Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013.
I've been avoiding a big year-end recap / goals for 2013 post but since all my EFRT teammates have done so, I suppose I should too! What can I say that hasn't already been said or blogged about? 2012 was an awesome dream-defying year but I hold firm to my chief goals which have nothing to do with times, placements, speeds, or results. My goals remain to enjoy the sport of triathlon, the benefits of daily training, the community of great people, and the adventure. I'm in it for the long haul and tying enjoyment to results is a sure-fire way to burn out and fall away...not that I don't plan to continue seeking my own personal bests!
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It's about the daily adventure and challenge |
In 2013, as in years prior, my approach is just take it one workout, one day, one race at a time....and let the chips fall where they may. I've had enough injuries and derailments to know that is all I can do. I never could have predicted how the "chips would fall" in 2012! The year began with a hip injury and
missing the Boston Marathon (again) but unbeknownst to me, that very likely set me up for an incredible triathlon year. During the time I couldn't run, my cycling increased. As a result, while I improved in all three sports, cycling saw the most dramatic improvements and for the first time, slightly edged out running as my strongest leg. I had the top female bike time at three races and averaged over 22 mph at five races.
I completed 9 triathlons (5 sprints, 4 Olys) and two road races (10 miler and 5K) with podium finishes at all except Oly Nationals (11th) and Worlds (10th). The
summary of my racing year is on another page, as is my
spreadsheet of race splits and finishes, no sense duplicating it here. Suffice it to say it exceeded anything I could have dared to dream for myself.
The highlights -
I'm also really proud of the fact that it looks like I'll be finishing up the year as a USAT All American, ranked #25 in my age group (puts me in top 2.5% of qualified athletes completing 3 races or more)
I completed the year with 3145 bike miles and 862 run miles for the year. Total swim/bike/run time was 385 hours with another 100 spent in the gym. (Needless to say, I don't watch much TV or shop or go out!) Moving forward I just want to stay hungry, humble, and excited. I'd like to see my swim improve, and with the
Vasa Ergometer added into the mix I believe that can happen. I want to stay healthy and do a better job of addressing small injuries before they become big. And I'd sure like to cross the finish line at Boston this year. I'll just take it all one workout, one day, one race at a time.
NONE of this would be possible, NONE of it, without the support of my husband and kids, family, friends, teammates and Coach Jim. That's a whole other big blog post but I can't close this one out without saying a huge GIGANTIC thank you to those around me who love, tolerate, and encourage me. I'm privileged to be a part of this sport and community.
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Me and Coach Jim |
