2010 a race-free year-ish:)

What?????

This year I’m taking some time off from racing. What?????
Yes, I’ve let all my sponsors know and they’ve been amazingly supportive, and I really mean they have been amazing! I have some goals outside of triathlon that I’d like to hit this year. It’s a very exciting time for me. For 7 and a half years I’ve been racing Ironman- I’ve completed 22 in that time! There’s not been a single moment in that time when I didn’t have a race goal to aim for. So this year there are no race plans. None at all.

It’s taken me 2 months to be motivated to train again- such was my schedule in 2009! But don’t get me wrong- 2009 was the best year of my life- but to race optimally-for me- I did too much. It was an experiment, and I guess I know I’m not going to be living the life of a Pro athlete forever, so I really wanted to give it a go. Just really see what I could do and put myself out there- you’ve got to be in it to win it right??

I’m loving life right now. Training is still happening, but much less- more like 15 hours a week rather than 25-30. I’m learning to surf and if the surf is good…then we surf instead! Training is enjoyable again.

My week still consists of 3 x swims per week, 3 x rides per week and now that Kristian- the crazy lunatic- has signed up for the North Face 100- a run every day! I’m also working hard on my core strength – which I think seriously let me down towards the end of 2009.
So I’m hardly sitting on the couch!
I really want to improve my swimming this year. I’m fed up of always chasing! I see no reason why I can’t improve if I really set my mind to it. I’ve been inspired by good friend Ollie Whistler who has transformed his swimming in the last year. So this year I’ll really be working on my stroke- and I think core strength will play a big part in body positioning in the water.

There are some goals in Ironman that I am still intent on hitting. A sub 9 hour finish, a sub 3 hour marathon split and a top 10 finish in Hawaii. Just smallies:) They will be put aside until 2011. This year will give me time to refresh and get me really hungry to come back.

I will be blogging more- since my brain won’t be so mushy from training, so do please keep dropping by!

Happy training

Charlotte

P.S what was the “ish”?? Because you can never say never:)