I had 3 goals at the start of this season:
1) Break 20 minutes for a 5km. Didn't happen. Changing my gait resulted in other weird issues with my SI joint and speedwork became very uncomfortable for me. So I didn't do it. I matched my 5km P.R at the Frosty 5km this year and that was without much in the way of any speedwork. I'm chalking that up to my new running gait. I was actually using my glutes so I had more power. It ended up resulting in other issues with my sciatic nerve so speed work fell to the wayside.
2) Race another 70.3: G and I made a last minute decision to race Eagleman in June. We signed up 9 weeks out. My longest run at that point was 10km so it gave me push to start building my run mileage up. It was the hardest race I've ever done. It was so disgustingly hot, it was all about survival. It was also my first non wetsuit swim, which I made through without freaking out. I ended up 11th in my AG which I was pleased with given my ad hoc training plan.
3) Take the 40-44 year old AG title in the Recharge With Milk Series for the 3rd Year in a row: Nailed it. I had some tough competition this year with some of the speedier girls that aged up. My bike became the stronger leg for me vs. my run which was a nice thing to see. Next year I'm in a brand new AG so I'll have new ladies to chase!
I ended up doing 11 races this year which is way more than I expected to do. And given my injury issues, I did quite well so I honestly can't complain about my results.
The somewhat dissatisfying part of this year was that I never really felt "on". There was almost always something that felt off or not right. Perhaps not having a coach was also part of the problem. Normally I'm fairly confident in my abilities but this year every race I went into I took a "we'll see" approach. That feeling really starts to wear on you after a while and you begin to doubt your abilities. Taking the time off running after Scotia was exactly what I needed. In retrospect I probably should have taken more time off and used that time to fix my bike fits. I do think that has been a major contributor to my knee issues. I was actually feeling pretty good after Scotia but once I got inside and started riding on the trainer, my knee issues resurfaced. I've since had a very comprehensive bike fit on my road bike and will do the same on my tri bike in February. Thankfully my knees no longer hurt off the bike. A positive that I'm hanging on to right now!
While my running may have taken a bit of a back seat this year, my cycling did not as evidenced by my miles logged on Strava. I've ridden almost 4700km this year and run only 975km. I joined Morning Glory cycling club and worked hard at becoming a better cyclist. I still have a ways to go but can honestly say I've improved in leaps and bounds compared to last year. And not just speed wise, but skill and confidence wise as well. I'm looking forward to another year of chasing those fast guys around High Park.
Got the Yellow Jersey award on my first ride with MGCC |
This year was definitely more low key than 2014 (i.e no big crazy trip), but we still did a bit of traveling. We went to the Dominican in February, Maryland in June, Newfoundland in August and Mont Tremblant in September. We were out in Newfoundland for a wedding and it was amazing. Neither G nor I had ever been out to Newfoundland so that was a nice little adventure.
Cape Spear, Newfoundland |
Cape Spear, Newfoundland |
Whale watching in NFLD |
Riding in Mont Tremblant |
As for my 2016, well, that remains to be seen. Once again I'm in rehab mode so who knows. Yes, I have races I've registered for and yes, I have goals but I will leave all of that for another post.
I would be remiss if I didn't give a huge thank you to people that have helped me get through this year and have given me some pretty awesome opportunities.
My rehab crew: Dr. Kris Sheppard at the Runner's Academy for showing me how to run. My chiropractor Dr. Peter Lejkowski for making things right, even though it wasn't always pleasant. My pal and RMT, David Lamy for keeping me limber.
Michelle Clarke and Barb Mitchell (a.k.a The Mizuno Fairy) for giving me the opportunity to be a Run Bird and to do my first ever video. Being a Run Bird was one of the highlights of my year. Hanging out with great women and supporting other women in their achievements = so much amazing.
The Mizuno Run Birds at the Toronto Women's 8km |
My friends and co-workers at Westside. I work with a fantastic crew of people who are always so supportive of everything I do outside of the studio and for that I am eternally grateful.
A massive thanks to all of YOU who read along and follow me on social media. I have met so many awesome people because of blogging and social media. Following your stories is inspiring and encouraging.
And of course, my amazing husband Gary (a.k.a "G"). I have no words to express how lucky I am to have someone so supportive and encouraging. Someone who believes in me more than I believe in myself. He is my voice of reason and my rock. Love you to the moon and back.
That's a wrap for 2015. Bring on 2016!
How was your year? Any big plans for 2016?