2011 Goals

While reviewing how 2010 and previous years went I noticed a few patterns:

• My best performances of the year are during training or early season races that I don't taper for
• When I try to taper it doesn't go well. I either add more workouts in or show up to the race feeling de-trained and like I just took a month off
• I gain the most "fitness" during the out season and then see very little gains in the actual season
• I have yet to run well in an Ironman
• I can't do this just for fun, as for me the fun part is setting a goal and achieving it
• I tend to have higher goals for myself then I share

After a ton of thought and many discussion with friends and mentors I've decided to make two changes this year.

The easy one: I have written down all of my goals including the ones I usually wouldn't share and the long term ones.  Now I have one set of goals and there is no hiding or changing things.

The hard one: To meet my goals, I will be starting with a one on one coach.

I know most people are thinking what's so hard about starting with a coach; well for a control freak like me it is pretty hard.  It took me a long time to be able to commit to this as I have enjoyed coaching myself and working with Endurance Nation for training plans and advice. However I feel in many ways I have become my own biggest limiter.  I'll share more on about this soon, but in the meantime here are my goals.

2011 Goals:

• Taper well and peak at the right times (i.e. PR in key races not training or C events)
• Run well off the bike with an IM run IF of at least 0.78. I have yet to go over 0.75.
• Follow my plan/coach and do not overachieve in training when I'm feeling strong
• Continue to improve my swim and do a 1000 M TT in under 15:00
• Qualify for a USAT Elite Card
• Qualify for a Age Group Kona Slot

Long Term Goals:

• Race as an Elite triathlete
• 9:00 Ironman
• 4:00 70.3
• 2:30 Marathon
• 1:10 Half Marathon