Thursday, December 19, 2013

What's Next (Version 2.0)

Well, I suppose it's time to talk about "what's next" for me with racing/training now that CIM is over- I did this after Musselman earlier this year-- you can read "What's next" (Version 1.0) here.

First and foremost this is my "off season"; well until January 6th at least. Everyone has their own version of what off season means. I still intend to workout but have no set workouts or plans for the next few weeks. If I get a bunch of stuff done in workouts, that's great-- but if I don't it isn't a bad thing. I talked a little about my personal recovery rules the other day.

CIM was my last 'goal race' of the year, and good news--with that race I crossed off my final goal for the year of running sub-3:15. It was a different feeling after the race, because I was so happy I met my goal and surpassed it. I know that I can do better, but I am not in any rush to get that right now.

Which leads me to....
My next marathon is The Boston Marathon on April 21, 2014. I am incredibly excited for that day, more than words can even describe. BUT this is NOT going to be a goal race, yes you heard me right. I want to embrace every second of that day, every step and every moment. I want to celebrate the journey I took to get that first BQ. I want to think about that amazing day I got the register for Boston finally. I want to honor the many many many people who were affected by the events of last year. No, I am not going to sandbag it and slack off. In fact I plan on training even harder for it, but come race day- the time on the clock is not my goal. My goals for Boston are purely training related, and they WILL require me to stay focused and push myself, but will allow me to really embrace the day.

My MAIN race goals for 2013 were....
5k PR
Complete first 70.3 Triathlon
3:15 Marathon

My MAIN race goals for 2014 are....
Sub-1:30 Half Marathon
Sub-6 hour Half-Iron (70.3)
Complete my first Ironman (140.6)

I have said multiple times in the past few months that the marathon has turned into my favorite distance. I'm sure it's a surprise for me to say that, and NOT have a marathon goal time for next year(we can, and WILL chat about this more soon).
Am I ruling out a marathon PR next year? Absolutely not.
 I have taken 24 minutes off my marathon time in less than 13 months. 
It's time I give a little more effort to some other distances, and help turn myself into a more well rounded runner. 

I am still working on my 2014 race calendar right now, within the next week or so there will be a new tab up top for this. I have quite a few races in mind that I plan on doing, of varying distances.
  BUT, I do know the 3 races I am planning on for the above goals.
Buffalo Half Marathon, Musselman 70.3, and Ironman Cozumel 140.6.

As for the more immediate future (i.e. next few weeks/months), training and base building is priority. Something I have never been good about is consistency in training. I worked hard on this during the fall, and the results and payoff was well worth it(not just because of improved races times, but my general confidence and strength as a runner).

Running Training
Training for specificity
[I'm good about getting speed workouts in, as well as hill workouts BUT not consistently. I want to make a point to work on both speed and hills with no more than 2 weeks between the workouts]
Strength Training
[I'm usually pretty good about this in the winter, but I want to find ways to make it so that once spring hits I don't immediately ditch the weights]

NOTE: the following triathlon training goals are for the base building phase, these will increase/change once training peak phases begin.

Triathlon Training
Consistently swimming 2-3X each week
[The pool is kind of my nemesis and definitely my least favorite of the tri disciplines. Last year while tri-training my swimming was all over the place. Some weeks I swam 3-4 times and others maybe once(if that). So naturally, my swimming wasn't seeing consistent improvements]
Consistently Biking at least 3X each week
[The bike is the area I am looking at for the most improvement this year. Much like my swimming, I was not consistent about time on the bike last year and therefore didn't excel as much as I would have liked. This year I am going to focus on a strong base so I can work on finding "beast mode" when it comes time for racing]


What is something you wish you did more consistently?

Do you set training goals or just racing goals?

Do you focus on a PR in a set distance EVERY year or switch it up and focus on different things each year?


What is one of your main goals for 2014?




28 comments:

  1. I love that you have such a great plan for conquering your goals! I know you will succeed!!!

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    1. Thank you Mindy! Small goals along the way (much like your awesome weekly goals) are so great to help get to the big goals!

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  2. Nice thought-provoking post Laura. I'm really starting to think about longer distance triathlon as well and have been mulling around the idea of a 70.3

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    1. You'd kick serious butt at a 70.3.

      You know...you COULD make a 3 Cheap runners family vacation and come down for Musselman in July. The Fingerlakes are a GREAT vacation spot!

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    2. I think his goal for his 40th bday should be Ironman...and what better place than Cozumel...I can't wait to share in your journey to that day in 2014 for you!!!

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    3. Ouch Laura! Are you twisting my arm??

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  3. Sounds like you have some awesome goals for next year.. I can't even imagine doing an Ironman (heck thinking about marathon distance scares me) Be exciting to read your blog thru the next year and see you reaching and achieving your goals!!!!

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    1. something I have learned is it's good to have your goals scare you a little ;) You could do it Shelley- no doubt!

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  4. I'm so excited for your Ironman next year! Are you going to start swimming and biking during Boston training or what until after? I always struggle to find the right balance. If you're looking for another 70.3 to add as maybe a training race Rev3 Poconos is where it's at ;)

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    1. Ill swim and bike during Boston training but not as much as I will once Boston is over. I figure it will give me a solid base to work off of that way.

      When is Rev3 Poconos?

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  5. I think you had an awesome year of racing. I was heartbroken when you texted me yesterday but don't rule anything out. I know you are more than capable of cutting more time off and cannot wait to see you do it!

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  6. I think your outlook for 2014 and training/racing goals are right where they need to be. I can imagine how frustrated you are with the Hurricane debacle but becoming a more well-rounded runner will help you get that goal in 2015, or unexpectedly in 2014 too! And getting that 140.6 will be an accomplsihment that's out of this world.

    You rock & I can't wait to see what 2014 brings you.

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    1. Thank you for your support and confidence my dear- it means a lot. And I know you have amazing things headed your way. the first step is the hardest and you already did that... be ready to have a great year in 2014!

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  7. I like how you broke everything down in this post - it's a good way of outlining where you've been and where you want to go. As of now, I'm not planning for any marathons in 2014 and I think I want to focus on my speed in shorter distances (up to but not necessarily including 13.1). I have some unfinished business in the 5K and 10K. Plus from a time commitment perspective, the shorter distance training is much more doable with my schedule. I need to get back into the swing of things since I've been slacking.

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    1. I think that's great you want to tackle some new PR's in shorter distances--- we should find one we can both do!! There has to be one half way between!

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  8. Such a great plan and awesome goals for next year. I know you will do well and I can't wait to follow along with your training :)

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    1. Thanks Natalie! Have you decided whats in store for 2014!?

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  9. great plan friend! i think the most important is that off season. It sets you up for a great year, yes? REST and enjoy till jan 6th

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    1. Everytime I think about off season and rest I think about that awesome post you did about yours and Kiwi's off season!

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  10. Sounds like a great list of goals for 2014, that I'm sure you'll achieve. Enjoy your down time, and have a great Christmas.
    My goal in 2014, is NO INJURIES!

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    1. I think you taking time off this year is going to make your goal possible--you played it smart, it will pay off!

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  11. I love all the goals you have for 2014 already! Go get em girl!

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  12. I love to hear about runners with a smart plan and yours is definitely one. First, the fact that you are running Boston for the experience rather than the time. Yes! And second, the fact that you are trying to become a more well-rounded runner. We all should do that! Kudos.

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    1. Thanks Amanda! I am trying to be smart about it all- I know that it will pay off in the long run!

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  13. I love hearing that you are running Boston to celebrate your accomplishment of getting there, because that is how it should be run! I'm still figuring out my 2014 goals... we'll see. :)

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    1. I remember us talking about this on the Wineglass bus!! You'll have to re-evaluate your 2014 goals soon anyways..you know after you PR at houston :)

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  14. You have a jam packed schedule! I have not set any running/ fitness goals for 2014, but you got me thinking I should get on that! Looking forward to following along on all your adventures!

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    1. Theres still plenty of time to figure it out!! ANy ideas?

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