Always remain flexible to change...

Just when I thought I had made the decision NOT to race until 2010, I was tempted with a treat.... Last weekend, I got an email from Linda Wong, asking me if I would like a complimentary entry into the James Cunningham 9.5km Seawall Race on Oct. 25th (I think it may have been because I won first in my age group in 2007 and couldn't race last year...) Last year I had to decline the invitation but this year, on impulse I said yes. I haven't raced a 10km in over a year and a half so I thought it might be interesting to see where I was at. So I did like any good athlete and went out the night before, drank champagne, got to bed late, woke up late, drank a huge cup of coffee and a glass of water and drove to the race just in time to hand in my registration form. Went for one quick pee, said hello to some friends, found a pace bunny (thanks Penny) and did my warm up run....I took off at a pace that I thought I could hold for the entire 9.5km. I couldn't find a mile or km marker so decided I would go on feel. Looking down at my heart rate monitor, I saw 175... a number I hadn't seen in a very very long time.... I started to panic.... then I just laughed - at myself! This race was supposed to be for fun - so lets have some fun! Lets see what you can do today! Those were pretty much my thoughts... so I held 175 for the entire race, holding my pace steady for the entire 9km. In the last half km, I finally allowed myself to push the pace...oh it felt so good to run fast again (well painful, very painful, but still good). I started to pass the men. A few young girls passed me (way to go girls!!!!) and then it was all over. I crossed the finish with a huge smile - again addicted to sport of racing! I finished just 30 seconds slower than my 2007 time and came in 4th in my age group. Not bad for a hang over..... ohhh I'm so looking forward to 2010!!!
http://www.winningtime.ca/09/09seawall/age.txt

Off Season

Now that Ironman Canada is over, everyone asks me, "So, what do you do in the off season?" I think they are worried for me. Fearful, that I am going to get bored and take up knitting or something.... The off season, for me, is just as busy as the months of training. It is a time to:
1. rest 2. sleep 3. do all the sports and activities that I don't have time for in the racing season, like hiking the Lions (see picture above) 4. re-evaluate the past season 5. focus on the new season 6. make new goals 7. read 8. sleep 9. catch up on friends and family that I have neglected during the racing season 10. catch up on work 11. enjoy activities and cross training for the pleasure of moving - not training 12. read 13. research and take new courses 14. start to mentally prepare for a new season and I could go on and on and on and on...
As you can see, the off season is a vital part of a successful season and should never be missed or overlooked. So now that the leaves are falling, rejoice in this time to try new things but also don't forget to reflect and plan for the coming season. Before you know it, you will be waking up at 5am for a swim practise, wishing that you took greater advantage of those lazy Saturday mornings of what we call "the off season".