2008 Season in Review

I am in my recovery and planning mode right now, getting ready to transition into offseason training, which will add back in weightlifting and erging (rowing machine) as well as whatever other miscellaneous activities I decide. My main focuses are strength building, top end run speed, swim (in general), and weight loss (goodbye to being a Clydesdale). I am also in reflection mode of my successfully completed 2008 season, thus the nature of this post.

Even though this was my 5th year of competing in triathlons, it was a milestone year in many ways. First, it was my first full season since graduating from U. of Dayton, so triathlon didn’t have to take a backseat to rowing for 9 months out of the year. This meant I could plan an entire schedule around triathlons, including designating A races, etc. I also read Triathlete’s Training Bible in December and January, which helped immensely. Second, I completed my first marathon in January (and later my 2nd last month). Third, I won my division at a local race for the first (and 2nd) times as a Clydesdale. Lastly, I improved my biking to the point that I averaged over 20mph at every race this season, an accomplishment I had only done once in my previous 4 years of competing. I think the most exciting aspect of this is that I still see plenty of room for improvement, so am excited to start setting goals and getting a race plan together, which is actually already almost complete and will be posted soon.

2008 Race Results
January 13 -- Rock n’ Roll Arizona Marathon – 3:53:14 (broke 4hrs in first ever marathon)
April 26 – KY Derby Festival MiniMarathon – 1:42:42
May 18 – Tri for Joe (sprint) – 1:22:20 (1st of 21 Clydesdale, 40 of 839 OA)
June 15 – St. Peters RecPlex Tri (sprint) – 1:50:42 (5 of 17 in M20-24 AG, 30 of 457 OA)
June 21 – Indianapolis Sprint Tri (sprint) – 1:02:56 (3 of 41 Clydesdale, 71 of 575 OA)
June 29 – Cincy One World Du (Oly du) – 2:18:00 (1 of 9 Clydesdale, 35 of 213 OA)
August 24 – Chicago Accenture Tri (Oly, A race) – 2:29:45 (4 of 49 Clydesdale, 284 of 4089 OA)
October 5 – Tri-for-Sight (sprint) – 1:44:04 (3 of 20 Clydesdale, 42 of 324 OA)
October 26 – Marine Corps Marathon – 3:44:37 (was overly ambitious shooting for 3:30, and paid the last 6 miles…but new PR)

Overall, it was a busy year, and quite successful. I think I did a good job of establishing myself as a top Clydesdale in the region and at least competitive nationally for my size. Now, I am hoping to drop some weight so I can push a little harder and at least be locally competitive in the standard M20-24 AG next year.

Soon, I will put up my tentative race plan, and then start with the official goals, which I’ll also post. Making them public makes them much more concrete, I believe since I am being held accountable by others who read this (if anyone actually does).