Slow Build

So I’ve finally found a little time to put some thoughts down on paper.  There are lots of changes that I’ve made going into this year from when I started my triathlon adventures last May.  Something I’ll be adding this year are entertaining, hopefully, race recaps where I'll share how the race went from my perspective.
So here are some of the biggest changes and updates for 2016 and my pursuit of the M-Dot.

Physical

To those that have seen me lately, it should go without saying that I’ve dropped a fair amount of mass.  I was walking around in my CrossFit days last year around 205-208# and am now fluctuating within a pound or so of 190#.  Yes, I’ve lost some strength in the gym, but I feel great out there running and still powerful on the bike.  The plan is to get down to around 185#, maybe even 180# just to see what that does with everything.  

Other than the change in figure, I’m pretty healthy overall.  As Brian McKenzie says, being “unscared” is the key for this year. 

Method

One of the biggest changes for 2016 is coming under the tutelage of Michellie Jones. Just google her name, she’s pretty legit. Insert Olympic Silver Medal and Ironman World Champion Title Here.  Quick backstory, I met MJ at the World Special Olympic Games in Los Angeles last August.  I had no idea who see was, but after chatting with her for awhile I decided to google her name and was blown away.  

So, needless to say, she has stepped my training game up and is really pushing me to perform at levels beyond what I thought I’d be able to do right now.

Most of you have seen lots of posts on Instagram and Facebook about the RIDE Triathlon Team that I was selected to be a part of.  It is made up of some great folks ranging from professional triathlete to top age-group athletes.  This has meant a lot of group training which presents a nice supportive environment to push yourself in.  I’d be remised if I didn’t mention the amazing sponsors, as they have really made a lot of this progress possible through their continued support of the team and its athletes.

Superlatives

I suppose the best way to show my evolution would be to present some data (and you know I love data).  Here are some shots of my efforts and training sessions.

Swimming Volume Perspective

Total Yards May-October 2015:  57,930
Total Yards January 2016:  45,548

Half Marathon Comparison

August 2015 -  America's Finest City Half Marathon (471ft elevation gain):  1h38m (Avg Pace 7:26/mile)
[I was resting up for the race in the week preceding]
February 2016 - San Dieguito Half Marathon (715ft elevation gain):  1h29m (Avg Pace 6:50/mile) 
[Training week as normal, completed a 65mile bike ride and 20min T-run the day prior]

Average Percentage per week per sport (January 2016)
January average weekly training time:  11h26m
Swim/Bike/Run

So what’s next

Well the race season is right around the corner for me.  I actually just knocked out a tough little half marathon this weekend in which I ran a sub 1:30, which was good enough for Top 5 in my age group.  Although I have a fair amount of big races this year, the season for me really boils down to Ironman Wisconsin in September.  Well, September 11th to be exact.  As most of you know, I joined the Marine Corps a few years after 9/11/01, ultimately tracing that decision back to this fateful day during my senior year in high school.  

For those that have been asking, the below is a snapshot of my race “plan”.  Some races are planned as of right now and I'll probably be tweaking this the next few weeks to finalize it.

So, that’s it.  Lots of change, but also lots of progress so far. Here’s to a great 2016.