The State of my State: 2008 Review Edition

It’s that time of year again – a recap of last year.  While most folks took care of this prerequisite post earlier this month…I meanwhile…was a slacker.

I’ve finally gotten my training records all sorted out.  As you may recall, I have a number of different logs that I use to track.  Well, after weeks of procrastination I got my master one all updated and have what I think are fairly accurate numbers.  They would be low if anything (if I missed something). 

From the pretty charts, you can see where a knee injury in late 2007 carried over to February of 2008, thus limiting my ability to train. 

Also keep in mind that cycling miles are sorta a non-valid number because 2/3rds of my bike workouts are on trainers, where the mileage is a variable function.  Hours are more valid.

Similar to last year, I’ll run through a recap of the year in as quick as manner possible.

So let’s start with the training numbers:

Cycling: 241.75 hours, 4,036.46 miles

You’ll note a significant cycling drop-off starting in September post Ironman Canada.  That’s where I shifted to running being the major focus for the fall running season.  Of course, I was still cycling three times a week.  Well, except in December – travelling so much in then threw my cycling out the window.

Running: 170.66 hours, 1,380.09 miles

Running was impacted the most by my injury early last year.  But by March I was back in full gear.  I was able to dramatically increase my running endurance, but also increase some speed as well.  A typical  week for me is generally three runs:

1. Tuesday Track (8-15 miles)
2. Thursday ~10 miler ascending tempo run
3. Saturday Long run (20 miler)

These get mixed up a bit once my really long rides kick in (because then the long run shifts to Tuesday to avoid back to back long sessions), but generally I only have three runs a week.

Swimming: 128.25 hours, 226.25 miles (398,200 yards)

I swam a bit more this year than last (about four times as much).  You see above the big jumps during the summer months, that’s that result of Saturday long swims (7,000 yards a pop).  And that drop in May is the new coach taking time to work on technique.  Like the cycling, everything drops off in September to focus on running.

Quick Recap:
Overall training numbers were way up this year in many areas:

1. Bike: 4,306m (2008), 1,942 (2007)
2. Swim: 398,200yds (2008), 166,165yds (2007)
3. Run: 1,380m (2008), 1,293m (2007)

Of course, if I had an extra few months of running allowed (no Jan/Feb), we’d be talking a different game there.  But all in all, a solid training year.  So how about the races?

2008 Racing Overview:

I can solidly state that my 2008 racing season went pretty well.  I completed two Oly’s, three half-Irons, one full-iron, one marathon, and a slew of shorter distance running races.  A few random highlights:

• Completing Ironman Canada – Obviously this was the big goal race for me last year, and I completed it :).  Although there was never any doubt in my mind I would complete it (barring an awesome trip to the hospital), it was just a matter of what time I would complete it in.  Overall I did well and finished in 10:49.
• Ironman Rhode Island 70.3 – Despite finishing an Ironman, this race that I did a month prior is actually what I’m most proud of this past year.  While I finished in 4:46 (which I’m quite happy about – a 25 minute PR), it’s knowing that I can slice off a huge chunk of time if I don’t stand, walk and throw-up on the run next year.  That’s what I’m really excited about.
• Nation’s Tri (Oly) – Being only three weeks after Ironman Canada I was a bit concerned how this might go – but I was thrilled to be able to collect some goods and go home with a 3rd place AG finish (out of more than 200 in my AG).  So that was sweet!
• Philly Marathon – The secondary big goal of the year was a Boston Qualifying time.  By mid-summer it became clear that a BQ time wasn’t going to be an issue, but rather instead seeing if sub-3 was possible.  In the end I was thrilled to go sub-2:55, securing not only  a BQ spot, but also guaranteed entry to the New York Marathon.  Woot!

Oh, and I’m happy to report that I really didn’t have any race lowlights.  Sure, I had a few issues during a race like most, but overall there weren’t any DNF’s or complete blow-outs.  I am proud to say that I’ve managed to continue my streak through of throwing up in at least one out of every two tri’s I complete.  It’s pretty awesome.

So all in all I’d say the season went pretty well.  My cycling improved tremendously, as did my running, and my swimming endurance moved up quite a bit – although swimming is still my sore sport. 

Of course, 95% of this is due to the extreme dedication of my coach.  I just simply do what he says day in and day out.  Run slower he says…ok I say.  Swim correctly he says…ok I say.  Bike more he says…ok I say.  He’s taught me it’s not just about volume – but also about specifity and recovery.  It’s not about running as fast as you can day in an day out – or riding as long as you can.  It’s about making every single workout have a specific reason…and count.

So what does next year bring?  Well…you’ll have to wait for Tuesday. :)

FOUND THIS POST USEFUL? SUPPORT THE SITE!

Hopefully, you found this post useful. The website is really a labor of love, so please consider becoming a DC RAINMAKER Supporter. This gets you an ad-free experience, and access to our (mostly) bi-monthly behind-the-scenes video series of “Shed Talkin’”.

Support DCRainMaker - Shop on Amazon

Otherwise, perhaps consider using the below link if shopping on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but your purchases help support this website a lot. It could simply be buying toilet paper, or this pizza oven we use and love.