With 2013 only a distant memory, the close season was a great opportunity to evaluate what had happened, where we had success and where things did not quite go to plan.
In my last post, I pretty much summed up the negatives and those problems that can happen to all of us when certain things can be out of our control. We partake in a sport that has a number of variables that can affect our races and our ultimate performances, but what remains constant is how we deal with these issues, and how we manage our own personal performances and the factors that are down to ourselves and only ourselves (oh... and our coaches and support team).
This is where the winter season (or off season) can be so important in what we do and how we approach our performance in the following year. It is absolutely essential to take a little bit of time off after our final race to clear our heads enjoy the things that 'Normal' people do. Enjoy your time with your family, switch off completely, or at least as much as you can. My year was no different. I think in all I took three weeks off after the world championships in London. By the end I was climbing the walls, but that time was great, precious time with the family and an opportunity to look forward to new challenges ahead.
This was also a great opportunity to seriously consider the warped thoughts that Elliot had put into my mind. Now remember, this is a man who persuaded me to enter the first ever Wasdale Triathlon in 2012. Billed as the worlds hardest half iron distance race. The Deepest (therefore coldest) 1.9k swim, the Steepest 50 plus mile ride over Hardknot and Wrynose passes, and the Highest half marathon fell run over Scarfell and Scarfell Pike. Thank god the weather cancelled that race! I'm a bloody sprinter!
Or at least, 'I' think I am (or thought I was!).
This time around, the consideration was about increasing my racing distances over the next couple of years. But this man to date has not been wrong. I've trusted every decision he has helped me make. I've listened to and understood his advice, and regarding his training and his methods, I've not questioned why we do what we do, I just listen. Listen, digest and understand. Why would I do any different? Over the last two years, we have had some fantastic results and some amazing successes that have come about by pure determination to succeed, hard work, focus, and amazing guidance and direction.
Taking into account that I have another GB trip away in June for the European Sprint Triathlon champs In Kitzbuhel, Austria, and after my post London rest, I qualified for the European Sprint Duathlon Champs in Horst, Holland, in April, I thought my season was going to be all geared to sprint racing again in 2014. This was going to be a tough decision. One that wasn't taken lightly, but when we weigh up my bike and run strengths, it's a decision and a challenge that I am now very much looking forward to.
I've chosen Challenge Mallorca half in October as my next big challenge and big step into middle/long distance racing. With its warm climate, this is an ideal race for me to end my season on, allowing for a rewarding break away for Charlotte and Freya. But, also a stunning setting to really try for a good performance. Leading up to this event, I will seriously cut back on my racing frequency in the second half of the year to a couple of short distance races and one other middle distance race. My first attempt at this distance in August up in Aberfeldy, Perthshire, Scotland. This race also happens to be the British Championships, so following the sprint euros in June, you could say I was going to jump from the frying pan into the fire.
You all know me by now, if something is worth doing, then it is worth doing properly.
Alongside my race planning for 2014, the close season was also a great opportunity to confirm some great support for the year. As It is without this generous support that I wouldn't possibly be able to travel as I do and enjoy the sport I love so much. Being limited to only racing locally would still allow for some great racing, however, having the privileges of racing nation and European wide offers so many great opportunities.
So on that note, I would like to confirm that I will be supported in the 2014 season by:
AquaSphere Swimwear - AquaSphere have been so generous in helping to support me with all of my water sports equipment. I have been a fond user of my Phantom wetsuit for two seasons now and this combined with progression from Kayenne to K180 goggles, this offers me extreme comfort and unrivalled visibility in a small slimline socket.
Dassi Bikes - new to 2014, Dassi have very generously assisted me with everything associated with two wheels. Soon to be unveiled, I am about to take delivery of my new updated designed carbon time trial frame which will be used as my racing bike. An amazing setup which I am excited about taking out for the first time. Shortly followed by the "flying banana" road bike, this gives me both options for use at the European championships in Austria in June, when I have the opportunity to study the course profile.
Natural Hero - have once again provided me with full support of my post competition and training, muscular conditioning cream, oil and spray. Made with natural ingredients, and located locally in Newcastle, Natural Hero's warming ginger and cooling peppermint, used in combination, are just what you need after a tough session in preparation for the next.
Sigvaris Sports Compression - have also offered continued support to help with my post training and competition compression equipment. Previously during short distance racing I had not worn compression during competition, however as I start to increase my race distance, this will become important for race use as well as before and after for recovery.
Elivar Sports Nutrition - again, new to 2014, have been extremely generous in their support with my ongoing continuous training and competition nutrition. Elivar is specifically designed for over 35's and the nutritional requirements of the human body in performance and recovery as we age. A great range of products which includes two varieties for Preparation - (PREPARE) chocolate and strawberry. During - (ENDURE) orange/mango and watermelon. Recovery - (RECOVER) again chocolate and strawberry. All products across the range are extremely well tolerated and taste great offering documented improvement benefits.
Your help and generosity, as always, is so much appreciated.
Not forgetting the help and support I receive from all my friends and team mates at Coalfields Racing Team, my sports Physio and Masseuse Lisa Irving from Target Physiotherapy, my coach Elliot Gowland, who not only endures my own grumblings but has his own major goals on in 2014 leading up to his second visit to the big island of Hawaii for the ironman world champs, and my wife Charlotte, Daughter Freya and all my family. Here is hoping that I can continue where we left off in 2013 with some more great results to document.