Looking Ahead to 2013

Now that 2013 is well underway, I have been trying to put together my plan leading up to September 22nd. That is the day of Ironman Lake Tahoe.

After a five or so year hiatus I have once again signed up for an iron distance race. My reasons for signing up are varied. On the one hand, I have yet to have a good race at the iron distance and I do feel that is a challenge I would like to conquer. On another level, I have in the past used the looming threat of a race to distract myself.

This time around I am trying a slightly different approach to my training. I am planning on "racing" myself into shape for the Ironman. By that I mean that I plan on racing multiple half-iron distance races this summer. I plan on using these races to test out my fitness, race execution, and nutrition plan. I am currently registered for two half-iron distance races, but am looking at two or three others also.

With eight months to go before my big race, I am starting to get back into the swing of training regularly. My goal is to swim at least once a week, and hit the trainer two to three times per week. My running goal is to run as often as possible, and get back to a 30-40 mile per week average by March.