, the bike course amazing - a test to your discipline on race day.  As I sherpa'd my way to almost 26 miles of sherping I tossed the idea around in my head, but once Adam crossed the line focus was on him - recover, food, celebrate, more food, etc. The next morning I headed down to Mirror Lake - took a nice swim and then back to the house to join Adam at the athlete celebration.   I had noticed and known some people who lined up extra early to claim their spot at IMLP 2014.  I still wasn't sure - and I sure as heck wasn't about to hand over my credit card for something I wasn't sure about.  I made myself one promise, if the race fell on July 27, 2014 (3 years after my dad's accident, to the day) I'd register.  Thanks to smartphones it took no longer than 1 minute to realize race day would in fact be - July 27, 2014.  After taking the longest route possible to get to the room directly next to where Adam and I had been sitting I was surprised to see about 16 computers set up with smiling volunteers behind each one - and absolutely NOBODY ELSE in the room to register.  It was all to easy - name, age, credit card, email address.  Done. I had been looking forward to perhaps Ironman Arizona or another visit to Louisville (not cold).  On that day, I knew, I'd be in Lake Placid and I should be in Lake Placid on July 27, 2014.

My 2013 season wasn't even close to over - I still had some goals to reach and PRs to set in shorter distances but thoughts were already churning to put together a successful 2014.

After Augusta 70.3 I reached out to a few coaches.  After communicating with each of them I chose one and I am already beyond happy with her passion, involvement, and knowledge (by the way my training plan doesn't even start with her until February 1st).  Around the same time I was making a coaching decision, I
was also excited to learn that I had been selected to be a member of the 2014 DC Tri/Snapple Elite Team.  A close group of fellow athletes to train with, be inspired by, and learn from.  A group that is made up of athletes that have found success in almost all arenas of triathlon.  Not to mention awesome sponsors to help me break down barriers.

As I began bouncing ideas around with my coach my 2014 racing calendar began to fill in.  It's still not 100% complete.  The big ones are there, the goals are set, and the work is about to begin.  I know the first few months of training may be difficult, frustrating, and mentally and physically draining.  In the end it will pay off..

A Peak at the 2014 Racing Calendar

May 10, 2014 - Kinetic 1/2 Iron Distance Tri

June 22, 2014 - Syracuse 70.3

June 29, 2014 - Chicago ITU Age Group Race

July 27, 2014 - Ironman Lake Placid

August 24, 2014 - Northeast International Triathlon

September 28, 2014 - Augusta 70.3 

Have you planned your race schedule for 2014 yet?  What changes will you make to your training this year, if any?