Comparing Year to Year Data

Josh Church

As I am closing in on IMCHOO I was curious to review/compare my last 4-5 weeks of 2016's build with my current one. FYI, Im building for the same race and there are alot of similarities from last year. Like my work/life schedule, weather, and my build closely resembles last years. The only difference is my run durability, my mileage and number of days running is much more consistent than last year. And I opted for a 70.3 then Full this year, as 2016 was a 2 IM year. 

Here are some initial thoughts:
   - I'm not faster in any sport compared to 2016. I "feel" like a stronger runner but my RR run yesterday on the same route as 2016 was exactly the same time and pace. I thought that was a little crazy.
   - Last year I did IMTexas then built for IMCHOO, this year I did Raleigh 70.3 then built for IMCHOO. Has anyone noticed a better or worse build following a half vs full IM?
   - I did my first outseason this past winter and so far my long rides are very similar to last year, should there have been a little more progress?
   - 2016 was my first year doing full IM's, am I jumping the gun looking for improvments too soon?
   - Am I thinking about this all wrong, should the measuring stick be race day data, not training? 

There are those other very important things I feel i have gotten much better at: Nutrition, race execution and understanding how and what my body does during workouts and races. 

These are just a few thoughts I had and I am hoping some of the Team can chime in about yearly comparisons with training and race rehearsals. 

Peter Greagg

I would make two points.
First, success in long course triathlon is usually associated with slowing down less than others — in other words, fatigue resistance in general and, more particularly, run durability are very important.
Second, given point 1, it is actual race performance that will show whether you have improved or not.

scott dinhofer

@Josh Church - Felt the same way before Lake Placid. I knew I put in a Shizz-ton more work than the year prior but wasn't seeing it in my times, particularly the run. Had a 20 minute run PR in the race... the durability is there. When you run a faster marathon, it's likely because you walked less. Stay the course, the results will come!

Paul Curtin

Josh Church said:

The only difference is my run durability, my mileage and number of days running is much more consistent than last year

There are those other very important things I feel i have gotten much better at: Nutrition, race execution and understanding how and what my body does during workouts and races. 

Run durability difference should be huge ... and experience gains in execution and nutrition are invaluable on race day

Year-over-comparisons provide really good data for analysis.  Even if your RR run was the same overall time, look to see if times in each HR zone are similar or if there are noticeable differences (such as a higher percentage of Z1 time than last year on a similar run)

tim cronk

1. As I read this , the answer I was formulating in my head sounded exactly like what Peter Greagg said!  Not slowing down and race day data is what counts.
2. Building a IM after a HIM build/race has been better for me... Fast then Far...
3. Longrides similar NOT better this year over last? Relative to 5hr power or % of FTP ?  HR? RPE ? What is your comparisons?    This maybe mental as well?
4. Oh yes you can completely expect to show improvement in 1year specially at the beginning of your IM career!
5.  Think about these things but dont let them consume you, I think you are going to surprise yourself :-)

Josh Church

@Peter Greagg thanks for being quick on the draw and confirming durability will win in the end. 
@Paul Curtin I never thought to look at specific time in zones. Will definitely do that. 
@tim cronk FYI enjoyed your UMFL podcast on my way to work yesterday. A little late l know, congrats though. So this is my first year racing with power so no comparison there.  I have noticed my HR control is better and tad lower, probably both execution and a little fitness, maybe better at nutrition also. And coming off the bike I don't seem as whipped this year. 

Thanks so much mates!

Derrek Sanks

Josh, didn't you see improvement when you raced Raleigh 70.3 earlier this year, exceeded your goals (by a lot) had some PRs? With the work you've been putting this season, I'm sure you're a stronger swimming, cyclist and runner compared to last year and you'll see that this weekend. Save this analysis for after your race...you might see it differently. Good luck, race smart and crush it!

Josh Church

Thanks @Derrek Sanks Im feeling great heading into Choo. I will definitely do some post race analysis since I felt a little weak and no major difference compared to my 2016 build. 

Mike Roberts

Hey Josh,

It's race week.  All focus on process.  No deviations from plan/process on race day.  If you have what you think is a bad swim, don't try and make it up on the bike.  Or the run if your bike time isn't what you wanted.  Execute per plan.  The post-race analysis comes . . . well, post-race.

That said, you out-biked me by 2 or 3 minutes at Raleigh, and I am 100% confident that I would go well under 5:30 at Choo on a "normal" day.  So, if you execute on that bike like you know you must, good things will follow.  Same on the run.  You've got the foot speed and now the durability.  I think your ran around 4:30 at both IM's last year.  Absent crazy weather or an execution error, those will likely be the last 4:xx you see for decades.

There's nothing you can do about fitness now.  It's bake in.  Forget about it. 100% focus on execution and having fun.  Looking forward to following your progress.

MR

Josh Church

Thanks for the reminder  @Mike Roberts. I've got my plan and power/hr number all printed out so I can review them while resting hydrating and eating on Friday and Saturday.