Still here

My recent lack of posting means it must be the off-season. I have been lacking the motivation to write much of anything, but the training and preparation for next season continue. A quick update…

I’ve been trying to work on my top end run speed. Although there’s plenty of room for improvement here, it’s certainly not my limiter (see: swim slowness). However, I wanted to try a running streak, so started running at least 20 minutes every day. Some days I’m running with my wife, so it’s basically a short recovery jog, but it all counts. My streak is currently at 73 days (attempting to make 100). At the same time, I’m building to try and PR on my open 5k sometime in the next few weeks. While the workouts themselves are going well and I have missed very few key workouts, my speed isn’t increasing noticeably at this point. One reason for this is I’ve put on a couple winter pounds while executing this plan and extra weight + running = less speed (usually). I’ll be interested to see what I hit when I find a 5k that fits my schedule. Either way, I feel like I’m building a great running base for when I start officially hitting the IM training after the first of the year, and I feel like the extra weight will go away, so speed should follow.

I have had a pretty erratic work schedule with the holidays, so my swimming hasn’t been as consistent as I’d like. I am still hoping to emphasize swim training for at least a month or 2 after the first of the year. I am planning on attending my first master’s swim practices then as well. Hopefully I can gain some valuable form tips, I certainly need them.

As far as biking goes…it’s been whatever I can squeeze in, which isn’t much at this point, basically an hour on the trainer here or there. But hey, it’s the off-season and I’m forcing myself to be less structured (other than the run training).

Winter also means the reintroduction of lifting, just 2x per week this year with 30 minute circuits, so I’m not likely to get “chiseled” before next season.

In other related news, I retooled my road bike for a project I’m working on. I’ll try and have a separate post for it with some pictures. It’s ready to rock for next season though, and I can’t wait to take it out at the first sign of warmth. Also, I’ve been putting together my 2010 race schedule and setting my goals and objectives. Like last year, I’ll try and do some end of year summarizing and future planning. I liked it last year, and it keeps me accountable.

Anyways, just wanted to toss up a quick update and say that more posts are in the works, soon…hopefully.