the next level

Last year, I used a training plan from Gale Bernhardt's book to train for my duathlon.  Considering Gale's credentials, I knew I would do fine using her plan.  However, I didn't follow it to the "t".  Partly because it was a "canned" plan so it wasn't tailored to my fitness level.  So, I made some modifications, but used it for the basis of my training.  My entire goal for that race was to not walk any of it.  I succeeded in that goal. 

This year I decided that I wanted a coach.  I have done a ton of reading and knew that lots of folks trained and completed an Ironman race using a plan they either put together themselves or found.   However, I know me and know where I want to go on this journey and I wanted a coach that I can interact with.  I tried a couple "on line" coaching groups.  But without knowing the people, I wasn't even sure what I was looking for.  

As I said, I found Wendy by doing a Google search of Beachbody and Triathletes.  While the coaching arrangement is "on line", it's "live" in the best way I can have it, being 2000 miles apart from my coach.  

The training plan is set up through a program called Training Peaks.  Wendy loads the plan for the month into it.  I have Google calendar so every morning, my email shows me what my workout for the day is to be.  This month, Wendy has increased the workouts, more swimming (my weak area) but balanced for running and biking and strength training.  And different workouts, tempo, intervals, endurance. 

 And that is why I decided to get a coach.  I could have picked up a "canned" plan for my first triathlon and probably been "ok" but I didn't want to do just "ok".  I want to enjoy this journey and enjoy the celebration, the race, at the end.  And, for me, having a coach like Wendy to guide me along the way is going to make it so much more enjoyable.