Picking a leader

I've not hid the fact that I've been a self coached triathlete for the last 5+ years.  There were a lot of reasons for my decision, and we all know that there have been tons of talks both ways on which is better.  It's definitely a personal preference in my opinion... all depending on so many factors - your goals, your objectives, your financial situation, your willingness to have someone else dictate your ass kicking sessions.  Being self coached has worked for me in the past.  I'm lucky to have an amazingly talented husband to train with and we have the flexibility to workout when we want. 

But I'll admit when there is something missing and lately I've felt it.  It's not the "off-season-I-don't-want-to-do-anything" feeling (yep, I have that too).  For me, I've been missing the structure.  I feel like a lot of my workouts don't have purpose.  Kind of like I'm winging it and definitely not pushing myself to my potential.  Looking at my race schedule the last few years, I've gotten by, but I am ready for a change.  And what's a girl to do when she wants to get better, have more structure and have more purpose?

Find someone to lead her, to guide her... aka hire a coach.

Welcome Sharpie into my life!  I'm so excited to introduce you all to my new coach, Carole Sharpless. 

I got to know her last year when I joined Team Trakkers.  She's who our team calls "Momma Bear" for so many reasons.  She the most caring, amazingly supportive woman, with the kind of personality that makes you think "is there anything I don't love about her?".  But what a lot of people don't know is that she's a kick ass triathlete. (click HERE if you want to see some of her results... I mean, hello... lots of podium finishes!!!) And when looking for a coach, those were two qualities I wanted... someone who knew they stuff (she has all the important coaching certifications, as well as a ton of experience) and someone who genuinely cared about the people they surround themselves with.

I started talking to Carole about some options of her coaching me, something I knew that she did, but didn't talk about much.  I wanted to make sure it was a good fit on my end and on hers.  I mean, this is a year long relationship.  And I wouldn't trust my season to just anyone.  Or my ass kickings.

After many heart to hearts (I'm telling you, I love her honesty and candidness with me about anything I throw at her), we both agreed that this will work.  I'm super excited.  I feel like my love for triathlon and for getting better is higher than ever.  I'm anxious to see what Carole throws at me and hope she knows that I'm going to work my butt off for her.  And like I told her... I can't wait to see what she does to me!

If you are looking for a coach and want to see if Carole might be a good fit for you, visit her website HERE.  And if you want a good laugh, make sure you stop by her blog and give her some love.  She's funny people... like snort out loud when you read kind of funny!


You know, coaching IS a very personal decision.  And I'm confident that I picked the right person to lead me through this year.

Ah, triathlon

I kind of forgot what being a triathlete was all about. Since the last race of my 2010 season, I've been anything but a triathlete. Heck, there were MANY days that you wouldn't have wanted to call me an athlete (okay, maybe you would have called me an athlete, but I felt like a poser). I sat last night with the hubby, the race schedule and my monthly calendar. I laid out my January workouts. It took time. A little negotiation (with myself really) and I think I have it all laid out.

And it's going to kick my hiney.

It's fairly straight forward though -

• Monday - kickboxing and 100 intervals at the pool with a WU and CD
• Tuesday - .5 mile run intervals with a WU and CD and .5 "rests" in between
• Wednesday - kickboxing and bike intervals (courtesy of Coach Tom)
• Thursday - Off
• Friday - kickboxing and long swim (no less than 2000)
• Saturday - 40k bike
• Sunday - long run

Each week, the swim and run intervals increase, as does the long run. No bricks yet... just want to build my endurance and speed a little first. I'll check myself at the end of the month and plan from there.

I don't use a coach and to be quite honest, I'd love one but just don't have the money to spend on monthly coaching. I know that self coaching has its downfalls, mainly being the ability to know how hard to push yourself without someone telling you to hit a certain interval, but I'm confident I'll kick my own ass. I know when I'm pushing myself and I'm keeping track of everything so I can constantly test where I'm at and adjust.

For instance, I did 10x100's at the pool today and nearly died. Okay, I'm lying, but I looked back at the same workout last March and I was about :05 slower on average today.

With a plan in place, I feel like a triathlete again. That and the countdown on my desk that says 132 days until my first race. Oye ve!