My last posts wrapped up a long and busy race season, and even though it's the middle of winter I think it's time for another update!
Just before the end of the year work brought me back to Louisville for a couple days. I had mixed emotions being back in the place that I had dedicated my whole year to swimming, biking and running around. But I managed to squeeze in a few workouts on the IM course while I was there and I left with some closure on an amazing year.
Ironman Louisville finish line
So what's new in 2016 so far?
For the most part I've just been keeping my head down and working away in the pool, on the trainer and through the trails. By the end of my Ironman training I was really looking forward to paying off credit card debt focusing on short-course training and hitting some of my favourite local races again.
At first it was a bit of a struggle to get rolling again because I found a new passion for the big miles and the huge challenge of Ironman. I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy the process as much with higher intensity workouts and lower overall volume. But I've slowly been changing gears back to short course and so far this year I've benefited from a higher level of focus, efficiency and mental strength than ever before. It's nice to get some speed back!
I'm very happy to once again be a part of teamLPC's Hurdle Project squad. It's a particularly awesome and talented group of young athletes (I seem to have taken the role of Dad in the group), and I'm looking forward to teaching them a thing or two in bike skillz and old man strength. Check out my profile here: http://www.loaringpersonalcoaching.com/ryan-power.html
After a couple years of long course training I've enjoyed putting a bit more emphasis back on my swimming. I haven't been doing any superstar mileage besides a solid 36k week for "BPT swim camp" with Amanda, but I've consistently put the time in and I'm seeing the benefits of working so hard on my efficiency over the past 12 months.
Working that EVF
I've rocked out HARD while my teammates are setting ridiculous FTP numbers (and I'm also testing higher than ever in Jan/Feb)
I've also been fortunate enough to include regular track workouts in my training for the first time in a few years. I have a love/hate relationship with the indoor track given my track background...I love the hard yards but I definitely had my fair share of injuries in my track days. Fortunately I've managed to be extra diligent with my prehab and recovery, and Track Tuesday is often the highlight of my week
I can't believe this tweet didn't get more action. Come on, that's gold!
And of course it wouldn't be winter in Canada without some long runs in crappy weather. It can be a tough time of year to stay motivated (and warm) but we've been pretty lucky this year with the weather for the most part. And no matter how cold it is, there are few things better than a long winter trail run in fresh snow.
When rain turns to freezing rain, then snow..all in one workout
I was also lucky enough to head out west into the sunshine for a few days! Running in LA presents it's challenges in terms of finding a good route and not getting stabbed, but the challenge always seemed to be worth it...
Now I'm back in the cold but it's almost time to hit the road again, this time to LPC Florida Camp! I'm once again looking forward to kicking off my race season while I'm down south with the Clermont Draft Legal Challenge. It's a pretty meaningless race in terms of the result but it will be a good indication of how things are progressing so far. And then of course plenty of fun in the sun with an amazing group of people. After that I'm looking forward to some local cross races and a bit of running before tri season.
My next update will probably come after camp!
