Perspectives

And now a note from Featured Athletes Shawn "Woodsy" Jackson and Erica Ruge.
If you hadn't noticed, in 2010, Woodsy raced ALOT. Nearly every weekend during the summer racing season, and sometimes twice in one weekend. So his "training" schedule during the summer was likely different than that for the rest of us. Rather than race more infrequently and then "go back to the drawing board" to prepare for the next race in a few weeks, for him, racing WAS training. The week between racing probably consisted of more resting, maybe a few hard efforts, but then easing back off again right away to prepare for the next weekend's race. And, this worked for him since, if you hadn't noticed this either, he usually finished in the top 3 if not the top of the podium every weekend. It's a unique approach, probably not one for everybody, but impressive nonetheless.

This year, he's been working with a coach, and is taking a different approach. Here's what he has to say about how he's been sticking to his training plan this winter before the racing season starts for him:

Since working with my coach I have a race plan using periodization, we changed around my schedule a bunch, cut me down to 14 races and gave me some large gaps of 3-4 weeks during the season to regroup and train. Something I haven't had in years past are training partners/ groups. There are many pros and cons to these, but lately (long winter) it has been the thing that has helped me keep focused and driven and keep hitting all of my workouts in my training plan. And most of these people for me are on our team!! I've got the perfect mix of people to train with...... faster swimmers, runners, bikers, people with more endurance and people with more knowledge. I say look around and train with someone, take advantage of someone looking to organise a group or even make one yourself. My first race is March 27th, that's in 4 weeks...... the race season is coming!!!!!! It really is!!!

And here's what Erica had to say about some cross-training and the importance of injury prevention:

As I huff and puff through my winter workouts I always keep in mind injury prevention. We have to keep our bodies strong to withstand all the miles and the challenges we put them through! Besides the normal swim, bike and run training, I find it essential to add strength, balance, and core training. All these with functional movements can help with injury prevention. Trying to squeeze everything in (plus 40-hour work weeks, dogs, family, etc.) is tough, but important. I found the TRX suspension training a must in my workouts. If you are unfamiliar check it out! It is awesome! I do planks, push-ups, one legged stuff all while being suspended by my legs- what great fun!!!


Also weekly pilates and yoga add to a great training regime. I find doing any/all of these most days of the week has helped me through. Core training can be done at home with little or no equipment but is a must, even if just 10 minutes a day. Stability balls are another one of my favorite tools for working the core. Actually I have a lot of favorites and I could go on and on....
Anyway as the season approaches it is important to continue these exercises (or start them!) and not neglect through the season.