Thoughts on the coaching clinic

Overall, I thought the coaching clinic went very well. Got to meet a few new people, some of whom may become good coaching compatriots in the future. Heard from a number of different speakers, including some very high level coaches/trainers, and one very, very fast swimmer (professional triathlete Sara McLarty). As with any training program, some presenters and topics are better and more interesting than others; but I'm always glad to have the chance to learn and think about new things and new approaches.

One over-arching principle that was re-enforced is that you have to have a plan; and a reason for the training that you do. There are many different coaching and training philosophies which people will argue over, but the one thing that you really can't argue is that you need to be following some type of methodology and plan.

I wrote down a two-part question that I think summarizes what every athlete needs to think about and answer: What do you want to achieve, and how badly do you want to achieve it? If you can understand and answer those questions honestly, you have a terrific starting point for starting to put together goals and the training plans to achieve those goals. The second part of that question is critical. You may want to achieve an ironman distance triathlon, for example... but are you willing to put in the hours/weeks/months of hard work that it takes to allow your body to complete one? Most triathletes that I know ask themselves that question a lot! :)

So, back to the present - it's been a good week so far, with BIG plans for this weekend. Due to the timing of my next two races (1/2 Ironman in 2 weeks and marathon 2 weeks after that); I need to get in a long (80 miles I hope) bike ride on Saturday, and then a 20 mile run on Sunday. Check back in Monday and see if the body and willpower hold out.

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Please see this website to read more about the HFK program and to make donations:
RMI Hope For Kidz Website Link

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Race Schedule:

January 11: RunTex 20 Miler (20 mile run) -> COMPLETED

January 25: Frost Yer Fanny Duathlon (27.2 miles run/bike/run) -> COMPLETED

February 15: Austin Marathon (26.2 mile run)-> COMPLETED

April 5: Lonestar 1/2 Ironman Triathlon (70.3 miles swim/bike/run)

April 20: Boston Marathon (26.2 mile run)

September 19: Redman ironman distanceTriathlon (140.6 miles swim/bike/run)

October 25: Longhorn 1/2 Ironman Triathlon (70.3 miles swim/bike/run)

November 29: Ironman Cozumel Triathlon (140.6 miles swim/bike/run)