Michelle Barker

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in Triathlon

2024 … In Theory

Two women in the ocean, one having just dunked

Happy (very belated) New Year, everyone. January is the time to plan races and figure out what the coming year will look like—in theory, anyway. But theories are good, so here’s mine.

Having made a full recovery from last year’s stupid concussion, I have thrown myself into training for Ironman Chattanooga which will happen at the end of September. So far, I have not been able to persuade (coerce) my daughter (partner in crime) to join me, but these are early days. And I’m committed to doing it even if I have to go it alone.

I’m still working with my wonderful coach, so, unlike training for Florida when the clowns were in charge (the clowns being me), this time I’m listening to someone who knows what they’re doing. Much safer. My job is to stay upright and not skip my strength workouts, eat and drink the right things, take rest when it’s scheduled (and not do more just because I’m feeling good), and get good sleep. I will also see my chiro regularly, take weekly cold-water dips in the ocean, and stretch and roll on a regular basis

Simple, right? In theory.

I’m trying to give myself the best chance of making it to the start line, which means I’m wearing a mask in congested places, I probably won’t go skate-skiing this year, won’t ride my bike outside until the weather improves, and won’t race a 70.3 as preparation. The latter is a common thing for people to do who have a full Ironman on their schedule, but I know myself well enough to know it’s risky. I’ll do a 70.3 as training on my own, without the little voice in my head pushing me to go faster—consequences be damned—because it’s a race.

The plan is not foolproof, because shit happens—as I well know from last year when I was perfectly prepared for everything I had signed up for and then decided to hop a curb and misjudged my footing. Won’t be hopping any curbs this year either.

The coming year will include the Canada Day 4k swim at Sasamat, the Victoria 140-km fondo, some long rides out in the valley, long runs in Pacific Spirit Park, masters swimming, and whatever the Lomas have in store for cycling season.

I can’t wait!

If you have plans for the new year, please share them. I’d love to hear about them.

Happy training!

 

 

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