The year I retired from triathlon

Julie Pfeifle

... and got my only child off to college... and endured the worst boss ever while flying e/o week to work... and kickstarted the job search... again!  There's more, but I won't bore you with it.  Anyhow... my grand plans to make a solid KQ run at IM WI while at the bottom of a new age group have basically gone to pot!  Literally, today was my first run in weeks (and it was glorious, but slow).  Rides and swims... well, pretty much non-existent for weeks.  So, I'm bagging IM WI (it would be dangerous at this point), and I simply don't have the mental energy to even think about racing.  

I do, however, not want to go completely off the radar, and seriously need to start getting back into shape, get my mojo back, lose a few pounds, and prepare for next year.  Yoga, trail running, and fun races (like the run portion of the Las Vegas 70.3 all girls' weekend in Oct) are all calling my name, as well as playing on my bike and in the pool. 

How would you recommend I use the EN resources to gently and safely (without injury) get myself back on track so I can hit the OutSeason with all pistons firing?  I also want to get an IM on the books for next year, when I'll still be close to the bottom of the old ladies 55-59 age group.

Thanks Coaches! 

Brad Marcus

@Julie - don't you hate when life gets in the way? The juggling act is a tough one...I think we've all been there at some point, to different degrees. If it were me, I'd sign up for some short distance races. Whether they be 5k, 10k running races, sprint tri's, whatever seems like fun to you but will keep you semi-engaged. I think I'd find it very tough to keep things moving if I didn't have anything on my calendar. Of course having an IM a year out wouldn't hurt either....just to keep you honest!

When life gets the heck out of your way again, something tells me that you'll be back at it again and stronger than ever.

Brenda Ross

You've put this in the right thread. I am interested to see what Coach R says. Good luck with everything.

Coach Rich

Posted By Julie Pfeifle on 16 Jul 2014 09:47 PM

... and got my only child off to college... and endured the worst boss ever while flying e/o week to work... and kickstarted the job search... again!  There's more, but I won't bore you with it.  Anyhow... my grand plans to make a solid KQ run at IM WI while at the bottom of a new age group have basically gone to pot!  Literally, today was my first run in weeks (and it was glorious, but slow).  Rides and swims... well, pretty much non-existent for weeks.  So, I'm bagging IM WI (it would be dangerous at this point), and I simply don't have the mental energy to even think about racing.  

I do, however, not want to go completely off the radar, and seriously need to start getting back into shape, get my mojo back, lose a few pounds, and prepare for next year.  Yoga, trail running, and fun races (like the run portion of the Las Vegas 70.3 all girls' weekend in Oct) are all calling my name, as well as playing on my bike and in the pool. 

How would you recommend I use the EN resources to gently and safely (without injury) get myself back on track so I can hit the OutSeason with all pistons firing?  I also want to get an IM on the books for next year, when I'll still be close to the bottom of the old ladies 55-59 age group.

Thanks Coaches! 

Hey Julie,

I recommend you load up the PreSeason training plan, that's a good place to start. Then take the Season Planning Survey, under the Training tab above, and I'll plan out the rest of '14 and '15 for you. Thanks!

Julie Pfeifle

Thanks Brad... you've got me thinking about a new Oly tri in my area end of August.  It wouldn't be pretty, but it would get me out the door at least a couple times between now and then!  Might be nice to just do a race "for fun" and not gunning for a podium spot!

Julie Pfeifle

Thanks Brenda!  Feeling more motivated already!  Just a blip along the lifelong tri road.