As our season draws to a close and the anticipation of the classics starts to mount, I began to reflect on the season and think about how I approach the 2010/2011 season.
Fitness has been a key factor and something that needs to be improved for the next season, with this in mind I have set a goal for my optimal weight and in the next week will look to create a schedule that fits my work/family commitments.
One glaring aspect when racing was a lack of running fitness - no surprise as I don't run! But in my past I competed at a reasonable level at both cross country and track so its a case of just getting to grips with it and scheduling some running into my program. A problematic knee is my only real concern, but stretching (2 minute stretches really work well) and more off road running should minimise the problem.
The other area of improvement will be in the dismount and remount area, although I think it is not too bad at the moment I know when watching Alan and recently Nick Craig and Paul Oldham, mine is just not dialled in as it could be. This will be worked into my schedule as its all to easy to neglect this aspect of the sport. My aim is to have this etched into my memory so I complete the moves without thinking about it so much.
Last but by no way least is diet - without a well thought eating program all the planning and training will not deliver the results. I eat a good well balanced diet at the moment but I know there is room for improvement and it will need tweaking as I increase my training load.
So hopefully next season will see me lining up with more fitness under my belt and more competitive.
Took me 4 years after a long long break from riding to get even close to being in the position where I could begin to rediscover some of my former fitness and ability.
ReplyDeleteKeep chipping away and it will come together. In the meantime, there's plenty of fun to be had!