Friday, September 5, 2008

A New Chapter

So...exciting times are ahead my friends. One of the reasons why I didn't want to continue with boot camp was because I wanted to leave more time for cycling and swimming, plus leave me some more free time in the evenings to unwind. I figure with being home a bit more I can focus on my nutrition which I still know is one of my downfalls. Because I was always running in and out the door it was far too easy to call it an Edo night for dinner this summer. I'm surprised that the girls in the restaurant didn't see me and immediately spit out "combo number one with extra veggies and extra sauce, right?" as soon as I walked into the place.
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Anyhow, this fall I want to focus on swimming and cycling more (and still running). Plus I have some big goals for next year's racing season so I thought it was time to stop trying to do everything on my own and look for some support. One of my coworkers is a triathlon coach for the YMCA in a different part of town and he's pretty familiar with all the coaches and teams out there in Calgary. He gave me the name of someone who would push me hard in a supportive team atmosphere. I wanted supportive, not competitive, and someone who cared about technique in their athletes. Last night I finally a chance to sit down and chat with coach about where I've been and where I want to go and I'm really excited. When we talked about my marathon time at Quebec versus my PRs for a 5K/10K/half marathon she got really excited about how much room I have to improve my marathon time come January. I spend most of my runs at the same easy pace and I'm pretty bad for trying to push myself hard on my own. With a little direction and a group setting I know I'll be able to push to run faster and to train at a higher intensity rate to see results. Let's be honest, I've been running for awhile now so I think it is time to strive for some improvement. Where this is all going, well, we'll see. But I'm looking forward to being a part of a group and taking my training to a new level.

9 comments:

TNTcoach Ken said...

Superwoman get serious! I always thought you had thirty hours in your day with everything you were doing. Sounds like a plan worth attempting.

Scott said...

I wish you the best of luck with the "new chapter" :) Sounds like a great plan!

holly said...

Good luck with your new coach! With your dedication I am sure you will reach your goals in no time.

audgepodge said...

Hey Leana - love the header, very hardcore! I can totally relate to this post - I also feel my marathon times do not reflect what I'm capable of. If I attempt it again, I want it flat and COLD. :)

Anyway, that's great that you're really taking initiative to improve - good for you!

ShirleyPerly said...

Haha, I'm just the opposite trying to get my shorter race times in line with my marathon times. I've never even run a standalone 10K.

Good luck with your new chapter. I wish there were like 48 hours in a day and that we had unlimited amounts of energy to do all the things we want to do ...

Speed Racer said...

Look out world, now she's REALLY serious!

I'm glad to see you're still enjoying running, and now the swimming and biking enough to get into some more serious goals. If the ordinary mortals around you don't think you're crazy yet, they will now!

My experiences with group training have been GREAT. There's just something about being in a big group with everyone suffering together that really helps you push to the next level. Then everyone's energy feeds off everyone else's, and your feeling of accomplishment increases exponentially. I'm sure you'll find the same thing.

I'm intrigued by this whole idea of "supportive" rather than "competitive". So NOT EVERYONE has that drive to smash their competitors' heads against a wall? Interesting...

Sonia said...

Hope you enjoy training with a group, I'm sure it will be very motivating to surpass yourself =)

Alexandra said...

September always seemed to me to be a good time to re-evalute priorities and goals! What a great way for you to head into fall! Best wishes with your new training endeavours!

Danielle said...

I bet you'll love the group. I know I really do like my training group. It's a non-competitive but fun atmosphere...good luck. I can't wait to read about the goals and the fun ahead!