Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013.
I've been avoiding a big year-end recap / goals for 2013 post. What can I say that hasn't already been said or blogged? 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 |
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.
- Learning that I was the outright winner of the Smith Mountain Lake Sprint Tri - my first overall win ever. I'd only been back running for a month and had no expectations of doing well. It was such a feeling of utter shock and excitement!
- Finishing as the second female in the Virginia Triathlon Series
- Back to back run PRs at USAT Nationals - 20:31 in the sprint and 42:34 in the Oly
- Reuniting with my Endurance Films Racing Teammates at Nationals and finishing on the Podium (3rd) for the sprint
- Crossing the finish in 10th at Worlds, with an American flag in my hand!
- Bike PRs
- Winning three sprint triathlons
- Running a sub-6 minute mile on the track
- Swimming 30x50m on 55s intervals (killer for me)
- The entire adventure of traveling to New Zealand to compete on Team USA
- Receiving support for the Team USA trip from family and friends - old and new - bolstering my focus and motivation
- Encouraging others in their pursuits of endurance sports, fitness, and lifestyle changes
- Being given the opportunity to change careers and work in endurance sports for the Fortynine Group, having my passion and work merge!
I'm also really proud of the fact that it looks like I'll be a 2012 USAT All American, ranked #25 in my age group (which puts it at top 2.5% of qualified athletes completing 3 races or more)
I finished 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, challenged, 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, 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 |
