The Truth: End of Season Reports Part 2

September 24th, 2009 by Gavin

photo: Gordon Thomson

“Bar the odd bit of Illegal dumping by Wicklow Triathlete’s the off season went very well.I was hitting PB’s in the pool and fitness was strong on both the bike and run. The plan was working and I was getting prepared for a good season of racing.

Coming into March I was feeling great but unfortunately biomechanical issue’s in my womanly legs caused the development of bad shin splints. This pretty much finished my consistency in running for the season which is a pretty crucial element of Tri’ unfortunately for me !

So it ended up being a season of lessons:

my left leg being longer than my right was the major one

you have to draft in the swim and start from the front is another,

Core strength is key so address it early,

stick in the pack when cycle racing no matter what as although you may be hurting now, being off the back is a whole different level of pain,

conversational paced running, aerobic biking,

nutella is laced with some kind of drug, a protein shake with chocolate milk and muesli is the best arm around the shoulder you could ask for post long spin,

but most importantly, stick to the plan and don’t try to catch up on missed sessions!

This season I learned more about Tri’ than in any other by a long way. I always felt that I had biomechanical issues but never really investigated them in detail until I got the injury so that is definitely a major positive I can to take from it. What I have learned this season will be essential to my progression as an athlete once I apply solutions to the highlighted problems. From a performance perspective the importance of consistency in training, being able to train at low intensities and certain tactics in racing, nutrition, recovery, swimming and particularly plan structure was key. All in all, I’ll be a far stronger athlete next year as a result of this season.

The racing season was average from my pre-season expectations but there was definite points of progression made from last year which was the goal so I’m happy in that respect. Another few races done with most against the top guys out there which is key and my first Half ironman completed on what was easily the best course and day i’ve raced on in Kenmare. Although the R&R is welcome, after a positive end to the season i’m already looking forward to getting into Winter training and figuring out how I can progress. upwards and onwards towards 2010.

Training with the group was always good as we kept each other on our toes the whole time and weren’t let away with much, it made the intolerable sessions that bit more tolerable and probably helped me push myself more than I would have being Hans solo “

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Getting injured is our number 1 enemy when it comes to training. Sometimes I felt we were just about to get back on track when we had a re occurance – as a coach it was also a difficult issue for me to deal with – although not on the same level as the athlete I too became frustrated. I wanted all the hard work that was put in to give back the return we both thought it meritted. I could only advise and talk the situation through and try to keep the athlete motivated.

In terms of coaching an athlete from a distance, it is when the athlete gets injured that poses the greatest problem – and is maybe one of the few draw backs about coaching remotely.

Andy K’s comeback from injury was aided by the use of low intensity laser therapy – www.totallaserhealth.com – he also had a full medical screening which I would recommend to everyone this winter in order to foresee any potential problems before they happen.