It’s been awhile since making an entry, so thought it would be a good time to catch you up.  After two years of crazy injuries (from a Vitamin D deficiency-induced stress fracture to a busted ankle sustained on a hike of Colorado’s 14ers that occurred right when I was almost back to the parking lot!), I’ve been training consistently but unable to race effectively.  And while it was good to get some variety in during that interim, I’m looking forward to racing here in 2011 if all goes well.

But I’m also planning on trying several new things this season.  If you’re curious, check in occasionally and I’ll try to provide an occasional update.  What do those “new things” involve?  Here’s a sneak peak…

• Focus on more adequate recovery through two new and different tools I’m utilizing
• A commitment to actually building a base before adding the intensity rather than just pretending that I’m doing so
• A significant focus on nutrition like never before (I’ve always eaten relatively good – this year brings some new, very positive strategies)
• Quality before quantity – every workout has a purpose.  Sometimes that purpose is recovery (see #1), but insuring I’m clear on the purpose of each day’s workout
• Adding consistent functional strength training to the weekly schedule

It’s hard to believe that after 8 years of triathlons, I’m just now implementing these (pretty basic) components.  Sometimes it takes going back to the basics to get on the right track.  I’d love to hear what you’re doing in this arena if you’d like to add a post.  Here’s to a fantastic season in 2011!